When I look back on the first decade of my career, I would probably typify it in one word: stressful. Starting a work in marketing, running an agency, building a wellness brand (or two) and trying to be “someone” took its toll. There were countless sleepless nights, dozens upon dozens of “difficult” conversations, neverending logistics, tricky team dynamics, and my fair share of successes and failures.
And when I look back on the last 18 months, it has been all of that and more: I stepped into my role as a nutrition and corporate wellness consultant, helped launch two wellness start-ups, and have had ups and downs with all three. But I would never call it anything other than joy. The difference? Perspective and a gratitude practice. These days I wear three hats—and they’re big old sombreros that require a lot of attention and care. So what’s the key to doing it all and not falling on my face like last time? Balance, green juice and a little Kundalini.
What is Kundalini? It kind of sounds like ancient pasta!
Kundalini Yoga is an ancient and highly effective form of yoga that supports physical and emotional stress, your body and your wildest dreams—literally. It blends physical practice with breath work, meditation and chanting to increase physical vitality and consciousness; Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is the Yoga of Awareness. Yogi Bhajan brought Kundalini teachings to the West in 1968.
How do you do it?
While there are likely studios and teachers in your city, Kundalini can be practiced anywhere—which is why I love it so much. There are virtual teachers and subscriptions—and YouTube is home to a many teaching videos that can introduce you to the practice. One of my favorites is, Guru Jagat, who offers online teachings and digital recordings with a sense of humor and perspective.
What is it good for?
The benefits of kundalini are vast. Reported benefits include increased flexibility, expanded lung capacity, a strong core, stress alleviation and even emotional balance.
Here are 5 practical and real world benefits of the practice
1) Helps You Find Your Truth
Kundalini’s science allows you to connect to your core energy and approach each day connected to your truth. Being connected to your highest self creates a palpable energy shift that those around you will notice. Relationships will deepen and new opportunities will arise.
2) Supports a Sense of Clarity
Each class leaves me with clarity and the ability to breaks through old mental patterns and inspires new ideas.
3) Helps You Find Your Inspired Pack
We can’t always choose our co-workers or the people next to us on our morning commute. Their energy might feel negative; and let's not forget that we’re the sum total of those we spend time with. So, pulling up your energy by spending time with an inspired community can keep you focused on what’s most important.
4) Allows You to Be Ready for Anything
Each Kundalini class is an adventure that can take you from casual stretching to crazy screaming. The spontaneous nature of the practice keeps you light on your feet and ready for anything.
5) Everyone is a Teacher
Yogi Bhajan said that he shared Kundalini in the west not to get more followers but to inspire new teachers. We are all in service to each other and have something to teach and share and Kundalini is a great reminder of that.
Interested in learning more about Kundalini or potentially becoming a teacher? Our good friends at Sat Nam Center for Higher Consciousness are launching a digital & live Kundalini Yoga teacher training. Check it out!