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Kundalini

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What is Kundalini?

Kundalini practice has its origins in Hinduism, with traditions that date back to around 1,000 BCE to 500 BCE. It is considered a form of feminine energy, also called Prana energy, believed to be coiled at the base of the spine. The term "Kundalini" comes from Sanskrit, meaning "coiled snake."

Somatic techniques offer valuable support to individuals who are either experiencing or intentionally pursuing a Kundalini awakening by guiding the body toward greater presence and awareness. These practices help cultivate a deeper connection to the physical self, enabling a release from the automatic, often unconscious cycles of reaction that can otherwise inhibit spiritual growth and energetic flow. By fostering embodied mindfulness, somatic approaches create a stable foundation for navigating the intense shifts that often accompany Kundalini energy, promoting balance, integration, and overall well-being throughout the awakening process.

Kundalini and Religion

Kundalini Meditation is not a set of beliefs or religion. Instead, it's a system for evoking energy inside yourself and developing mind-body awareness.

Instead Kundalini should be looked at as technique that focuses on primal energy, as a way of channeling your energy, releasing yourself from stress and living on "auto-pilot."

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Benefits

The benefits of learning to practice Kundalini meditation can be summarized as bringing more awareness and intention to your daily life. More specific examples include:

  • Aiding concentration and preventing random thoughts from throwing you off balance

  • Breaking your automatic daily routines and bringing you into a state of mindfulness

  • Bringing balance to mind, body, and soul

  • Building up your creative energy to tackle projects in your life

  • Creating awareness of the body

  • Enhancing your emotional balance

  • Helping reduce anxiety

  • Helping release stress and find a sense of peace

  • Improving sleep and sleep-related issues

  • Teaching the proper way to breathe (into your diaphragm) and expanding lung capacity

How it works

These are 10 basic steps to help you understand how Kundalini Meditation works

  • Kundalini Meditation can be done anywhere. Ideally find a quiet, distraction-free space that's comfortable. This should be a place that you find peaceful and you aren’t likely to be bothered.

  • Dress in whatever feels right to you. Many people choose to wear looser fitting clothing that is comfortable and light.

  • Find a time that works for you. This could be in the morning, as a way to set your intentions for the day, or before bed as a way to wind down. The choice is up to you.

  • Sit on the floor cross-legged or in a chair with your weight resting on your feet. The most important thing is that you are comfortable and can sit with a straight spine.

  • How long you meditate is up to you. The most common choices of meditation length are 11 minutes, 15 minutes, 22 minutes, 31 minutes, etc. It may be easier to start with shorter lengths of time and build yourself up to longer meditations. Whatever works best for you and your goals is perfect.

  • While you breathe you will chant a mantra. A common one is “sat nam”, which means "truth is my identity."

    While breathing in you will chant “sat” and while breathing out you will chant “nam”. You can choose to say the chant out loud, in a whisper, or in your head.

    The purpose of the chant is to direct your energy. Whatever chant you choose it should reflect the state you want to be in and not reflect the state you are currently in.

  • Notice your breathing and gradually start to slow it down. Your goal will be for one round of inhaling and exhaling to last about seven to eight seconds.

    Breath through your nose the entire time. If you feel dizzy at any point, then stop the practice.

  • As you are practicing your breathing and chanting, focus on how your breath is moving through your body and helping you to relax.

  • Continue this cycle of breathing throughout the predetermined mediation time. (Set a timer so you'll know when to stop.) Complete the mediation by inhaling deeply, pushing your palms together or raising your arms in the air, and then relaxing and exhaling.

  • Gradually, aim to increase the length of time that you meditate. As you practice, focus on letting thoughts come and go, and watch for a feeling of energy moving along your spine.

Kundalini Awakening

A Kundalini awakening occurs when dormant energy is awakened, traveling up through the seven chakras to reach the crown of the head. This process balances the energetic body and may facilitate access to expanded states of consciousness.

Traditionally, it is believed that this awakening triggers a profound energetic shift in both the mind and body, resulting in a completely new way of navigating life. According to tradition, such an awakening can bring about lasting changes, which may include:

  • Feelings of blissfulness

  • Improved self-awareness

  • Enhanced psychic abilities

  • More compassion and empathy

  • Increased creativity

  • Increased spiritual connection

  • Feeling aligned and “in the flow” of life

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