Kundalini Yoga

YOGA. In my mind I like to think of yoga as:

Your

Own

Growth &

Awareness

How did I come to this? Well, I started taking yoga classes 16 years ago, but just in the last year two years I have learned a lot more about yoga and different types of yoga; my favorite being Kundalini Yoga. I know that during my yoga sessions (which are almost daily), this is my time to become fully aware of my emotions, movements, breathing and thoughts; keeping a positive mindset, moving with breathe and being like a sunflower by facing the light. So much of my love for Kundalini is due to the instructor that taught me this practice, her name is Chanelle and I see her to be an enormous blessing in my life. Before meeting her in 2018 I honestly had never really even heard the word Kundalini. This is why I am writing this blog; I want to share Chanelle with all of you, a glimpse into what Kundalini means, and also how it can be life changing.

Kundalini Yoga is “energy that lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is activated (as by the practice of yoga) and channeled upward through the chakras in the process of spiritual perfection”, defined by Wikipedia. (If you don’t know what chakras are please see my blog titled Meditation at this link. https://www.sunbowdesigns.com/post/meditation)

Out of all the fitness activities I have done in my life, even a triathlon, the practice of Kundalini has been one of the most challenging activities ever encountered. There are different types of breathing that go along with this practice, the most prevalent being fire breathe. My way of explaining fire breathe is breathing in and out of the noise as fast as possible while sucking in your abdomen on inhalation and expanding the abdomen out on exhalation. I won’t lie, for me, this form of breathing for several minutes can be harder than hiking a mountain or finishing a triathlon. Now I know that may sound strange, and we are all different, but until you have tried Kundalini please don’t doubt what I am saying. It definitely is a very different type of challenge on the body.

During all the breathing and movement with breathe during the Kundalini practice it is important to have excellent guidance, which is why I LOVE Chanelle! Her explanation, instruction and push that she gives her students; to go that much deeper into the breathe and that much longer to hold a pose is like no other instructor I have ever experienced. Her calming tone and demeanor, along with her beautiful soul is why I started going to her classes weekly. This has now lead to doing so much of my own practice at home along with still taking classes and now of course Zoom classes. I love doing this yoga practice anytime in the day but mainly in the morning or evening, given how rejuvenating, stress relieving, and releasing I believe it to be on the body and mind.

Kundalini has also proved to be an emotional release at times and can be quite intense. There were many sessions in the first year I start practicing that I cried most sessions, whether happy, sad or “not sure why I’m crying” tears; the soul needed that release and still needs those releases from time to time. With that being said, Kundalini allowed me to do some serious healing that I needed to do from childhood and adulthood. I believe we hold onto many thoughts and emotions that we thought we got rid of, when really they were buried deep inside. That “coiled snake” of energy at the base of the spine that Kundalini unravels through the chakras can really stir up the body, mind and spirit. For me, this was the best “therapy” I had ever had. Kundalini has been the biggest tool to become a happier, healthier, kinder, stronger and more positive individual.

Some may believe that this is a religious practice. I would not say that, if anything I would say it is a spiritual practice with your spirit. As mentioned, proper understanding and guidance is strongly recommended when learning about Kundalini and starting this practice for several sessions. Chanelle is a wonderful source to learn the practice of Kundalini Yoga from, or any type of yoga for that matter. Her information is below, please reach out to her if you would like to learn more. If you are in another area or state, make sure to ask around about Kundalini Yoga instructors. (you are still welcome to contact Chanelle). Please make sure you like the energy of your instructor, if you aren’t feeling it try a different instructor. You will know what is best for you. This practice is not for everyone, but I encourage everyone to try it.

Another favorite quote of mine is actually one that Chanelle has on her website. I have shared it below and I find it quite beautiful.

Chanelle’s website:

https://www.intentionspace.net/

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