Kundalini translates to ‘coiled snake.’ In early Eastern religion (pre dating Buddhism and Hinduism) it was believed that each one of us held divine, revered energy at the base of the spine…the sacred energy of creation. And while we are inherently born with it, it us up to us to make an effort to keep that energy ‘uncoiled’, so in other words, to keep it ‘in use’ and used for the practice of awakening and living into our Higher Selves.

As the ‘Yoga of Awareness’ the philosophical purpose of Kundalini Yoga is awaken your Higher Self.By combining specific physical exercises, breath patterns, meditations, manta and mudra (these practices used collectively are referred to as Kriya Yoga) we can achieve remarkable shifts in personal energy and mind-set.

One of the greatest and most notable benefits of Kundalini yoga is that it reestablishes a stability and suppleness of the nervous system while tonifying and strengthening the glandular system. As you can imagine, getting these systems more aligned and attuned can help us on a myriad of physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Practitioners can experience; better emotional regulation, improved sleep, less anxious and depressed feelings, increased immunity and energy levels, to name just a few.

Short answer; YES!

Long answer: because, Yoga as we know it here in the West (due to Western colonization of the practice) mainly concerns itself as an asana (posture) practice only, generally leaving out the other 7 Limbs of Yoga!! Which include breath practices, meditation etc. At times making ‘Yoga’ inaccessible to those in bodies that rigorous physical exercise may not come easily to. Many Kundalini Kriyas (practices) are done seated and seeing as breathwork is a focus in the practice, and well, all humans breathe… This makes this practice very accessible.

Gosh no! These are personal preferences and I can further explain:

Some practitioners wear white to feel more clear and it is said that the white clothing aids in clearing negative energy and enhances the aura. As we know we lose energy and heat through the head (its why we wear warm hats int he winter). Some practitioners may experience lightheadedness or dizziness on occasion during breath work or mantra due to the amount of energy moving in and around and sometimes out of the body. Covering your head can aid in keeping you grounded should you experience this.

So glad you asked! :) I am Trauma informed trained, meaning I create safe and supportive space for you to have your unique experience of your mind and body with plenty of choice and freedom to explore. In many ways, every class will feel like an ‘intro to kundalini’ class in that way.

We begin by tuning in with a mantra, in which you can join in or just listen. We will then warm with spine with some basic movement (cat/cows and light twisting etc) before moving into the Kriya. Kriyas typically have a specific purpose ie… Kriya for… ‘Glandular Balance’, ‘Deep Relaxation’ , ‘Inner Mastery’. Which typically offer anywhere from 5-10 exercises/postures. (Kundalini moves a bit slow as with many Kriyas there are mini Savasanas between exercises:)) And we end in a meditation and/or mantra before closing our practice.

Yogi Bhajan is the man accredited for bringing Kundalini to the West in 1968. He knew that teaching and sharing this sacred Indian lineage was forbidden, however saw a business opportunity and seized it regardless. While we are so very thankful for this practice, like many leaders these days, the principles he taught did not align with those he was living.

Yogi Bhajans style of teaching was patriarchal and authoritative. Kundalini’s ancient roots call us into a higher space, one that call us to our healing through our own internal wisdom by being your own guru.