Kundalini Yoga uses elements common to all systems and styles of Yoga – breath, postures, and meditation. Breathing techniques focus and calm the mind while relaxing the body. Postures are sequenced into exercise sets known as “kriyas” to specifically work on a physical, emotional or spiritual aspect. As in Hatha Yoga, there are poses that are stretched into and held for a period of time, however sometimes movement and breathing are integrated into the posture sets. As a result, every Kundalini Yoga class is different. All of the kriyas serve to improve both flexibility and strength. Any person, regardless of their age or physical condition can participate in, and benefit from, this Kundalini Yoga.

Meditation is an integral part of every class. Contrary to the traditions of many other meditation disciplines, Kundalini Yoga meditation is not an attempt to empty the mind. As long as there is a brain, there are thoughts. The power of the mind is harnessed to achieve clear, focused one-pointedness in order to experience the ultimate truth described by the great masters throughout the ages.

Kundalini Yoga differs from Hatha Yoga in some ways. Historically, Hatha Yoga was developed by seers and ascetics who meditated long hours in order to rejuvenate their minds and bodies. The postures that are commonly thought of as Yoga were actually designed to prepare the body for longer, deeper meditation.

Kundalini Yoga was developed as a Yoga for householders, people with families and businesses, who were not able to escape the world and spend long hours in deep meditation. Various practices were integrated in order to achieve rejuvenation and unity in a faster time frame. Kundalini Yoga was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969 and it is this tradition of Kundalini Yoga that is widely taught today.

What is meant by the term Kundalini? The ancient seers discovered that there is a source of untapped, yet infinite energy at the base of the spine, and they called this energy the Kundalini. Any kind of creativity, expressed in the arts, in the world of business, in social kindness, or in human sexuality, is said to be a manifestation of Kundalini energy. The seers developed techniques to raise this energy up through the spine to allow a greater experience of love, truth and wisdom, and ultimately oneness. These techniques form the basis of Kundalini Yoga.

Practicing Kundalini Yoga will energise your body, strengthen your immune and nervous systems, and balance your glandular system. This will serve to enhance your self-understanding, intuition, and tolerance. It may not happen overnight, but it will happen!

~ Kundalini Yoga teacher Amanda Reid