What is kundalini yoga?

Kundalini yoga is a comprehensive yoga tradition combining meditation, mantra, physical exercises, and breathing techniques. The word “yoga” comes from the word “yoke” which means “union.” In kundalini yoga, we work to create a union between our individual consciousness and universal consciousness. Kundalini yoga is a powerful way of establishing an aligned relationship between the body, mind, and soul.

How is kundalini different from other yoga?

Kundalini Yoga tends to use rhythmic motions, linked with conscious breathing, and chanting more than other popular forms of yoga today. It has an enormous variety of techniques and meditations, allowing the instructor to tailor programs that support the individual and her goals. It’s a safe way to stimulate the body’s natural resources and become healthy, happy, and holy—in body, mind and spirit. It’s a proven path to the Self and the Soul—to an experience of your highest destiny.

I’ve never done yoga before? Can I do kundalini?

Yes! Kundalini is a very accessible practice to all ages and abilities! It’s a personal practice where you will learn to listen to your body, understanding when to push and when to surrender. As your instructor, I will guide and encourage you, but you are always the driver. 

What can I expect from a class?

I love the beautiful container that a kundalini class creates! Every class will open with a tune-in mantra of “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” which means I bow to the divine wisdom and teacher within. Next is a simple warm up, followed by a kriya, which is a series of movements designed for a specific intended outcome. Every class includes a relaxation and a meditation, and closes with the song, Long Time Sun, and a blessing. 

Why is there chanting?

Chanting mantras, either silently or out loud, is a conscious method of controlling and directing the mind. We are creating with every word we speak, and even with every word we think. When we chant a mantra we are choosing to invoke the positive power contained in those particular syllables. By chanting these mantras, we are setting vibrations into motion that shall have an effect. It doesn’t matter whether we understand the meaning of the sounds or not.

Why do people wear white?

Kundalini Yoga is geared towards increasing sensitivity, enhancing bioelectricity, and strengthening the nervous system. Everything carries a frequency, a vibration. Wearing white is another tool to strengthen your projection and conscious awareness. It expands and nurtures your auric field. White is what we see when all wavelengths of light are reflected at once. Wearing white is an invitation to deflect what is going on outside of us and turn inside for answers and guidance. 

Of course, you can wear whatever you want! In kundalini there is no dogma, and no hard rules. 

Why do people wear head coverings?

The head is associated with the sixth and seventh chakras. The covering of the head is seen in many spiritual and yogic traditions. Energetically, covering the head helps to contain the energy generated while teaching or taking a class, and it helps to stabilize the nervous system and enhance intuition. 

Head coverings are not required at all to practice and benefit from kundalini yoga!

Can I be from a different religion and still practice kundalini yoga and chant the mantras?

Yes! Kundalini is not a religion, but a practice designed to help strengthen your connection to your understanding of the Divine, whether that be Christianity, Islam, atheism, or any other belief system. In chanting the mantras we are practicing them as a technology of consciousness, not a religious practice, however, chanting them can invoke your own sense of the sacred. 

Can kids practice kundalini yoga?

Yes! For younger children classes are much shorter and certain breathing patterns are not used. For teens going through stress and anxiety, practicing kundalini can be very helpful!

I’ve never meditated before. Can I still join?

Of course! Meditation is a practice. It’s something we are always working on, even dedicated meditators! We would never expect to run a marathon without hours of training. The same goes for meditating! Learning to achieve deep states of meditation takes a lot of time and practice, but the benefits of the practice are profound and lasting!