Kundalini Yoga 101
By Julia DuncanKundalini Yoga is weird. It doesn't matter if you're an expert yogi or never tried it before. That's my favorite thing about Kundalini: it's the come-as-you-are, try-something-you've-never-tried-before yoga. Kundalini lets you be exactly who you are, no matter what kind of day you're having. I accidentally stumbled upon Kundalini. I've always loved yoga for its ability to stretch and strengthen my body while slowing my mind, but when I discovered Kundalini, nothing - including my existing yoga practice - was making me feel better. Three years ago I found myself swallowed by more grief than I ever imagined possible; that's when Kundalini found me. I was at a yoga retreat center and a featured speaker guided the group through a simple Kundalini meditation. I didn't really like it, nor did I think much about it afterwards. But I awoke the next day and, much to my surprise, found that it was a little easier to breathe than it had been the day before. At a time in my life when I wasn't sure how to keep moving, that one breath was all I needed. As I got more into Kundalini, I realized this is why most people are drawn to the practice: they get something out of it that they hadn't been able to find anywhere else. Kundalini can't be adequately described because it's much more about how it feels, and that's different for every person who tries it. Also, it's weird; it asks students to get a little uncomfortable.
During a Kundalini class, I guide students through a specific series of movements and breath work which not only strengthens, but also focuses on moving energy through the body to come to a place of balance and peace. Kundalini asks that we feel however we feel - even if that's uncomfortable - and move through that feeling in order to release it. Kundalini recognizes that strengthening and healing, both physically and mentally, can come about when we simply let ourselves feel. There is a quote written by my favorite poet, the incomparable Nayyirah Waheed, that I feel sums up the experience of Kundalini perfectly. Ms. Waheed writes: "Feel it. That thing you don't want to feel. Feel it. And be free." So if you're struggling with something or just want to try something new to shake up your practice, come join me for a Kundalini class. We will stretch and strengthen our bodies while letting go of any energy that no longer serves our ability to be our best selves.
Take Kundalini Yoga with Julia on Sundays at 11:15 am at the Takoma studio.