"Happiness is your birthright" Yogi Bhajan
Aquarian Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan combines meditation, mantra, asana, mudra and breathing techniques. Kundalini yoga is an ancient technology and science that balances the nervous and glandular systems, activating health, pure potential and capacity. It works on every level of our being, establishing a relationship between the mind, body and soul, allowing us to experience our full potential as human beings. Reminding us to celebrate life in this moment, enabling us to master the mind. Kundalini Yoga gives you the capacity to experience your highest consciousness so you may find sacred purpose in your life.
"Kundalini" literally means "the curl of the lock of hair of the beloved." This poetic metaphor alludes to the flow of energy and consciousness that exists within each of us enabling us to merge with the universal Self. Symbolised as the uncoiling of the inner awareness of our spiritual nature, which lies as our dormant creative potential at the base if the spine. Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, we can awaken that potential and become wholly aware.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga uses sets (kyrias) of physical postures and movements (asana), meditation, breathing exercises (pranayama), gestures (mudra) and chanting (mantra).
It is taught in kriyas (a series of postures) that are designed to bring about a transformation and balance through working a particular system of the body (i.e. the nervous, endocrine, lymphatic and immune system). It is often called 'a yoga of awareness' as it expands consciousness and emphasises the flow of movement within any given kriya.
Benefits of Kundalini Yoga
Supports the nervous and immune system
Oxygenates the entire body
Detoxifies the body and improves digestion
Improves flexibility and strength
Induces calmness in mind and body
Increases a positive attitude
Balances the two hemispheres of the brain
Develops awareness and connection in the body
Improves sleep patterns
Releases fears, insecurities, irritability, depression and emotional blocks
Alleviates stress
Increases an inner and outer radiance
What is the difference between Kundalini and Hatha yoga?
Hatha yoga is the physical branch of the yoga tradition and focuses on the structure of the body to help relieve stress and to provide strength in one's mind and body. In learning the asanas (yogic postures) of Hatha yoga, a sense of health and vitality is created to help prepare for meditation. Hatha yoga can decrease stress, regulate metabolism, and heal many physical ailments. Practitioners leave class with a deeper connection to their bodies, muscular flexibility, strength, relaxation, concentration, and overall well-being and health.
Kundalini yoga uses breath, yogic postures and meditation to help maintain a healthy spine, strengthening the nervous and glandular systems. Each class can allow one to become aware of much more than just the strength of the body. It facilitates a change physically, emotionally and spiritually.
Kundalini yoga is yoga for the mind, body, and spirit.
What to expect in a Kundalini Yoga class
Yoga means union, the classes aim to stretch and challenge the mind, body and spirit enabling inner strength, balance and relaxation. Through working with the body, breath and voice, participants begin to find flexibility, clarity and develop vital tools that help deal with everyday stresses.
Each class will start with a tuning in mantra, a warm up, followed by a kriya, relaxation or meditation and a tuning out to ground and focus your energy at the end.
This yoga cultivates consciousness of mind, body and spirit. The positive effects will penetrate into your lives and can manifest in numerous ways.
Guidelines and preparation
Don't eat a heavy meal before class. Try to eat a light snack 1-2 hrs before.
What to wear
Wear loose white comfortable clothing. Class is done bare foot to cleanse and revitalise nerve endings in the feet. Bring socks and a blanket for relaxation.
After class
Drink plenty of water to help the natural cleansing process that is stimulated through yoga.