Kundalini Yoga

What is Kundalini Yoga?

'Kundalini' is an energy which resides within everyone. It exists as a catalyst for the natural state of grace we were born to embody. Kundalini, from the Sanskrit, meaning "coiled-up", refers to a latent force in us which is the catalyst for all forms of self-healing, higher cognition, and creative genius (maybe change to creativity?). Although labels differ, spiritual methodologies from many cultures recognize and revere this same energy of Spirit

Kundalini Yoga is a dynamic scientific system combining breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, the use of sound and rhythm, relaxation and meditation. Each class usually entails warm-ups, a specific sequence for the energy or day at hand, and a relaxation and meditation.

In Kundalini Yoga we want to proceed with the realization that our true strength comes from within. We want to go beyond muscular strength alone, to faith in the flow of spirit. In light of this, breakthroughs become a way of life. Kundalini Yoga recognises that a strong nervous system and a healthy glandular system are pre-requisites to live a life full of radiance and abundance.

Basic Components of Kundalini Yoga

Breathing

In Kundalini Yoga breathing is considered to be an energy delivery system, a conveyor for the life force (prana or chi). It often uses movement in conjunction with breathing to create a very powerful dynamic.

Each Kundalini Yoga exercise has a specific breath associated with it. The most commonly used breaths in this system are Long Deep Breathing, Breath of Fire, Segmented Breathing and Rhythmic Breathing in conjunction with movement.

Each of these breaths has specific benefits which deepen and accelerate the effects of each exercise.

- Its rhythmic aspect creates a harmonic resonance among all systems and organs which synchronises the internal workings of the body and mind.
- It oxygenates the blood and purifies the lungs
- It remagnetises the cells thus insulating the practitioner from the effects of electro-magnetic pollution
- It creates an optimum brain wave balance
- On the energy level it engenders benefits in one minute which would've taken up to an hour with normal breathing.

In Kundalini Yoga breathing is also used to work through holding patterns in the muscular structure as well as blocks in the psyche.

Mudras

The word mudra means position or attitude and relates to hand or body poses held during exercises or meditations. It should be understood that these particular configurations are more than symbolic. They create specific circuits in the nervous system, increase blood flow to, and stimulate certain areas of the brain activating energy flows.

Mantra

In Kundalini Yoga we want to raise the frequency of the energy we garner, so that the self-healing process can be enhanced. We also seek to clear our minds of deep-seated stress, which lessens our effectiveness and ability to seek and find fulfilment in life. To accomplish these tasks we use what's called a mantra. Mantras are sounds or groupings of sounds with a pre-determined vibratory effect.

The Science of Sequence

In Kundalini Yoga we garner an effect greater than the sum of the parts. Any exercise or set which fulfils this requirement is called a kriya. The literal meaning of the word kriya is completed action.

Each set in Kundalini Yoga works on many levels simultaneously, and has been formulated with the recognition of the working relationship between the various energy systems that comprise us. Kundalini Yoga sees the body/mind as a holographic construct, meaning that each part contains the whole.

Chakras

Chakras are focuses of energy which correspond to nerve plexi or glands. Each chakra has a specific quality or frequency which relates to aspects of our personality and predilections. Kundalini Yoga transforms us by insuring free flow of energy through our body's main energetic centres and meridian lines.

The Process of Kundalini

Kundalini is the energy which delivers us to our higher potential. This process is gradual and graceful. There are checks and balances built into this system. Accordingly, we never gain access to more energy than we can accommodate and integrate at any given time in our development.

Beginners may experience mild phenomena such as light-headedness, or a slight trembling in some of the postures we do. These are part of an initial cleansing and balancing, as the mental and physical toxins of the past are neutralized.

Sometimes people mistake this initial clearing for the experience of Kundalini itself. The true experience of Spirit needs no interpretation. One wakens to the true implications of his/her existence and life becomes a smorgasbord of beautiful and powerful options.

So, the ultimate purpose of Kundalini Yoga is to attain and maintain higher consciousness. This is not something you go after once and then rest easy. It's an exercise that lasts a lifetime. Accordingly we place a lot of emphasis on the importance of Sadhana which means daily discipline.

In Kundalini Yoga we encourage students to tune in to there bodies and not do more than they're ready for. By the same token, we encourage people to do more than they though they could. Thus the whole philosophic underpinning of this system can be expressed in 2 words: Keep Up!

To contact Patty, you can call her on 0415 556 280 or send her an email directly on info@empoweredhealings.com

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Kundalini Yoga Private Sessions

If you are looking to develop a solid home practice that is tailored exclusively to all your needs, then we can help you to expand your repertoire. In order to arrange this, you can contact Patty on 0415 556 280 or send her an email directly on info@empoweredhealings.com

Your Facilitators

Patty Kikos (Jaswant Kaur) 

Yoga & meditation instructor, traveller, trained dancer & teacher, social worker, energy healer, kinesiologist and reiki master...Patty's professional career is as eclectic and richly diverse as the woman herself. Hailing from a multi-cultural background her knowledge of the holistic healing arts and passion for each individual's development is reflected in her classes - which are as much about atmosphere as they are about postures.

Patty is a practicing kinesiologist whose passion for yoga has deepened in the last 5 years making her a popular teacher in the Hatha yoga and Kundalini yoga traditions. She was given the spiritual name Jaswant Kaur meaning, God's glory and guardian of justice of grace. This name reflects the life-path she has chosen; creating an open and healing space for others so that they can lead an elevated, healthy and spiritually rewarding life.

Her main passion lies in teaching one-on-one Kundalini Yoga classes as she is able to integrate and incorporate all of her energy balancing techniques to help her students transition into a smooth shift in their emotional, mental, physical and spiritual awareness.

Patty also teaches Hatha Yoga in a flowing Vinyasa style that links movement with the breath. Various postures are chosen in sequences that will help to balance both sides of the body as well as strengthen core muscles and assist you to lengthen and stretch your body. Each class will incorporate music and inspirational readings, some breathing and meditation techniques are taught to relax the central nervous system, help you to focus on the day and the week ahead and bring a greater sense of wellbeing and clarity to your everyday activities.

Patty is able to come to you for a private session. To contact Patty, you can call her on 0414 388 365 or send her an email directly on info@empoweredhealings.com 

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Yoga FAQs

I'm not an acrobat. Do I have to be a pretzel to take your yoga classes?

No, you don't have to be a pretzel to get many of the benefits of Kundalini yoga. Often times when an exercise is difficult, you can receive the benefits of doing the exercise by just breathing along with the group. Remember, this is not a competition. it is about meeting your body where it is, and navigating through each moment while maintaining a state of inner peace. It takes practice, but almost anyone can do it and the benefits are too numerous to list here.

Sometimes I feel self-conscious while doing yoga. Is that strange?

No, it's normal. As you work through those feelings, you will begin to reap the benefits of being consciously self-aware. By the way, much of Kundalini Yoga & Meditation is done with eyes closed so that the practitioner can go on an "inner" journey. So, let go of worry about your neighbour and just show up for yourself. You'll set yourself free in class, and then you'll set yourself free in life!

What is the difference between Kundalini Yoga & Meditation and Hatha Yoga?

Yoga is the Sanskrit word "to unite" or "yoke". According to Yogic text, there are eight "limbs" of yoga which help the practitioner unite with his/her highest self. Hatha yoga uses two of the limbs, specifically postures and breathing, to bring the practitioner into a greater state of Self-awareness. Kundalini uses all eight, including breath work, hand configurations (positions), physical postures, sound, mantra, and mediation, to name a few. According to ancient texts, results from Kundalini yoga are the quickest way to Self-awareness.

How can yoga help me at work?

If practiced regularly, the relaxation techniques can have lasting effects when encountering stress throughout the day and can improve health. For example, practicing yoga will remind you to breathe deeply and hold your posture correctly for maximum circulation, resulting in a more healthful and vibrant work experience.

What is "Kundalini" energy?

It is your creative potential. According to yogis and ancient sages, this Kundalini energy lies dormant at the base of the spine until it is released (through physical activity) by the individual. When it is released, that individual reaches a state of heightened Self-awareness and bliss.

I've heard of the term "Relaxation Response." What is it and how does it relate to Kundalini Yoga?

The relaxation response, a term coined at Harvard University in the 1960s, is reached by the repetition of a word, sound, phrase, prayer, or muscular activity.

This repetition creates a physical state of deep rest which changes the physical and emotional responses to stress (e.g. decrease in heart rate, blood pressure and muscular tension). This Relaxation Response is a counterbalancing mechanism to the flight-or-flight response.

Kundalini Yoga combines elements found in the Relaxation Response throughout class to encourage heightened states of deep relaxation and increased alpha waves. Many of the techniques of breathing and mental focus can be applied immediately at work with wonderful results for stress reduction.

Kundalini Yoga uses all sorts of unfamiliar types of activities, such as hand postures, focusing at the "third eye" and mantra/sound therapy. Why is that?

Kundalini Yoga is one of the only exercise systems which recognises the importance of glandular balance in relation to physical and mental health. Just tuning in at the beginning of class with a mantra works to stimulate and vibrate the pituitary gland, as does focusing the eyes up at the brow line. It is an ancient science and technology that works on many levels.

What is a mantra?

It literally means "mind-wave" and is defined as any sound or word repeated regularly. Mantras work to help keep the mind focused on one thought instead of one hundred. Distractions will always be there, like "how much time is left? My right foot is falling asleep, etc." Civilizations have used mantras throughout the ages to focus and calm the mind. They can be used in both religious and secular settings. Even a simple mantra such as "I am now relaxed" can help you enormously throughout your day.

What, really, is meditation and how can it help me in my personal and professional life?

Meditation acts as a cleansing process, which gets rid of all the mental garbage piled up in our heads: memories, fears, stress, emotional scars, neurosis and all other subconscious clutter. This clutter keeps us from creating what really want and being who we really want to be. When we meditate, we begin to create what we really want in life without all the baggage.

Often, mantras are used in meditation to help maintain a focus and elicit the benefits of deep relaxation - alpha waves in the brain. These waves are best described as allowing the individual to feel a state of peaceful alertness. This peaceful alertness helps you at work in many ways. When you are relaxed and alert at work you can work more efficiently without making as many mistakes, and you make better decisions when you are thinking clearly. Those who can manage stress tend to accomplish more in the business world.

Why is yoga becoming so popular right now?

There are many reasons. Probably because this form of exercise not only works the physical body, including the endocrine and nervous systems, but also because it works the mind and gives practitioners the tools to help them reduce stress in their daily lives. Yoga works on many levels.

Is Kundalini Yoga a religion?

No, Kundalini yoga is not a religion. It is a science and technology designed to bring the participant into greater Self-awareness. Many religious and/or spiritual people have utilized the powerful tools found in yoga to attain enlightenment. But, these tools can also be used for personal growth in a non-religious, non-sectarian manner. People of all faiths and beliefs can sit in the same class and benefit.

What should I bring to class?

An open mind. Also, a yoga mat or towel, and a blanket if the room is cool.

To contact Patty, you can call her on 0415 556 280 or send her an email directly on info@empoweredhealings.com

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