What is Kundalini Energy?
Kundalini is a term that originates from ancient Eastern spiritual traditions, specifically Hinduism and Yoga. It refers to the cosmic energy that lies dormant within each individual, often symbolized as a coiled serpent at the base of the spine. This energy is believed to be the source of all spiritual awakening and enlightenment, and is thought to hold the potential for profound personal transformation and realization of one's full human potential.
The practice of kundalini involves a variety of techniques designed to awaken and activate this energy, including yoga, meditation, and breathwork. Some practitioners believe that the kundalini energy can be awakened through the use of specific postures, mantras, and hand gestures, while others believe that it arises spontaneously as a result of spiritual growth and development. The goal of the kundalini practice is to awaken and cultivate this energy in order to bring about a higher level of consciousness and a deeper connection to the divine.
Techniques for Awakening Kundalini
There are a variety of techniques that are used in the practice of kundalini, all of which are aimed at awakening and activating the dormant cosmic energy within. These techniques include physical practices such as yoga and certain postures, as well as mental and emotional practices such as meditation, visualization, and chanting. Breathwork, or pranayama, is also an important aspect of the kundalini practice, as it is believed to help facilitate the flow of energy within the body.
Kundalini practitioners believe that certain postures and hand gestures, called mudras, can help to channel and direct the kundalini energy. Additionally, the use of mantras, or sacred sounds or phrases, is believed to have a powerful effect on the mind and can help to awaken the kundalini energy. It is worth noting that while these techniques can be helpful in the kundalini practice, the actual awakening of the energy is often thought to be a spontaneous occurrence that arises as a result of spiritual growth and development.
A beginner's friendly kundalini practice that you can try at home: the Basic Spinal Energizer.
Many people report greater mental clarity after regular practice of this kriya. A contributing factor may be the increased circulation of the spinal fluid, which is crucially linked to having a good memory.
Please note that each exercise that lists 108 repetitions can be done 26 times if you’re new to the practice. The rest periods are then extended from 1 to 2 minutes.
How to do the Basic Spinal Energy Serie, step by step :
1) Spine Flex in Easy Pose
Posture: Sit in Easy Pose. Grab the ankles with both hands.
Breath & Movement: Inhale and flex the spine forward and lift the chest up. On the exhale, flex the spine backwards. Keep the head level so it does not "flipflop".
Repeat 26 – 108 times. Then relax for 1 - 2 minutes.
2) Spine Flex in Rock Pose
Posture: Sit on the heels in Rock Pose. Place the hands flat on the thighs.
Breath, Movement, Mantra: Flex the spine forward with the inhale, backward with the exhale. Mentally vibrate Sat on the inhale, Nam on the exhale.
Repeat 26 – 108 times. Relax for 2 minutes.
3) Spinal Twist
Posture: In Easy Pose, grasp the shoulders with fingers in front, thumbs in back.
Breath & Movement: Inhale and twist to the left, exhale and twist to the right. Breathing is long and deep.
Repeat 26 times. To end, inhale facing forward. Exhale and relax for 1 minute.
4) Bear Grip
Posture: In Easy Pose, lock the fingers in Bear Grip at the heart center.
Breath & Movement: Move the elbows in a seesaw motion, breathing deeply with the motion.
Continue 26 times. To end, inhale, exhale, pull on the lock, then relax for 30 seconds.
5) Spine Flex in Easy Pose with Arms Straight
Posture: In Easy Pose, grasp the knees firmly.
Breath & Movement: Keeping the elbows straight, begin to flex the upper spine. Inhale forward, exhale back.
Repeat 26 -108 times. Relax for 1 minute.
6) Shoulder Shrugs
Posture, Breath & Movement: Shrug both shoulders up on the inhale, down on the exhale.
Continue for 1 – 2 minutes. To end, inhale and hold 15 seconds with shoulders pressed up. Then relax the shoulders.
7) Neck Rolls
Posture & Movement: Roll the neck slowly to the right 5 times. Then roll the neck to the left 5 times. To end, inhale and pull the neck straight.
Complete 5 neck rolls to the right, then 5 to the left.
8) Bear Grip with Locks
Posture, Locks, & Breath: Lock the fingers in Bear Grip at the throat level. Inhale, hold the breath for 10 seconds and apply mulbandh (root lock). Exhale, hold the breath out for 10 seconds and apply mulbandh. Then raise the hands above the top of the head. Inhale, hold the breath and apply mulbandh (root lock). Exhale, hold the breath out and apply mulbandh.
Repeat the cycle two more times.
The complete exercise takes 2 minutes. To end, relax for 30 seconds.
9) Sat Kriya
Posture: Sit on the heels with the arms overhead and palms together. Interlace the fingers except for the index fingers, which point straight up. Male identifiers cross the right thumb over the left thumb; female identifiers cross the left thumb over the right. Do whichever feels right for you.
Mantra: Chant Sat and pull the Navel Point in; chant Naam and relax it.
Continue powerfully with a steady rhythm for 3 minutes. To end, inhale, apply Root Lock and squeeze the energy from the base of the spine to the top of the skull. Exhale, hold the breath out and apply all the locks. Inhale and relax.
10) Deep Relaxation
Posture: Lie down on your back with the arms by your sides, palms up, and relax completely. Cover yourself with a blanket if desired.
Continue for 5 - 15 minutes.
The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan ©2008
This set can be found in KRI International Teacher Training Manual.
The Transformative Experience of Spontaneous Kundalini Awakening
The experience of spontaneous kundalini awakening is said to be intense and transformative, and can involve a range of physical, emotional, and spiritual symptoms.
Some people report feeling heat or energy moving up the spine, which is often accompanied by involuntary movements or shaking. Other physical symptoms may include changes in appetite or sleep patterns, as well as sensations of numbness or tingling in the body. Emotionally, the kundalini experience can be very intense, and may bring up a range of intense emotions or long-suppressed feelings. It can also bring about a heightened sense of intuition or psychic abilities, and many people report having vivid spiritual experiences or a deeper sense of connection to the divine.
It is worth noting that the kundalini experience is unique to each individual, and the specific symptoms and intensity can vary greatly. However, it is generally considered to be a powerful and transformative process that can bring about significant personal growth and spiritual development.
Kundalini in the Modern World
The practice of kundalini has its roots in ancient Eastern spiritual traditions, but it has gained a growing following in the Western world in recent years.
Many people are drawn to the practice for its potential to bring about deep personal transformation and spiritual growth, and it is often integrated into modern spiritual practices such as yoga and mindfulness meditation. Some people seek out the kundalini practice as a way to access higher states of consciousness and connect with their inner wisdom, while others are attracted to the physical and emotional benefits that it is said to offer.
The kundalini practice is often and should be taught by experienced teachers or masters who have undergone the process themselves and can offer guidance and support to those who are seeking to awaken their own kundalini energy. Whether practiced alone or as part of a group, the kundalini practice is a deeply personal and transformative journey that has the potential to bring about profound spiritual growth and understanding.
And by the way, we regularly curate holistic experiences with experienced Kundalini teachers in Playa Del Carmen, so please check out our agenda for upcoming events, and do not hesitate to reach out if you're interested in a private lesson or workshop!
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