Kundalini Yoga FAQ

Kundalini Yoga is the Yoga of Awareness. It consists of simple yogic techniques that can be practiced by everyone. It is an ancient system, a sacred technology that brings us into physical, emotional and mental balance and supports the rise of consciousness. “Kundalini” literally means “the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved”. And it is the latent energy potential that resides in the sacral region. As this curl of energy unfolds it moves up the spinal canal raising our lower earthly consciousness and fusing it with universal higher consciousness, creating a divine union called “Yoga”. Kundalini Yoga is aptly called the Yoga of Awareness as it is very effective at increasing self knowledge, raising our consciousness and develops intuition.

All the different forms of Yoga are intended to bring us into balance and to raise our consciousness by connecting the finite aspects of ourselves with the infinite. Hatha yoga and the variations of Hatha yoga use poses (Asanas) to bring the body into alignment. Once the body is in alignment the Kundalini energy can move up the central canal to awaken us. This is the long way usually taking 20+ years of disciplined practice to attain! Kundalini Yoga is considered the fast track for raising consciousness. Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan uses poses (Asanas), breath (Pranayama), sound vibration (Mantra), hand positions (Mudras), body locks (Bhandas), eye focus (Dhrishti) and meditation. It rapidly brings us into balance in all aspects of our being so we can live a vibrant awakened life

There are many benefits to practicing Kundalini Yoga, as you practice you will discover how it supports you. The following are some of the many benefits of Kundalini Yoga:

• Strengthens and balances the muscular, glandular, circulatory and nervous systems
• Expands lung capacity and purifies the blood with Prananyama
• Calms and quiets the mind with mantra and meditation
• Develops our intuition
• Increases our energy and vitality
• Feeling more balanced and relaxed
• Builds an overall sense of Joy, Inner Peace, Clarity and Focus
• Improves health with improved immunity and metabolism
• Optimizes sleep
• Increases competency attracting an increase in prosperity

Each Kundalini Yoga Class has a similar structure as follows:

• Tuning in – We use the Adi Mantra to connect with ourselves, our Higher Self, our Infinite Inner Teacher and Spirit (whatever that is for you)
• Breath (Pranayama) – Breath or Prana is life energy. We learn to use breath to calm the mind, increase energy and vitality and balance the circulatory system. By becoming conscious of our breathing we raise our awareness.
• Warm up – We use exercises to prepare the body for the Kriya
• Kriya – An exact set of static and dynamic poses (Asanas), Breath (Pranayama), Mantra(sound vibration) and Meditation with a particular intention (ex. Kriya for Pelvic Balance, Kriya Set for Emotional Balance, Kriya for Detoxification ect.).
• Deep Relaxation (Savasana) – We lay on our backs and deeply relax to let the energies of the yoga integrate into our system
• Meditation – We finish with a 3 – 11 min meditation. After practicing our Kriyas, and deeply relaxing our entire being is opened up to receive the power of the final meditation.
• Closing Song of Blessing – Each class ends with chanting The Long Time Sun song three times. Once to bless us, once to bless our loved ones and once to bless all of humanity.

• Yoga Mat
• Blanket
• Water

Wear loose comfortable clothes ideally made of natural fibers. Wearing layers is also helpful as you may heat up during the postures and cool down during meditation.

In Kundalini Yoga we start from where we are with compassion and move towards competency in the postures and breathing techniques. Kristi will emphasizes having compassion for ourselves and where we are today. Each day you are different and some days you will be able to move more deeply into a posture or hold a posture longer than the next time you practice, so be patient and kind to yourself. You are encouraged to move to the edge of resistance in your body and then visualize the complete posture or breath technique until you can do it with confidence and without straining. Kristi will give modifications to support you in moving into the postures until the full complete pose can be attained.

Yoga is not competitive or simply about strength and flexibility of the body. Kundalini Yoga works on the energetic systems and it is not imperative to do the postures exactly as they are demonstrated, you do the best you can and visualize the rest. Each moment and each day we are different. Some days we are full of energy and can push ourselves, other days we need to be kind and patient with ourselves. Show up how you are and find with your practice that perfect balance of when to push yourself and when to move with more gentleness and ease. That is part of cultivation of Awareness. You will still receive the benefits from participating in the class.