Kundalini is one of the more spiritual forms of yoga.

It uses mainly dynamic postures, as well as some static postures. It places a greater emphasis on breathing techniques, and on meditation with the use of mantras than many other types of yoga.

What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class

In Kundalini Yoga there is a distinct beginning, middle and end to each practice. While the basic structure of classes remains the same, there is a great variety in the content depending on the kriya chosen. A kundalini yoga class include pranayama (breathing), asanas (postures), mantras (sound), mundras (hand positions), mental focus and deep relaxation.

Typical structure of a Kundalini Yoga class

Always tune in with the Adi Mantra, Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo 3 times.

Pranayam and warm up exercises followed by the Kundalini Yoga Kriya (a series of exercise in a particular sequence as given by Yogi Bhajan) The sequence is not to be altered and if you chose to alter the time given, e.g. half the time for a particular exercise you need to do that to all of the exercises in the kriya.

Deep relaxation with relaxing music and or gong.

Meditation – chanting mantra

We always tune out with the Long Time Sun song blessing.

An important aspect of the power of the legacy of Kundalini Yoga that we as teachers can convey to our students, is that each kriya is whole unto itself, a perfect jewel that acts to create a flow. They are perfectly designed sets meant to produce predictable and subtle impacts on the total Self. This is the mastery of the Master. Yogi Bhajan emphasized the importance of keeping the teaching as given, with the exception of reducing the timing of postures. Yogi Bhajan also specified that Kundalini Yoga teachers are not to mix Kundalini Yoga kriyas with any other kind of yoga.

Benefits of Kundalini Yoga

Postures (asanas)

• Increase the flexibility of the spine, which is where Kundalini (energy) circulates

• Stimulate the chakras (the wheel of energy), which affect your physical and spiritual well-being

• Activate the glands to improve your immune system, nervous system and circulation.

Breathing techniques (pranayamas)

• Relax the mind and body

• Channel emotions to help you confront difficult situations in your life

• Balance your 'prana' (vital energy) and your 'apana' (eliminatory energy), and balance the two sides of the body.

Meditation

• Clears the sub-conscious and eliminates anxiety about the future, helping you to feel internal peace

• Gives you the mental and emotional clarity to fix difficult situations in your life

• The repetition of Sanskrit and Gurumukhi mantras energises specific parts of the brain and restores the pattern of sounds at the heart of every cell, encouraging the cells to work harmoniously together.