Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan
What is kundalini yoga?
Kundalini yoga is a form of Raj or Royal yoga that was brought to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. It is the yoga of awareness. A technology to support the creative potential of human beings and the awakening of self healing. Yogi Bhajan was called to share this ancient practice, which was before only available to royality and yogis, to support us in the transition into the Aquarian age.
The intent of kundalini yoga is to support us clear our energy pathways, release blocks and allow our vital life force energy to flow freely to every cell in our beings. When our life force energy flows freely we feel clear, balanced, grounded and connected to our true selves, life and the universe. We feel fully awake and alive!
How kundalini yoga helps
Regular kundalini yoga practice allows us to not only survive in this time of chaos and uncertainty, but to thrive in it. We do not retreat from life, we excel in it. Our self awareness is strong and we navigate life with deep connection.
Physically our vital life systems such as the nervous system are strengthened and the glandular system is balanced which promotes emotional stability, physical health and vitality. Negative patterns and unhelpful thoughts transcend into creativity and the ability to excel through life’s challenges.
By clearing our bodies with movement, postures and breathing our life force (prana) is allowed to flow in and our elimination energy (apana) to flow out. This can be released in different ways through our channels of elimination e.g. having a runny nose, wind or sweating. It’s also common to release with laughing, crying and yawning. These are all normal ways the body moves energy out and are very welcome in class!
How can it benefit you?
Most commonly people feel more empowered, clearer, happier, healthier and more connected to life. Often people can have huge shifts in their life and notice health conditions improve or go completely. Some feel they unravel and find themselves into a new space in their work, home life and relationships.
Practicing kundalini yoga is a life changing experience!
It’s a joy to witness the healing and change in those who come to regular classes. Kundalini yoga is a life support and a powerful healing tool for empowerment, health, happiness and divine connection.
Who can practice it?
Everyone.
It is described as “house holders yoga” and can be practiced by everyone, regardless of age or physical ability.
There are some positions that are not recommended in pregnancy, heart conditions, or when menstruating and it’s advised to let the teacher know.
Whilst you are most welcome to come to a class if you are feeling low or unwell, please be mindful of coming if you have a condition that maybe contagious and check with the teacher first.
What happens in a class?
A class is usually 90 minutes and has a sequence of ?
Tuning in with the mantras
Ong namo guru dev namo x3
Ad guray nameh x3
Warm up exercises
Kriya
Relaxation time
Meditation
Close space with
Long time sun x2
Long Sat Nams x3
(For more details see beginners handout)
We are encouraged to listen to our own body, beyond the mind chatter and distractions. We move beyond the limitations of the mind into knowing. Knowing when to rest, knowing when to break through. This is a practice of self awareness and empowerment.
Kundalini yoga teachers do not adjust people into postures. Instead they guide with instructions and projection. Each kriya has been instructed by Yogi Bhajan and teachers follow that exact formula. This makes it safe as we receive the teachings in the purest form. The true teachings come through the class teacher.
What do I need to bring?
Water bottle, yoga mat, comfortable clothes
As you develop you are encouraged to wear white cotton clothes and bring a white cotton scarf for meditation.
Class info times
See classes page for up to date info
Teacher info
My yoga journey began in 2001 with Kriya yoga, another branch of Raj yoga, whilst travelling in India. This was the yoga I practiced for ten years until meeting Gary Blackwood who introduced me to kundalini yoga. I absolutely loved his classes and was so grateful for the space every week to clear, balance and energise. I noticed a huge shift in my life and watched as blocks were released and life got more interesting and meaningful. During a difficult personal experience I had a clear vision to train as a teacher to deepen my connection and understanding of kundalini yoga, and to be able to share this life tool with others. For many years before I noticed that those who practiced yoga had the healthiest backs and felt it was important to train as a teacher one day. The right moment and the right teacher presented itself and in 2014 I trained as a kundalini yoga teacher with Hari Har Ji at the Sajeh school.
The kundalini yoga name I was given is Ram Jiwan Kaur. It can be translated as “she who is most alive when at one with her divine consciousness ” and “one who brings divinity into life”. This is the intent and focus of my practice and classes. To share healing tools with others to support them experience their own divinity and for this connection to be fully embodied in their life, for the benefit of all.
Kundalini yoga teachers are in service to the world. If you’d like more information on kundalini yoga please contact someone who has completed the teacher training. There are lots of kundalini yoga teachers all over the world!
I look forward to seeing you soon!
Brightest blessings ☀️☀️
Jen
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