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About Kundalini YogaKundalini Yoga and Meditation is for everyone. Practical but also very powerful. It works quickly to give you grace, balance and most of all, the ability to remain calm, centred and clear through life's challenges. As you practice Kundalini Yoga you will grow. You will gain new perspectives and capacities as well as habits that support a healthy lifestyle. The best part is you don't need any previous experience in yoga in order to achieve results with your very first class.Kundalini Yoga is spiritual but not religious.
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Anyone can do Kundalini Yoga. If you can breath and move you will benefit. It balances the glandular system and strengthens the nervous system so you feel more vibrant and alive. Although some postures require a degree of mobility adaptations can be offered to suit your needs.
I am also extremely committed to support our BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities. Yoga, in the Western world, has been predominately a white person's "hobby" whereas, in reality, it has so much to offer us all as a "lifestyle". Help me raise awareness, and find ways to take action against exclusion, discrimination, and racism here.
If you are drawn to taking up this practice but have felt excluded by white, heterosexual spaces in the yoga world (and if you have the capacity to) let us know how I can make our spaces feel safer and more inclusive, I would love to know.
[Note: my apologies for lack of such diversity amongst my included photos on this website - You see what I'm talking about!! Come help me start a revolution!!]
History
In 1969 Yogi Bhajan came to the West and taught Kundalini Yoga openly for the first time in history. He shared a body of teachings to empower the emerging planetary consciousness. For thousands of years its practice was exclusive to sages and rulers in India for whom it brought greatness and prosperity. He said that the time had come to make this technology available to everyone. He passed on in 2004. He left us with the tools to live life with grace and grit.
Yogi Bhajan has recently (August 2020) been the subject of an investigation into, what seems to becoming fairly typical of Spiritual Leaders in many organisations, incidents of sexual and other forms of abuse with several of his students and staff. Whilst the details of these abuses are appalling and damaging to so many and the investigation held that it is "more likely than not" that he committed many atrocities, I wouldn't wish any shame to prevent complete transparency about this matter as I have always valued the Teachings he channelled (many of them were channelled directly from Divine Sources and others came via ancient Kundalini Yoga, Sikh an other traditions - he used what was most effective!) rather than, as he described himself, the "postman" that delivered them. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for us all to recognise that "Shadow" is in all of us and all of us have our part to play in bringing the worst aspects of humanity into awareness and working with it so that we can be our most compassionate, loving selves. The greater the Light, the further the shadow can be cast? If you would like to discuss this matter before attending one of our classes please don't hesitate to contact me.
As a psychotherapist I work with many cases of vulnerable people who have suffered such abuses and have a good understanding of how reading something like this can trigger stressful responses for anyone with similar history. If this is you, perhaps this is the moment to get some support with it? Contact me FOC- I'm happy to listen and/or offer a free assessment for a referral to further help.
KRI (the Kundalini Research Institute) and 3HO (the organisation set up to spread word of the teachings and support the growing community of yogis and yoginis) are also very committed to healing the damage caused to individuals and the community. You can read about their efforts in this regard and the full report on the allegations here.
The practice that Yogi Bhajan brought through (and which is still being developed by his students who are now teachers themselves) is continuously being proved under one piece of scientific research after another, to be an extremely effective art and technology for healing. You can read about a small portion of this research here. It includes how Kundalini Yoga can help with Generalised Anxiety, Trauma, Alzheimer's, managing the pain of Fibromyalgia and more.
One downside - You don't get much benefit from it just by reading about it! The first step to happiness, according to Yogi Bhajan, is "Commitment". In life we are all "meant" to "commit". That is why the word is commit-ment. So commit to coming to a couple of classes and experience what a practice of Kundalini Yoga can do for you. Times of my classes and Workshops are here but if you are needing a regular class in your area follow the KYTA link on the links page.
I am also extremely committed to support our BIPOC & LGBTQIA+ communities. Yoga, in the Western world, has been predominately a white person's "hobby" whereas, in reality, it has so much to offer us all as a "lifestyle". Help me raise awareness, and find ways to take action against exclusion, discrimination, and racism here.
If you are drawn to taking up this practice but have felt excluded by white, heterosexual spaces in the yoga world (and if you have the capacity to) let us know how I can make our spaces feel safer and more inclusive, I would love to know.
[Note: my apologies for lack of such diversity amongst my included photos on this website - You see what I'm talking about!! Come help me start a revolution!!]
History
In 1969 Yogi Bhajan came to the West and taught Kundalini Yoga openly for the first time in history. He shared a body of teachings to empower the emerging planetary consciousness. For thousands of years its practice was exclusive to sages and rulers in India for whom it brought greatness and prosperity. He said that the time had come to make this technology available to everyone. He passed on in 2004. He left us with the tools to live life with grace and grit.
Yogi Bhajan has recently (August 2020) been the subject of an investigation into, what seems to becoming fairly typical of Spiritual Leaders in many organisations, incidents of sexual and other forms of abuse with several of his students and staff. Whilst the details of these abuses are appalling and damaging to so many and the investigation held that it is "more likely than not" that he committed many atrocities, I wouldn't wish any shame to prevent complete transparency about this matter as I have always valued the Teachings he channelled (many of them were channelled directly from Divine Sources and others came via ancient Kundalini Yoga, Sikh an other traditions - he used what was most effective!) rather than, as he described himself, the "postman" that delivered them. I believe this is a fantastic opportunity for us all to recognise that "Shadow" is in all of us and all of us have our part to play in bringing the worst aspects of humanity into awareness and working with it so that we can be our most compassionate, loving selves. The greater the Light, the further the shadow can be cast? If you would like to discuss this matter before attending one of our classes please don't hesitate to contact me.
As a psychotherapist I work with many cases of vulnerable people who have suffered such abuses and have a good understanding of how reading something like this can trigger stressful responses for anyone with similar history. If this is you, perhaps this is the moment to get some support with it? Contact me FOC- I'm happy to listen and/or offer a free assessment for a referral to further help.
KRI (the Kundalini Research Institute) and 3HO (the organisation set up to spread word of the teachings and support the growing community of yogis and yoginis) are also very committed to healing the damage caused to individuals and the community. You can read about their efforts in this regard and the full report on the allegations here.
The practice that Yogi Bhajan brought through (and which is still being developed by his students who are now teachers themselves) is continuously being proved under one piece of scientific research after another, to be an extremely effective art and technology for healing. You can read about a small portion of this research here. It includes how Kundalini Yoga can help with Generalised Anxiety, Trauma, Alzheimer's, managing the pain of Fibromyalgia and more.
One downside - You don't get much benefit from it just by reading about it! The first step to happiness, according to Yogi Bhajan, is "Commitment". In life we are all "meant" to "commit". That is why the word is commit-ment. So commit to coming to a couple of classes and experience what a practice of Kundalini Yoga can do for you. Times of my classes and Workshops are here but if you are needing a regular class in your area follow the KYTA link on the links page.
What to Expect from a Class
Tuning In
Whenever we practice, at home or in a class, we tune in by chanting "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo", connecting us to the purity of the infinite teacher living within each of us.
Pranayama - Breath work
Breath is life energy itself. When we learn to breathe consciously we can calm our minds and master all aspects of our lives.
Kriya
A kriya is an exact, dynamic combination of postures (asana) breathing and sound - a complete system that balances body, mind and soul and increases mental clarity and physical vitality. It is important to always practice these in the order given by Yogi Bhajan and never to take an exercise to stand alone just because we resonated with that one. This is because the exercises build the different systems (i.e. nerves, glands, circulation) of the body in specific ways that it is not always possible for us to be aware of.
Relaxation (Savasana)
Time to allow the mind and body to integrate the effects of the pranayama and kriya. This is not "down time" and can be considered the most important and often the most challenging part of the class. Most of us are used to keeping ourselves busy most of the time and can find relaxation quite challenging. The aim is to stay awake and alert and yet completely relaxed (not asleep!). Practising in a group with a teacher present can be an excellent way to improve these skills which will then serve you well when you are going about your regular life.
Meditation
Meditation brings awareness and control of our thoughts. Using mantra (sacred sound currents repeated aloud or silently) and mudra (sacred gestures that set our nervous system and so on into a particular pattern) we can clear negative patterns and connect with our higher consciousness.
Whenever we practice, at home or in a class, we tune in by chanting "Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo", connecting us to the purity of the infinite teacher living within each of us.
Pranayama - Breath work
Breath is life energy itself. When we learn to breathe consciously we can calm our minds and master all aspects of our lives.
Kriya
A kriya is an exact, dynamic combination of postures (asana) breathing and sound - a complete system that balances body, mind and soul and increases mental clarity and physical vitality. It is important to always practice these in the order given by Yogi Bhajan and never to take an exercise to stand alone just because we resonated with that one. This is because the exercises build the different systems (i.e. nerves, glands, circulation) of the body in specific ways that it is not always possible for us to be aware of.
Relaxation (Savasana)
Time to allow the mind and body to integrate the effects of the pranayama and kriya. This is not "down time" and can be considered the most important and often the most challenging part of the class. Most of us are used to keeping ourselves busy most of the time and can find relaxation quite challenging. The aim is to stay awake and alert and yet completely relaxed (not asleep!). Practising in a group with a teacher present can be an excellent way to improve these skills which will then serve you well when you are going about your regular life.
Meditation
Meditation brings awareness and control of our thoughts. Using mantra (sacred sound currents repeated aloud or silently) and mudra (sacred gestures that set our nervous system and so on into a particular pattern) we can clear negative patterns and connect with our higher consciousness.
Preparing for a Class
Below is information you may find helpful.
Please arrive 15 mins early to allow for registering and setting up.
Parking for the York Yoga Studio is on the road but is free and usually there is plenty of space.
What do you need to bring, etc.??
· Yoga is practiced bare foot wearing loose comfortable clothing made of natural fabric. Many people choose white cotton but this is not essential.
· Long hair should be tied up out of the way or covered with a scarf or turban (again white is preferable for your energy).
· Have a bottle of water with you and drink plenty during and after the class.
· Bring a natural fibre yoga mat or something soft to exercise on (a sheepskin is ideal – I have a few spares if you need one but not enough for everyone).
· Bring a blanket (of natural fabric), shawl, warm clothes to cover your self with during deep relaxation.
· Please make sure you sign the register/ disclaimer and pay for the class before we start.
Taking Care of Yourself
Trust your own intuition about how far to push yourself physically. You should not strain your body, but you do need to work and break through some of your perceived boundaries. Also,
· The benefits attributed to yoga come from many centuries of yogic experience and should not be confused with medical advice. Inform the teacher of any medical condition after consulting your doctor;
· Do not eat anything substantial for 2-3 hours before class;
· Alcohol and non-medicinal drugs cannot be part of a yogic practice. Please do not come to a Kundalini Yoga class whilst under their influence.
· When menstruating or pregnant women should not do inverted postures, double leg lifts, Breath of Fire, or anything which strains the abdomen.
· Remember that yoga is not about competing with others.
Being Mindful of Others and Your Environment
· Please remove your shoes as soon as you enter the hall.
· Avoid wearing strong fragrances such as perfume, after shave, etc.
· Be sure to switch off mobile phones.
· Be conscious of the special energy in the room, and of the energy you bring to it.
· Be mindful of why you have come to practice yoga. While waiting for class to start, sit quietly and focus on your breathing rather than socialising - there is plenty of time to do that afterwards.
· Please do not talk during class - there is also plenty of time afterwards for having your questions answered.
Yoga has many different forms and all are beneficial and can be looked upon as different facets of a diamond. Kundalini yoga has been described as the diamond itself as it includes all the different aspects of yoga – dynamic postures, asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), mantra, mudra and meditation. The Kundalini is a form of energy – the energy of consciousness and it represents the unfolding of our awareness. Each class is based around a specific sequence of exercises, relaxation and meditation known as a “Kriya”.
Wherever you are with your physical health and fitness you can always benefit from practicing these exercises to the degree that works for you. Yoga is not a performance and there is no need to do anything perfectly, only to get what you need out of each practice.
Please arrive 15 mins early to allow for registering and setting up.
Parking for the York Yoga Studio is on the road but is free and usually there is plenty of space.
What do you need to bring, etc.??
· Yoga is practiced bare foot wearing loose comfortable clothing made of natural fabric. Many people choose white cotton but this is not essential.
· Long hair should be tied up out of the way or covered with a scarf or turban (again white is preferable for your energy).
· Have a bottle of water with you and drink plenty during and after the class.
· Bring a natural fibre yoga mat or something soft to exercise on (a sheepskin is ideal – I have a few spares if you need one but not enough for everyone).
· Bring a blanket (of natural fabric), shawl, warm clothes to cover your self with during deep relaxation.
· Please make sure you sign the register/ disclaimer and pay for the class before we start.
Taking Care of Yourself
Trust your own intuition about how far to push yourself physically. You should not strain your body, but you do need to work and break through some of your perceived boundaries. Also,
· The benefits attributed to yoga come from many centuries of yogic experience and should not be confused with medical advice. Inform the teacher of any medical condition after consulting your doctor;
· Do not eat anything substantial for 2-3 hours before class;
· Alcohol and non-medicinal drugs cannot be part of a yogic practice. Please do not come to a Kundalini Yoga class whilst under their influence.
· When menstruating or pregnant women should not do inverted postures, double leg lifts, Breath of Fire, or anything which strains the abdomen.
· Remember that yoga is not about competing with others.
Being Mindful of Others and Your Environment
· Please remove your shoes as soon as you enter the hall.
· Avoid wearing strong fragrances such as perfume, after shave, etc.
· Be sure to switch off mobile phones.
· Be conscious of the special energy in the room, and of the energy you bring to it.
· Be mindful of why you have come to practice yoga. While waiting for class to start, sit quietly and focus on your breathing rather than socialising - there is plenty of time to do that afterwards.
· Please do not talk during class - there is also plenty of time afterwards for having your questions answered.
Yoga has many different forms and all are beneficial and can be looked upon as different facets of a diamond. Kundalini yoga has been described as the diamond itself as it includes all the different aspects of yoga – dynamic postures, asanas, pranayama (breathing techniques), mantra, mudra and meditation. The Kundalini is a form of energy – the energy of consciousness and it represents the unfolding of our awareness. Each class is based around a specific sequence of exercises, relaxation and meditation known as a “Kriya”.
Wherever you are with your physical health and fitness you can always benefit from practicing these exercises to the degree that works for you. Yoga is not a performance and there is no need to do anything perfectly, only to get what you need out of each practice.