Kundalini Yoga 101

The quote by Yogi Bhajan perfectly states what Kundalini Yoga can do for you in tough times:  ' In the worst case scenario, sit down, close your eyes, and talk to your own soul and spirit—the moment that becomes your attitude, all things you need in life shall come to you. '

The very nature of Kundalini yoga is to awaken your energy and your ability to become intuitive and sensitive, understand when no words are spoken, and know the consequences of actions before they occur.

In this article, "Kundalini 101," you'll learn the basics, benefits, and get a full 40-day YouTube playlist you can follow along with at your own pace. 

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==>Kundalini Yoga Basics<==

Kundalini yoga is an ancient practice that combines yoga poses, mantras, mudras, meditations, and breathwork. It's a blend of Bhakti yoga - the yoga of chanting, Raja yoga - the yoga of meditation and physical control, and Shakti yoga - the yoga of the expression of power.

It is difficult to determine the precise date of Kundalini Yoga's origin. Still, records show that it was mentioned in the Upanishads, a sacred collection of writings dating back to 1,000 B.C.

It's called the yoga of awareness, initially known as Laya yoga. Yogi Bhajan, the founder of the 3HO Happy, Healthy, Holy Organization, brought the practice to the West in 1969.

Kundalini yoga is named after the Sanskrit word kundal, which means circular. Kundal is thought to represent creative potential and aims to gently awaken the kundalini energy, which lies coiled, serpent-like, at the base of your spine.

A Kundalini practice is called a Kriya and includes breathwork, physical postures, chanting, meditation, and the use of yogic energy locks to help move and open you to positive shifts in your awareness.

The best way to gain maximum benefits from Kundalini yoga is to practice daily, and when you want to shift something in your life – say a bad habit, committing to a daily forty-day practice is ideal for lasting change.

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==>Kundalini Yoga Benefits<==

1. Nervous System

Kundalini yoga strengthens and tones the nervous system. The stronger your nerves, the more you can act cool, calm, and collected.

2. Willpower

Kundalini yoga awakens your inner willpower right at your navel point. You build an intense heat in this region, which helps you to process, digest, and take necessary action on things, people, or situations that do you more harm than good.

3. Brain Power

Kundalini yoga quickly clears the foggy cobwebs of your mind. Hence, you feel more alert with focus and concentration, experience better memory, and have the capacity to make easier, clearer decisions.

4. Creativity

You usually act, analyze, and do much more frequently than you feel, visualize, and imagine. Kundalini yoga awakens your inner creativity by releasing your worries and opening up to life's infinite possibilities.

5. All-Embracing

Kundalini yoga opens the heart center, so you remain open and trust that a higher power will provide you with what you need when it is suitable. You gain peace, acceptance, and understanding, and become available to what life offers.

6. Compassionate Communication

In Kundalini yoga, you'll become forgiving, compassionate, and non-judgmental. Your words can then bless, offer gratitude, and spread kindness to those around you – especially when something bothers you; you'll find the best way to express your truth with gentleness while holding your boundaries.

7. Awakened Intuition

Kundalini yoga allows you to reach a quiet place where your thoughts become so still that you hear your heart's longings.

8. Wise Choices

All forms of yoga make you a more conscious human being. With Kundalini yoga, you'll naturally gravitate towards healthier food options, lifestyle choices, and people you surround yourself with.

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==>In Closing<==

Kundalini yoga brings to your awareness inherited self-limits, old patterns, and habits you'd like to change. There are several 40-day Kundalini yoga Kriyas on YouTube; this is the one I use and is my favorite.