Kundalini Yoga at the Inner Space at Poor Richard's
Kundalini is associated with feminine energy. It is moved from the base of the spine (often coiled like a serpent) up through the chakra points. This movement from the lower to the higher chakras is healing, particularly for the glandular and the nervous system. Kundalini Yoga is taught by those trained specifically in this type. Yogi Bhajan is attributed with bringing Kundalini to the West. He chose to offer his teachings as a way for youth to experience connectedness without drugs.
During A Kundalini Yoga class you will participate in chants, meditation, breathing practices, and movements from a certain Kriya (sequence of movements for a specific purpose). In the class I participated in, we did a Kriya for inner peace. The movements were vigorous at times (mostly because of repetition or isometric contraction) and the breathing techniques were challenging because of the intense concentration needed to perform the complex techniques.
For those of you used to traditional Hatha Yoga, Kundalini is quite different. Typically for class, the teacher (Siri Kirin/Kathe for the class I attended) will be dressed in white from head to toe. This is for protection of herself (or himself), the class space, and to extend her Aura out to class participants. Sound is used frequently through chanting and in combination with movements and breathing. The movements are less like poses and more like fluid transitions in sync with your breath.
Kundalini Yoga is recommended for all with no requirements for a particular level of fitness. Each class will be varied and unique depending upon the Kriyas selected. I found this form of Yoga quite enjoyable. It promoted a sense of well-being, and upon completion I had a sense of alert relaxation. I will definitely need to attend more classes to have a complete picture of this form. And for those of you looking to take a Yoga class only for a specific purpose (to build strength, do inversions, etc.), this may not be for you.
The Inner Space at Poor Richard's is a sacred space offering opportunities for meditation, Yoga, art, and peace. There are multiple Yoga classes available and the schedule may vary from week to week. To learn more, visit their website.
Stay tuned for more articles on Yoga and its benefits for fitness and wellness. In the meantime, learn how to stay fit with these informative pieces:
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If you would like to learn more about Yoga, please send me a comment.
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