I usually advise women to wear a bra because you never know when you'll be hopping around a lot.
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Long-Sleeved Peasant Tops or Tunics
Yogi Bhajan advised his disciples to dress modestly, gracefully, comfortably, and with flexibility of movement in mind. To glide in and out of positions without exposing their midsections, many Kundalini yogis today wear kurtastraditional Indian-style blousesor long peasant-style tops. The Parvati Peasant Top from Spirit Voyage is an excellent example of a simple yet sophisticated Kundalini Yoga blouse.
Turbans
Kundalini Yoga is known for its head coverings. During yoga and meditation, Yogi Bhajan taught his students that tying hair on top of the head and covering it allowed them to harness the inflow of energy, eliminate thoughts from the mind, and focus. Long Time Sun Apparel's Modern Cotton Turban is a less difficult-to-tie alternative to a traditional turban.
Flowy Pants
Kundalini yogis cover themselves in white from head to toe. That means wearing comfortable white pants is essential, especially when sitting in meditation for up to 62 minutes at a time! The 3 Tier Flow Pants from the Om Collection are form-fitting but modest, with three layers that prevent see-through.
Elegant White Tops
Yogi Bhajan was born in traditional India, a matriarchal society in which women were revered as goddesses and mothers were regarded as their children's first teachers. Throughout his teachings, he maintained this sacrosanct image of women. The White Bat Top from Aryasense is elegant yet relaxing, with plenty of freedom for a complete range of arm movements.
Harem Pants
Harem pants are a Kundalini yogi's best friend since they are flexible, comfy, and modest. They allow your legs to easily transition from full Lotus to backbend to Plow. Many Kundalini yoga movements need you to hold your legs up in the air, and harem pants' fitting ankles prevent them from sliding down. White Harem Pants from Spirit Voyage Yogi are a good option.
Why do you wear white for Kundalini?
When you walk into a Kundalini Yoga session, you'll notice a lot of people wearing white scarves and turbans around their heads. Many religious and spiritual traditions, including Islam, Christianity, and Sikhism, wear head coverings as a sign of faith. Kundalini Yoga, which has its roots in Sikh Dharma, borrows some of the faith's customs, such as mantra chanting, early morning sadhana (practice), not shaving one's body hair, and wearing turbans, to name a few. Although head coverings are not required in Kundalini Yoga, here are some reasons why you might want to consider wearing one.
Covering the head focuses the energy at the third eye.
Yogi Bhajan, the founder of Kundalini Yoga in the West, stressed the necessity of wearing a head covering during practice to focus and contain your energy as well as clarify your thoughts, resulting in a meditative focus at your third eye, or Ajna Chakra.
A snugly-tied turban creates a natural cranial adjustment.
A neatly tied turban, according to Kundalini technology, stabilizes the many small bones in the skull that affect our neurological system and electromagnetic field. A light pressure on the cranium, according to proponents, induces a sense of serenity and wellness.
A turban can symbolize your devotion to your practice.
Covering your head and sitting in front of an altar or sacred area, for example, might help establish the tone for a deeper practice by indicating a shift from the physical to the spiritual realm. When I sit in front of my altar, which is decorated with photos of gurus and departed loved ones, light incense, anoint my wrists with essential oils, and cover my head, I find that I am preparing my body and mind to relax and embrace my practice with joy and reverence.
Why wear white?
According to Yogi Bhajan, your aura extends nine feet around your body, but the color white extends it by an additional foot, offering more protection from bad energy and allowing you to send your positive energy outward to inspire others and attract prosperity into your life.
How do you prepare for a Kundalini class?
Kundalini Yoga is a practice with a variety of components. Asanas (postures), pranayama (breathing methods), mantras, relaxation, and meditation are some of the practices we use.
The Adi Mantra “Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo” is used to begin our practice. This mantra connects us to a golden chain of masters and saints who pass on the teachings. It links us to the boundless spark of consciousness that exists inside us. It creates a sacred environment for our practice and assists us in guiding it with mindfulness.
The mantras Aad Gureh Nameh, Jugaad Gureh Nameh, Sat Gureh Nameh, Siri Guru Day vay nameh are also chanted. This mantra dispels doubts and allows us to receive wisdom. It removes negativity from our aura and fills it with light.
After tuning in with the mantras, we normally warm up with a variety of warm ups to prepare our bodies for the practice.
After that, we do a kriya.
Kriya is a Sanskrit word that signifies “finished deed.”
A Kriya consists of postures, breath, mantras, a point of focus, and relaxation performed in a certain order to achieve a specific effect.
A Kriya removes the impediments and creates a state of natural flow. There are thousands of kriyas to choose from, each one focusing on a different element of the body, intellect, emotions, or soul.
Students are directed into a state of relaxation at the end of the kriya, which aids in the integration of the kriya's benefits.
We practice meditation when we have relaxed. There are numerous meditations to choose from in order to bring our body, mind, and soul into balance and harmony.
- It is critical to arrive to class with an empty stomach. Eat nothing for at least two hours before the class. Water is quite safe to drink.
- If you have a medical condition that prevents you from fully practicing kundalini yoga, inform the teacher. It's crucial to avoid aggravating an existing injury. If you have any doubts about whether yoga is right for you, speak with your doctor.
- When practicing yoga, it is up to you to listen to your body. You must determine how much your body is capable of doing during yoga. If you must leave the pose for any reason, if you are able, return to it as quickly as possible.
- Please do not perform kundalini yoga while inebriated or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If you are pregnant, you must inform your teacher. Certain postures and breathing practices are not recommended during pregnancy.
Inverted postures, leg lifts, and any forceful breathing practice, such as the breath of fire, should be avoided by women during their menstrual cycle.
Can I do Kundalini yoga on my period?
It's important to note that practicing asanas during your period isn't required. You may take a break from asanas for the first two days. That isn't to say that you can't use other approaches like pranayam, yoga nidra, or meditation. There will be advantages for all. If you decide to practice, it is critical that you pay attention to and listen to your body. Instead of pushing or straining, try these gentler poses that you can hold for a bit longer. In general, practicing poses that allow one to feel more grounded, ease emotional disturbances, and acquire inner strength are beneficial.
Warm up by performing preliminary movements 1 to 12, arm motions, leg movements, and knee movements. Swami Satyananda's pawanmuktasan series 1, 2, and 3 are also suggested. If there is no significant bleeding or cramping, Surya namaskar (Sun Salutation) can be performed. However, it should not be done in a hurry. Another option is Chandra namaskar (Moon Salutation), which is more relaxing, harmonious, and tranquil at this time and aids in the cultivation of the feminine parts.
Forward bends provide a gentle massage to the abdomen and pelvic region, which can help reduce congestion, heaviness, cramps, and heavy bleeding. They also help to relax the mind. Paschimottanasan (Forward Bend), Ardha paschimottanasan (Half Forward Bend), Ugrasan (Ferocious Pose), Vajrasan Yoga Mudra Type 1 (Child's Pose), Shashankasan (Hare/Moon Pose), and Janu Bhalasan are only a few examples (Standing forward bend). Practice these positions at 50-60% of your maximum capacity, or with the assistance of cushions or bolsters. Do not overextend yourself or perform hard forward bends. With the knees farther apart, Vajrasan Yoga Mudra Type 1 and Shashankasan can be practiced. Back discomfort, cramps, and congestion can all be relieved by gently twisting movements. Leg movement type 2, vakrasan (Twisted Pose) type 1, preparation movement 2 and 3, and moderate twists in sitting poses are all examples. Avoid twisted poses with a lot of force.
Back pain and pelvic discomfort can be relieved by gentle backbends, especially when supported. Supta Vajrasan (Sleeping Thunderbolt) (sitting on heels or with heels apart) and Supta Titaliasan (Sleeping Butterfly) (bolstered) are two examples. The Vajrasan series is also beneficial for releasing back strain and reducing pelvic congestion. You can practice the entire series or just a handful of the poses. Strong backbends should be avoided.
Legs up the wall poses help to free up the pelvic region and clear stagnant blood from the legs without raising the pelvic region. Straight up the wall, separated to a comfortable distance, or with the soles of the feet together are all options.
Other beneficial poses are Marjariasan (Cat Pose) and Vyaghrasan (Tiger Pose), both of which relieve back pain and pelvic stress. Sulabh Pawanmuktasan (Simple Gas Release Pose), with knees apart, to relieve back pain, Sulabh Koormasan (Simple Tortoise Pose), Simple Pigeon, and simple supine spinal twists. Titaliasan (Butterfly) to tone the pelvis, Sulabh Pawanmuktasan (Simple Gas Release Pose), with knees apart, to relieve back pain, Sulabh There are thousands of asanas to choose from, so this isn't an exhaustive list; simply remember the criteria and essential points when selecting and practicing asanas.
How does it feel when Kundalini awakens?
Kundalini awakening is characterized by the following characteristics. Sensations of ‘energy' moving or imprisoned in specific regions of the body, most commonly the chakra points. This process may become ‘visible' to the experiencer in some way. The energy is too strong or uncomfortable to tolerate, and it is frequently accompanied by shaking, jerking, or spasms.
What is the goal of Kundalini yoga?
Chanting, singing, breathing exercises, and repetitious positions are all part of Kundalini yoga.
Its goal is to awaken your Kundalini energy, also known as shakti. This is a spiritual energy supposed to reside at the base of your spine.
Kundalini yoga is believed to expand your consciousness and help you transcend past your ego by awakening this energy. The practice is sometimes referred to as “yoga of awareness.”
Learn more about Kundalini yoga, its possible advantages, and how it varies from other styles of yoga by continuing reading.
What is a Kundalini yoga class like?
A typical Kundalini yoga session consists of three parts: an introductory chant (known as a kriya), a kriya (known as a kriya), and a kriya (known as “A brief warm-up for your spine, a kriya (a sequence of postures linked with breathing exercises), and a closing meditation or song are all included.
Each kriyaSanskrit for “movement”is a Sanskrit word that means “movement.” “action”involves combining a physical stance with breathing or meditation. These poses can be anything you desire depending on which region of your body you want to target, such as cobra pose for your spine or warrior pose for your legs and glutes.
While many kriyas use different breathing techniques, Breath of Fire is one of the most prominent. It consists of short, fast breaths (almost like a dog panting). Seal your lips and breathe in and out of your nose at a rate of two to three breaths per second to perform Breath of Fire. Expel the air in forceful spurts when you breathe to engage your core.
Kundalini yoga also incorporates chanting and singing. You can recite a limitless number of mantras and songs during your practice, but most sessions begin with the Adi Mantra, which means “I bow to the divine teacher within, the subtle divine wisdom.” Sat Nam, which means “I am,” is another chant you'll hear in a Kundalini class “I am reality.”
A meditation-heavy lesson is also on the cards. Each set of Kundalini yoga poses includes movement, breathing techniques, mindfulness, and recitation of a mantra. You'll have a minute or two between poses to relax and focus inside. After the complete set, there is a relaxation, then a meditation, and finally a mantra before class ends.
Bonus: While you are not required to wear all white, it is customary in Kundalini. Because the color white is supposed to ward off negative energy and extend your own aura, it's a good idea to wear it. To retain the energy within the body, teachers frequently wear a white head covering such as a hat, scarf, or turban.
Do you have to wear white to Kundalini yoga?
When wearing white clothing while doing Kundalini is encouraged for greater results, it is not needed.
Yogi Bhajan is a Kundalini Yoga instructor who introduced the discipline to the United States in 1968. He lectured about the impact of wearing various hues of clothing.
White light has a unique and profound effect on our conscious and subconscious thoughts since it is a blend of all colors.
Consider the amount of energy you associate with each hue. All of the colors are available to encourage and enhance meditation when you wear white clothing.
How often should you practice Kundalini Yoga?
Is it necessary for me to practice Kundalini yoga on a regular basis? The greater the number, the better. It is recommended that you practice Kundalini for at least a few minutes each day. For the fastest development and to maintain good shifts in your consciousness, we recommend attending sessions 3-4 times per week if at all possible.