There are many schools – types – of yoga, and some more distinct than others. Even in those differences, there may likely be elements that are familiar across these disciplines. And while you may not seek out different schools, the names of those styles may be heard from time to time in different discussions or workshops, even if only as a quick highlight. Which, at some point, must have been how I first learned about Kundalini yoga.
While I have heard of Kundalini over the years, I have not yet taken a class. What I’m writing here stems from what I’ve heard or what I’ve read and is only my understanding. If Kundalini yoga is a style you are interested in taking, there are materials to read and workshops available, including at The Mat Yoga Studio, which I’ll talk about below.
Now based on what I’ve picked up over the years, Kundalini is a practice that I thought of a slower style of yoga, compared to my vinyasa classes, with a stronger emphasis on some practices I am familiar through my own yoga journey. This is the focus on energy, breathwork, mudras and even mantras to place more focus on one’s individual energy and the energy flow.
That energy is thought to be balled up at the base of the spine and the practices that make up Kundalini are to help uncoil that energy to move through the body more freely. I’ve heard that the translation of Kundalini – a Sanskrit word – as a coiled snake. Which offers such a great visualization of the idea of an individual’s energy coiled up around itself like a snake.
I mentioned earlier about some of the practices in Kundalini are ideas I’ve come across before. When trying something new, it can be really helpful to make those connections with words or practices you’ve experienced before. But there was a term that I learned that I think I have only heard linked to Kundalini, which is kriya, which is the term used for tying the movement, breathwork and sound together as a section. Though again, this is just from my journey, so it’s not to say kriya isn’t used elsewhere.
In January, The Mat Yoga Studio offered a beginner’s Kundalini workshop that was very popular. In light of that excitement, the studio will offer quarterly Kundalini classes throughout the year (the next one is coming up at the beginning of March!). If this very brief intro sparks your curiosity, conduct your own research to learn more and keep an eye on The Mat Dallas’ events page for these upcoming classes.
This is the part of a series of posts for The Mat Yoga Studio, sharing my thoughts and observations as a student only. The views and opinions are my own experience.
