2013

Happy New Year!!!!  Sometimes it is good to start over or review that which you think you already know so well.  I wanted to post some basic guidelines for practicing Kundalini Yoga.  

Before you begin

• Have only a light snack and water 2-3 hours before beginning a session.
• Turn off your cell phone and other electronic or distracting devices
• Have water handy.  Preferably with a lid or way to close the water container in case it gets knocked over. 
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and a natural fiber head covering (scarf, beanie, bandanna) Why natural fibers? Through time, yogis found it to be the best insulator to keep grounded during meditation.
• Have a sheepskin or blanket (natural fiber) to sit on and a shawl or second blanket to cover yourself during relaxation and meditation.
• If you are tight in the lower back, hips, or legs, have a pillow or cushion to elevate yourself on during meditation and seated postures.

During your practice

• Tune-in with the Adi Mantra: Chant Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo three times before beginning any warm-ups, kriyas, or meditation.
• Kundalini Yoga is the yoga of awareness. Listen to your body; do what works for you. But, challenge yourself to extend just past whatever you think your limits are. For instance, if you think you can only do one minute of an exercise, then try for one minute and ten seconds.  Next time try it for a minute and twenty.
• Follow the directions! Keep the order and type of posture. Do not exceed the stated times. If you wish to shorten an exercise, shorten all exercises in the kriya proportionally (i.e., cut all times in half or quarter).
• In a class, feel free to ask for clarification on an exercise or other aspects of the practice.
• Drink water as needed between exercises.
• LADIES: Remember the Moon! During the heaviest part (one to three days) of a woman's monthly menstruation, avoid strenuous yoga. In particular, do not do: Bow Pose, Breath of Fire, Stretch Pose, Camel Pose, Locust Pose, Root Lock, Sat Kriya, inversions (e.g., Shoulder Stand), or strenuous leg lifts. Instead, visualize yourself doing the posture or ask the teacher for a modification.

Afterwards

• Drink lots of water.  We tend to 'stir' up things and drinking water will help flush any toxins from your body.  
• Pay close attention to your physical, mental and emotional self.  
• Most importantly, incorporate yoga into your life.  Notice your breathing, be aware of your posture.  Use the teachings to carry you in your life and your relationships.