by admin | Aug 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
What’s the difference between Kundalini Yoga and other styles of yoga? Kundalini yoga strengthens the body and increases flexibility. Alongside this, the main focus of Kundalini yoga is to strengthen the nervous system and the function of the glandular system. A well functioning nervous system ensures the body is kept in peak condition and the immune system is strong. Kundalini yoga is an energetic practice and is mostly done with the eyes closed. This allows us to become more present to the subtleties and sensations of movement and breath and less concerned with the ‘look’ of a pose. Here’s an overview of the anatomy of Kundalini Yoga practice: PHYSICAL ANATOMY OF KUNDALINI YOGA NERVOUS SYSTEM The nervous system is the communication network of the body. The nervous system is divided into two major parts – the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system. The Central Nervous System is located in the brain, brainstem and travels along the spinal cord. The Peripheral Nervous system is all the nerve fibres outside of the brain and spinal cord. Information is sent between these two systems that looks after the tissues and organs in the body and produces glandular secretions. As part of the peripheral nervous system we have the parasympathetic nervous system and the sympathetic nervous system. Parasympathetic nervous system controls our rest and repose. Sympathetic nervous system controls our response to stress. When both are functioning well we are in balance. GLANDULAR SYSTEM: The glands govern our body’s functions and ensure our energy levels are balanced, our...
by admin | Jul 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
Our bodies are made up of invisible energy channels that travel throughout the body. In yoga we refer to them as nadis (in the chinese system they are referred to as meridians – you may be more familiar with these). These energy channels/nadis carry prana through the body and into the organs. Prana is the term used for vital life-force (think of when you’re in the bush, out of the city, surrounded in trees and nature – that air you breathe is rich in life force/prana). When practicing yoga, we move our bodies into various shapes to stimulate and clear these nadi energy channels in the body and flood them with life-force/prana energy. Moving through a yoga practice unlocks and releases stagnant energy. Strengthening the breath is one powerful way to increase the presence and movement of prana in the body. Using the breath correctly by inviting full, intentional breaths into your practice will achieve greater results in terms of healing and energising the channels of the body. Making you healthier and feel more alive. Nadi energy channels link the mind/body. Every thought and emotion is manifested through the body via the nadi channel connections between your brain and the entire body system. There is a yogic term “prana flows where our attention goes”. Therefore one super important way to enhance the movement of prana through the body is intention – where you place your attention. Intention is where the power of a yoga practice reveals itself. The practise of yoga – depending on the combined use of intention and breath will either be just exercise or can transform...
by admin | Jul 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
“shapeshifting is the ability of a being to physically transform into another form or being, either as an inherent faculty of a mythological creature, or by means of magic.” Yoga is the practice of moving the body into different shapes to create physical, mental and emotional shifts. Correct posture isn’t all about how it looks; it’s about how much it serves it’s purpose in terms of stimulating particular muscles, nerves, glands and energy channels within the body to shift you from one state to another. It’s also about how it shapes and shifts the mind. Not only is it ideal to have a regular practice to keep on track, it’s also a tool to be used, as needed. Once you have a toolkit to dip into, you can pick and choose to suit the situation. FOR YOUR PERSONAL TOOLKIT: 3 x 3 minute shape-shifters to transform from one state to another; applicable depending on what you want to shift. Depressed and low energy? MEDITATION TO TOTALLY RECHARGE YOU Position: Sit comfortably with a straight spine. Technique: Extend your arms straight out in front, parallel to the ground. Close the right hand into a fist. Wrap the left fingers around the right fist. The base of the palms touch, thumbs are extended up and touch along the sides. Eyes: Focus on the thumbs. Breathe through the nose. Inhale for 5 seconds. Exhale for 5 seconds. Suspend the breath out for 15 seconds. Continue on like this. Time: 3 minutes or longer. This meditation totally recharges you. It is uplifting and good for depression. The arm and hand position combined with...
by admin | Jul 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
The fifth Yama (yogic way to live) is Aparigraha. Aparigraha means being un-possessive. Not holding onto an idea, a thing or an individual. Not needing labels or possessions to reinforce an identity: The practice of non-attachment. The practice of non-attachment can be challenging. Sometimes in the effort to not be attached (to others, outcomes, future goals), we become detached. Detached is like checking out – staying safe by not really taking part or fully putting yourself out there and living. Non-attachment doesn’t mean detachment. When we’re detached we have stepped away from feeling things – but when we feel things we live in a heart space. The heart space is a neutral, non-judgemental approach that comes out of love. We are content in our own space and open to what each moment can bring. We find joy in the happiness of others. SIMPLE TIP TO SUPERSEDE ATTACHMENT: Instead of focusing on taking away attachment, a great way to really shift out of the grasping, the jealousy and the desirous space of attachment, is to instead invoke the feeling of GENEROSITY (If this is hard, fake it ’til you make it). The feeling of generosity kind of sums up the feeling of non-attachment. We exist to encourage all beings to prosper and be fulfilled, including ourselves. It’s not all give and it’s not all take – it’s ALL enjoy. I have found personally, that when I’m struggling and feeling ripped off in life, if I direct my intention towards generosity, where I choose to feel joy for others, not jealousy, where I take my own dilemmas from the forefront of...
by admin | Jul 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
Bramacharya – the 4th Yama*. Historically this has meant preserving all energy for Spirit and removing oneself from the more human aspects of living. The yama of Bramacharya suggests abstaining from sex to enable the yogi to use sexual energy in other ways – to be channelled inward and to eventuate in enlightenment. This yama is often overlooked as not so relevant to the modern yogi, however when we approach it as being less about abstaining from sex and more about using energy (all energy) wisely; there is so much to be learned from this Yama. Generally as a culture we tend to push ourselves to the limits. We go until we really need to stop. This mindset of “use energy, re-fill, use energy, re-fill” somehow doesn’t quite cut it when considered through the lens of Bramacharya. Because Bramacharya is about balance. The practice of moderation – tempering the potential for over-doing it to avoid having to over-compensate later. Basically, it’s coming to terms with the FACT that where there is one extreme, the other extreme will follow. It’s the Yin and the Yang. If we expend too much energy, we’ll pay later. Bramacharya is the practice of what the Taoists would call the ‘middle way’. The idea is to not to go go go until empty, but to replace and replenish energy as we use it. This requires a careful balance of letting go and discipline. LETTING GO: Of the “to do list” head space. The list of all that needs be done. List consciousness is exhausting. Far more exhausting that actually getting through the list. Yogi Bhajan...
