Kundalini Yoga is dynamic in its practice, vast in practical information and powerful in its experience. It incorporates the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yoga into one cohesive and integrated system. It has a much broader emphasis on breathing, meditation, hand positions or mudras, chanting or mantra, and spirituality.

The practice of Kundalini Yoga balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system, expands the lung capacity, and purifies the bloodstream. It brings balance to the body, mind and soul. It enables you to harness the energy of your mind and emotions, so you can be in control of yourself, rather than being controlled by your thoughts and feelings. It is on-the-job training for success and excellence in life, and is designed to give you a “hands on” experience of higher consciousness. It teaches positive self-empowering attitudes of thinking. It builds inner strength and self awareness so you can fulfill your highest potential. It perfects the finite life while connecting you to the Infinite experience, enabling you to merge with the universal Self.

Kundalini Yoga has evolved in a way which insures that the awakening process is gentle and safe - even for people living in areas where there are no teachers available, and who are obliged to work from books. Follow the teachings with attention and mindfulness and there is nothing to fear.

The technology is designed to be safe and progressive. We systematically train our mind and attune our body to safely hold higher frequencies of energy associated with the Kundalini. Some non-practitioners have reportedly experienced spontaneous Kundalini arousals, which can result in trauma and even injury and/or mental disturbance. In many cases these people have tried to raise their psychic energy without first preparing their physical body. Your practice prepares the body and the nervous system to receive this potent energy. Regular practice not only raises Kundalini energy safely, it prepares you to live a conscious life.

Kundalini Yoga is about EXPERIENCING God within. It is not a religion, has nothing to do with beliefs, and is not a substitute for religious practices. Applying the technology to our bodies and minds has the effect of uplifting our spirit. It works from within, energizing our normally dormant spiritual energy – the Kundalini. The effects are profound and universal. It can help us find God, but in a non-denominational way. Regular practice will make you a better Christian, Jew, Muslim or whatever you aspire to be. Whatever your beliefs, the end goal is the same. Life is not about being identified with a label. Life is about being divinely you.

Any amount of time you spend on your practice will produce significant benefits. You could start with only 1/2 an hour in the evenings, and once you feel the obvious benefits you will be motivated to begin practicing for longer. Whatever you do, don't rush your practice. There are Kundalini Yoga kriyas, or exercise sets, that are short enough to fit into your available time. Even a 3 minute meditation pays off when you practice regularly. Take your time, enjoy each posture, and give yourself the gift of a relaxation period, even if it is only a few minutes. Relaxing into your practice and enjoying it to the fullest is vital to getting all the benefits that will accrue over time.

Becoming pregnant does not mean that you should stop your Kundalini Yoga practice. Usually it is ok to proceed as normal during your first trimester, but you should always consult a midwife or doctor just to make sure. You will have to modify your exercises as your size increases. It is always recommended that you avoid navel exercises, inverted postures and strenuous kriyas. Pre natal women can enjoy its focus on creating inner strength, fearlessness, a strong physical body and a quiet mind. Squats are an excellent preparation for childbirth.

Email Shanti Krishna with other questions about Kundalini Yoga.