Discover Yoga:
A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO KUNDALINI YOGA
Kundalini Yoga is known as the ‘Yoga of Awareness’. It helps you to be aware of yourself and your surrounding so you can manifest to your highest potential and bring vitality in life. Kundalini yoga is a very powerful form of yoga; in as little as 3 minutes you can feel a positive effect on your body and mind. It works on your entire glandular and nervous system, as well as strengthening the immune system. This is done by awakening the Kundalini energy, in yogic tradition this energy source lies dormant at the base of the spine, it is like a coiled snake waiting to be awaken.
Kundalini Yoga is an effective way to both strengthen and stretch the body. The increased flexibility will help prevent injury and avoid pain. In addition, because Kundalini Yoga incorporates the physical aspect of yoga, along with the mind and spirit into an integrated system, you gain a working understanding of the mind/body connection. The meditations you will learn will improve your concentration and focus which will improve your ability to function at your best. At the end of a class you will feel refreshed, de-stressed and alert, this is an indication that you are becoming stronger and more balanced.
CLASS FORMAT
- We begin each class by ‘tuning in’ with the (Adi Mantra). This tunes us to the Golden Chain of Teachers that have brought us this technology.
- Breathing Exercises
- Kriya – This is a set of specific Kundalini Yoga exercises. There are thousands of different sets of kriya to choose from. Each week you will learn a new kriya. The kriya will help rejuvenate and strengthen your body and mind so you can feel healthier.
- Meditation - Your body will be transformed as a result of the kriya. Your mind and emotions will now become calm and clear with the meditation. This will help develop your ‘quiet mind’ and your ability to concentrate and to be able to deal with the stresses of everyday life.
- Deep Relaxation – It is as important to relax your body as it is to move it. During relaxation your body is allowed to release, relax, heal and rejuvenate. Relaxation bring this practice full circle.
- Ending the Class: The class end with the following blessing:
- Tuning Out with the Mantra – SAT NAM (meaning: Truth is my identity) is repeated 3 times.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
WHAT TO BRING TO CLASS:
Wear loose clothing. It is best if you don’t wear socks, this helps to ground you to earth. Exercise mats are available but feel free to bring your own. Bring a pillow or a Zen cushion to sit on. Bring a blanket or shawl to cover yourself during deep relaxation. Also, bring a bottle of water to keep hydrated.
HOW MANY TIMES A WEEK SHOULD I PRACTICE YOGA:
Most people start off by doing one yoga class a week. The truth is that the more you do yoga, the better you will feel. So if you want to feel good everyday, then do yoga everyday. If you don’t have the time to do a full session everyday, then shorten the time. The best time to do yoga is first thing in the morning before you start your day. This will give you enough energy to be able to deal with any stresses that come your way.
HOW LONG UNTIL CHANGES OCCUR?:
Positive effects can result in as little as 3 minutes of doing Kundalini Yoga.
3 minutes: Increase blood circulation begins, distributing enhanced endocrine secretions in the body.7 minutes: Brain patterns begin to shift and the magnetic field surrounding the body increases in strength.
11 minutes: The nervous system begins to clear.
22 minutes: The subconscious mind begins to clear.
31 minutes: Endocrine secretions totally balanced as is the ethereal energy of the chakras (junction points of body and spirit).
These changes continue throughout the day and are reflected by positive changes in your mood and behaviour. CHANGING HABITS:
According the Yogi Bhajan: There is a specific period of time required to break old habits or patterns and develop new ones. It is suggested that students of Kundalini Yoga choose a specific kriya/meditation to affect a desired change and then practice for a specific number of days.
40 Days: Will change or break a habit.
90 Days: To confirm a new habit.
120 Days: The new habit is who you are.
1000 Days: You have mastered the new habit.
KUNDALINI RESOURCES/LINKS
Take the opportunity to learn more about Kundalinin Yoga by visiting the recommended sites below:
3HO stands for Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization. It was founded by Yogi Bhajan the Master of Kundalini Yoga in 1969.
Visit:
www.3ho.org
Kundalini Research Institute, is a non-profit organization that houses the teachings of Yogi Bhajan.
Visit:
www.kriteachings.org
Ancient Healing Ways is an on-line store of Kundalini Yoga Books, Videos, Music and health care produces.
Visit:
www.a-healing.com
Spirit Voyage is an on-line store of Kundalini Yoga Books, Videos, Music and health care produces.
Visit:
www.spiritvoyage.com