Kundalini Yoga - Harnessing Your Inner Energy
Kundalini Yoga Teacher Susanne Gorman.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini Yoga is more of a spiritual practice than other forms of yoga offered at Thrive. The practice has physical movements that are more precise and repetitive. It also combines the movements with specific breathing patterns, chanting, and music from sacred musicians.
How is Kundalini different from other forms of yoga?
Where other yoga practices are primarily focused on physical poses or flow, Kundalini is centered on the energy inside you. Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga and meditation, it aims to stimulate or awaken that energy, then release, direct, and expand it in a balanced way through your body. It focuses this through the ancient traditional belief of the seven energy centers of the body, or chakras. Kundalini aims to balance the energy up and through these chakras.
What should you expect from a Kundalini Yoga Class?
Thrive Hot Yoga Kundalini instructor Susanne Gorman advises, “Have an open mind, this class is likely different from the other yoga classes you've taken.” She invites you to, “Be open to experiencing a different aspect of yoga and of yourself.”
The class is 60 minutes accompanied with music and will contain a physical warmup, kriya (a sequence of breath control techniques and exercises), and a rest period with meditation or chant.
Kundalini Yoga
How should students prepare for class?
Kundalini is perfect for beginners as well as more experienced students. It is physically and also mentally challenging, helping you to have a more solid connection between mind and body.
The room will be warm but not hot, so wear comfortable yoga clothes. You are welcome to bring props such as a cushion or blanket for meditation or blocks for extra support in poses. Bring water or other hydrating beverage if you’d like.
What are the benefits of Kundalini Yoga?
Aside from personal spiritual enlightenment and a focus on your energy within, what other benefits does Kundalini Yoga offer? Several science-backed studies have shown positive results that include:
Stress and anxiety relief
Improved cognitive function
Positive self awareness, perception, and body positivity
Summary
With an internal focus on your inner energy and spiritual awareness paired with physical movement, Kundalini challenges you to harness and balance that energy with a deeper awareness.
