In my last article, I broke down the fundamental principles of Anusara yoga. This time I will be illustrating a completely different type of yoga called Kundalini yoga. Kundalini is one of the more spiritual types of yoga, with a particular emphasis on breathing, meditation, chanting, and mudras, which are gestures usually performed with the hands that direct and focus energy within a pose. While Kundalini yoga practice is spiritually awakening and refreshing in nature, the sequences can also be very physically intense.
Opposed to Anusara yoga, which was developed in the 1990s, Kundalini yoga has been practiced for centuries. In 1969, Yogi Bhajan founded 3HO (the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization) in order to introduce Kundalini yoga to a broader population, which is when it caught on in the western world.
Regular practice of Kundalini yoga has the ability to balance the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system, and enable one to harness the energy of the mind and the emotions. How does it accomplish all of this? By combining breath, focus, mantras (a commonly repeated word or phrase), body locks, and postures in a calm, controlled, repetitive fashion.
Postures include many that are similar to Hatha yoga, such as downward dog, forward bends, and seated poses. In Kundalini yoga class, postures are verbally described and almost always include a demonstration by the instructor. The class usually begins with a short chant followed by a warm-up to stretch the spine and awaken the major muscle groups. Kundalini sequences called kriyas may consist of repetitive movements or holding a pose while breathing in a particular way. Practice also includes a variety of asanas, or positions, that involve movement within a posture such as a spinal flex, life nerve stretch, or spinal twist. The class ends with a meditation, which may be accompanied by the teacher playing a large gong and/or a closing song or chant.
Kundalini yoga is appropriate for everyone, regardless of age, fitness level or previous yoga practice. The one thing all practitioners of this style of yoga have in common is a desire to awaken and strengthen themselves within, both mentally and physically.
Check out a Kundalini yoga class at the YogaSoul Center in Eagan or contact Barbara Larsen, who teaches private lessons in the metro.
Have you been to a great yoga class in the Twin Cities? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Stay updated on local yoga, fitness and health news - click here to subscribe!
Comments