How to Build a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation Practice
Kundalini Yoga and meditation are powerful practices that can help you connect with your inner self, reduce stress, ignite transformation, and cultivate a sense of peace and well-being. Kundalini Yoga is a powerful practice that offers a wide range of benefits for both the mind and body. Here are some key advantages of incorporating a daily Kundalini Yoga practice:
Stress Reduction: Kundalini Yoga techniques, such as deep breathing exercises and dynamic movements, effectively calm the nervous system and reduce stress levels. This can help alleviate anxiety, improve sleep quality, and boost overall mood.
Increased Energy Levels: While it may seem counterintuitive, Kundalini Yoga can actually increase energy levels. The practice invigorates the body and mind, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. For those with low energy in the morning, this is a great practice to awaken the cells for the day ahead!
Improved Flexibility and Strength: Kundalini Yoga incorporates a variety of postures and movements that improve flexibility, strength, and balance. Many of the postures and movements can be modified to fit your own flexibility and strength levels.
Enhanced Immunity: Kundalini Yoga can help to boost the immune system by stimulating the lymphatic system and improving circulation. Many of the postures and movements we practice involve lymphatic drainage because this part of our body doesn’t have a heart pumping it through to help release toxins, so it’s our job to move it out.
Improved Focus and Concentration: The meditative aspects of Kundalini Yoga can help to quiet the mind, improve focus, and enhance concentration.
Increased Self-Awareness: Kundalini Yoga encourages self-reflection and introspection, leading to a deeper understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Because Kundalini is the yoga of awareness, much of our subconscious that has been hidden rises to the surface. This practice gives us the self-awareness to transform within the scope of our own inner knowing.
Spiritual Growth: Kundalini Yoga is a practice that aims to awaken the spiritual energy within. It can help you to connect with your higher self, cultivate intuition, and experience a deeper sense of peace and well-being. The process of connection unfolds naturally and you begin to realize you’re deeply connected to all beings.
By incorporating Kundalini Yoga into your daily routine, you can experience a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional benefits. If you're new to Kundalini Yoga, building a consistent practice can seem daunting. What if you changed the narrative from, “I have to create a consistent routine” to “I get to create a sustainable ritual and dedicated time for myself?” Once you change your mindset about creating something that works for you in your daily life, you begin to support your overall health and happiness with a desire to show up for yourself consistently again and again.
Keep reading to see how to build a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation practice that is perfect for you!
Create a dedicated space in your home, even a small corner of your room can become your sacred sanctuary. Choose a quiet corner where you can practice without distractions. Cleanse the space with incense or by opening a window to allow fresh air to circulate and bring in new energy for your practice.
Gather your essentials — your yoga mat, any props you use, and any other items that help you create a peaceful atmosphere (candles, crystals, essential oils) readily available. Keep it clean and clutter-free, a clean and organized space can help you to focus and cultivate a sense of calm. Let this space welcome you each and everyday with a sense of calm.
How to begin? First let’s start with finding the right teacher! A good teacher can provide personalized guidance and adjustments, ensuring you're practicing safely and effectively. They can offer modifications for different levels and address any specific concerns or limitations you may have. A qualified teacher can guide you through these techniques, helping you build a strong foundation for your practice. A Kundalini Yoga practice goes beyond physical postures, so a skilled teacher can help you cultivate inner awareness, deepen your breath, and connect with your inner self as you begin to transform. And remember a good teacher is always a student first. 😉
How to find YOUR teacher:
Start with an introductory class: Look for a beginner-friendly Kundalini Yoga class at a local studio or online. This will give you a taste of the practice and help you determine if it's the right fit for you.
Research teachers: Read reviews, watch videos, or even schedule a consultation with potential teachers to find someone who resonates with you. Pay attention to their energy, teaching style, and how you feel in their presence. Does their energy feel uplifting and inspiring? Do they create a safe and welcoming space? Trust your intuition – it will guide you towards the right teacher.
Consider your learning style: Some people prefer in-person classes, while others thrive in online settings. Choose a teacher that accommodates your learning style best and a format that suits your needs and preferences. Take a few online and in-person classes to see which one fits your learning style the best.
Once you've found a teacher and learning style that resonates with you, the next step is to seamlessly weave Kundalini Yoga and meditation into your daily routine. Ask yourself, are you able to go to the studio everyday or watch a video? Start by making Kundalini Yoga and Meditation a routine that works for your schedule.
Outshine Yoga teaching Kundalini Yoga at Yoga Landing | photo by KellyMLacy
Determine the cadence that best suits your lifestyle – attending studio classes versus practicing at home. For example, I practice Kundalini Yoga and Meditation five days a week (four of those at home) and Yin or Restorative Yoga the other two days (one or two at the studio) a week. Regardless of your chosen path, begin with just a few minutes of practice each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Even 10-15 minutes of daily practice can have a profound impact. Consistency is key!
Incorporate Practice into Your Daily Life:
Start small: Begin with just a few minutes of meditation practice each day and gradually increase the duration as you become more comfortable. Try a meditation for one minute a day for a week, then bump it up to three minutes. Notice how you feel throughout the day when you consistently practice.
Find a consistent time to do your yoga practice: Set aside a specific time each day for your practice, such as first thing in the morning or before bed. Even better if you can make time for it in the middle of the day! The key is to keep it the same everyday, if you can! Create a ritual for yourself.
Be patient and give yourself grace: Building a consistent practice takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you miss a day or two. Simply pick up where you left off and continue your journey with grace. Give gratitude each day for the moments you do show up and see how that makes you feel.
Creating a ritual around your practice can significantly deepen your transformative experience. It's more than just showing up on the mat – it's about cultivating a sacred space and intention that carries with you throughout your daily life. With your Kundalini Yoga and meditation practice, you'll not only welcome in transform but also cultivate a deeper sense of purpose, healing, and a connection to yourself as well as others. At first try to create a consistent practice for 11 days, then bump it up to 20 days! Real transformation begins to happen at 40 days because we are beginning to rewire our habitual patterns.
Building a Kundalini Yoga and meditation practice is a journey of deep self-discovery. Be patient with yourself, enjoy the process, and celebrate your progress along the way. Remember, the most important thing is to find a practice that brings you joy and supports your overall well-being — it’s not ‘I have to,’ it’s ‘I get to.’
I hope this provides you with some valuable insights as you start on your Kundalini Yoga and meditation journey.
If you're looking for a community of practitioners, join me at Yoga Landing Downtown every Thursday at 6pm.
Craving a more intimate experience? I offer private sessions. Book yours here: https://www.outshineyoga.com/offerings
