Learn about the powerful force of kundalini, and how to activate it with yoga…

Kundalini yoga is an ancient form of yoga that combines specific breath techniques with repetitive, energetic movements to create and move energy in the body. It’s our favorite type of yoga, and we love to start off the year with a quick Kundalini yoga series!

However, before we get to that, it’s a good idea to understand what is meant by the word “Kundalini.” Having a deeper understanding can help to guide our practice. According to YogaBasics.com,

Kundalini is a dormant spiritual energy, often described as a serpent coiled up at the base of the spine. This serpent guards the entrance of susumna, the central energy channel, keeping prana energy from entering and ascending up through the center of the spine through the seven chakras.

It is important to use your kundalini wisely, and as with many yogic pathways, the ultimate goal of kundalini mastery is enlightenment – or “the ultimate state of bliss.” However, there are steps to be taken before we can safely work with kundalini energy. The ancient texts say that…

The release of such a powerful source of energy into the body’s delicate systems can cause pain and in rare cases lead to insanity and death.

Therefore, the body and mind must first be properly prepared through a series of yoga exercises, including pranayama, meditation, mudras, and physical yoga poses or asanas according to the following sequence:

First, the energy channels (nadis) and physical body must be strengthened and purified through pranayama, meditation, and yoga postures (asanas). Second, all seven chakras must be slowly awakened using meditation, yoga postures, and mudras. Once the body and nadis are purified, the chakras are open, and the aspirant has mastery over body, breath, and prana, only then can kundalini be safely awakened…

It is said that the activation of kundalini will completely change the yogi’s life. However, it is not necessary to reach enlightenment to benefit from practicing Kundalini yoga. Simply enjoying a regular Kundalini yoga practice can help to purify the body and mind, cleanse your energy pathways, and balance your chakras, leading to clearer consciousness, well-being, and a sense of inner peace.

Be sure to stay tuned for more on Kundalini yoga – plus some awesome free classes for you to try for yourself – coming this month!