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When you think of the benefits of yoga weight loss and increased flexibility are the obvious answers. Did you know yoga can also help your journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth? Yep, practicing yoga can help more than just your physical wellness. Keep reading to learn about the transformative world of yoga for spiritual growth and how Kundalini Yoga can supercharge your efforts.
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Overall, there are 4 main types of yoga: Karma, Bhakti, Jnana, and Raja. From each type a nes style of yoga has been created. There are at least 10 different styles. Kundalini Yoga is a style from the Raja type, but it combines aspects of other types to enhance spiritual growth and awareness. The Kundalini approach can be described like this: Bhakti for Devotion, Shakti for Power, and Raja for mental power and control.
How to use Kundalini Yoga for Spiritual Growth
To understand how to use Kundalini Yoga first, you need to know how it is different from the more popular types, such as Hatha or Vinyasa. Here are a few key differences:
- Chanting: With yoga for fitness becoming mainstream, you do not often see chanting in your typical yoga class. However, when you are using yoga for spiritual growth, chanting is a part of the process. Each session starts and ends with a chant or mantra.
- Kriya: Kriya is a sequence of postures, breath control, and hand positions. Kundalini is not specifically about poses, while there are some, mostly this yoga style uses kriya to guide you to a spiritual connection.
- Meditation: Kundalini yoga is like a guided meditation. Your instructor will use chants, kriya, and Pranayama (breath control) to guide you through a meditative flow. This will help you cultivate awareness of your spirit. It is the not-so-hidden secret of this yoga style.
These differences make Kundalini Yoga the perfect style for your spiritual growth journey.
Recommended Tools for Your Spiritual Yoga Journey
Kundalini involves a powerful blend of movement, breathwork, chanting, and meditation. Here is some equipment I recommend you use to help immerse yourself in the journey:
Yoga Mat
A staple for every yoga workout, a high-quality, non-slip yoga mat provides comfort for seated and standing poses.
Meditation Cushion
Your meditation and breathwork sessions can run long. A Zafu is what you need to keep a good posture and be comfortable in Lotus Pose.
Salt Stone Lamp
Known for its calming light, a salt stone lamp will create a peaceful environment and promote tranquility in your meditation room.
Don’t worry these are just recommendations. You can get started without any special equipment—just an open mind and a comfy spot to sit is all you need.
Kundalini Yoga and Spiritual Connection
Kundalini Yoga is the best yoga style for your mindfulness practice. Building a deep connection with yourself is mindfulness’s goal; that connection reaps many benefits in your life. While this is not backed by science, practitioners of the yoga style purport these improvements in their well-being.
Benefits of Yoga for Spiritual Growth
Kundalini Yoga also has scientifically proven benefits.
Relieves Stress and Anxiety
A common benefit of most mindfulness practices is that it improves your ability to relax. Meditation, a key aspect of Kundalini, has been shown to give immediate stress relief.
A study in 2018 even showed that 8 weeks of practicing Kundalini lowered anxiety levels. In fact, the researchers deemed it to be an effective treatment for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
Boosts Self-Perception and Body Positivity
The goal of a spiritual journey is to connect with yourself and others. In reality, this is self-acceptance and improved self-esteem. Recently, body positivity has been a topic for growing self-worth and improved happiness. With celebrity advocates such as Jameela Jamil, Florence Pugh, and Bryce Dallas Howard, body positivity, body neutrality and accepting one’s body is a mainstream movement.
A study from 2018 of a small group of women, found Kundalini Yoga improved their self-perception and self-appreciation.
Best poses in Kundalini Yoga for Spiritual Growth
Since Kundalini Yoga is a meditative flow, the best yoga poses to fully embrace Kundalini yoga for spiritual growth enhance your meditation practice. Deep, mindful breathing is key here. It helps calm the mind and prepares you for the journey within. Here are 3 yoga poses for meditation and deep breathing:
Lotus Position (Padmasana)
This classic seated posture is perfect for meditation and breathwork. Sit cross-legged with each foot resting on the opposite thigh. Lotus Pose helps stabilize the body and mind, creating a steady base for your practice. It opens the hips and stretches the legs, enhancing flexibility. Most importantly, it supports deep, focused breathing and energy flow, allowing you to connect with your kundalini energy more effectively. Sit tall, close your eyes, and let the peace wash over you.
Breath of Fire (Kapalabhati)
This dynamic breathing technique is a game-changer in Kundalini Yoga. Sit comfortably, place your hands on your knees, and begin rapid, rhythmic breathing through the nose, emphasizing forceful exhales with passive inhales. It might take a bit to get the hang of it, but the benefits are worth it! Breath of Fire detoxifies the body, energizes the mind, and clears blocked energy channels. It’s like a natural caffeine boost! Just a few minutes can leave you feeling invigorated and ready to dive deeper into your practice.
Corpse Pose (Shavasana)
Ah, the sweet reward of every yoga session! Lie down comfortably on your back, with your arms and legs relaxed. This pose may seem simple, but it’s incredibly powerful for integrating the benefits of your practice. Corpse Pose allows your body to rest and rejuvenate, and your mind to absorb all the positive energy generated during your session. It promotes deep relaxation and a sense of inner peace. Spend a few minutes here, breathing softly, and let go of all tension. It’s the perfect way to end your Kundalini Yoga practice.
Affirmations for Yoga
Affirmations are powerful, positive statements that rewire your brain and negative thoughts into positive ones. A consistent daily affirmation practice includes saying the statements to yourself repeatedly, almost like a mantra.
This reminds me of the chanting aspect of Kundalini Yoga. I think affirmations for spiritual growth and self-acceptance are a perfect addition to the ancient practice. Here are some affirmations for spiritual growth you can use during your meditation:
- I am continuously growing and evolving.
- My potential is limitless.
- I am more than enough, just as I am.
- My body is full of love and acceptance.
- I love who I am becoming.
Try repeating one of these affirmations during your meditations and see how it changes your self-perception. Note these changes in your journal and reflect on the positive impact Kundalini yoga has on your spiritual journey.
Need a journal? Get a Personalized Journal and write about all the breakthroughs you make in your mindfulness journey.
Best Books on Yoga for Spiritual Growth
Want to learn more about Kundalini Yoga and how to use yoga for spiritual growth? Here are some books I think will help you further your Kundalini practice and add it to your daily life.
- “Kundalini Yoga: Guidelines for Sadhana (Daily Practice)” by Harbhajan Singh Khalsa aka Yogi Bhajan: A practical guide to establishing a daily Kundalini Yoga practice, with detailed instructions and exercises to follow.
- “Kundalini Yoga: The Flow of Eternal Power” by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa: This comprehensive guide introduces the basics of Kundalini Yoga, including postures, breathwork, and meditations, making it accessible for beginners.
- “Wheels of Life: A User’s Guide to the Chakra System” by Anodea Judith: While not exclusively about Kundalini Yoga, this book provides a thorough understanding of the chakra system, which is integral to achieving balance and harnessing Kundalini energy.
Read any one of these books to continue your spiritual journey with knowledge and practices to deepen your Kundalini Yoga.
Start Practicing Yoga for Spiritual Growth
Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey toward inner peace and self-discovery? Kundalini Yoga can be a transformative experience that nurtures the body, mind, and spirit. With the right equipment and resources, including enlightening books to deepen your knowledge, you can create a practice that resonates with your personal needs and aspirations. As you integrate these elements into your routine, you’ll uncover new layers of self-awareness and inner peace.
Start each day with a powerful routine that centers your mind, energizes your body, and opens your heart. At Kundalini Lounge, you’ll find expert-guided classes that cater to all levels, ensuring you have the support and guidance needed to thrive. Whether you seek stress relief, enhanced creativity, or deeper spiritual growth, there is a class that has the potential to elevate every aspect of your life.
Home to the world’s largest library of Kundalini Yoga classes online. This incredible resource is perfect for beginners who are eager to experience the profound benefits of this ancient practice.
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