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3 Kundalini Yoga Tips for Monday Mornings

admin — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 22:54:38 +0000

Here you are, walking into work after a fantastic weekend. Hiked and biked for two days. Cleaned the yard to seasonal perfection. Finally moved all that stuff out and into the garage. Partied out of town with your best friends, overeating and over-shopping. Partied IN town, overeating and over-shopping. In essence, you had so much FUN doing something out of the ordinary, you just can’t quite get to the idea of ‘WORK’ on Monday morning.

Admit it, no matter how good you look, you are in the “Monday Morning Blahs”.

Here are 3 simple yogic things you can do to change your energy around work on Monday morning.

1. Bless and drink at least a pint of water. Then, go to the bathroom and release whatever is in your bladder.

Wash your hands and then switch to cold. Rinse from your fingertips to as high up to your elbows as you can.

Rub the cold water in for a moment. Let it flow on your wrists for a bit longer than you want.

If you can, rinse your face in cold water at least 3 times.

Dry your arms and face and run the wet towel over your neck and throat.

See if you are in the same space you were a few minutes ago.

2. Take 2-4 minutes to re-center:

Sit with your spine straight and hold ‘Bear Grip’ at the heart center. The left hand is in front of the heart, palm out. Right palm faces the heart. Curl the fingers in to grasp each other in a fist. Close your eyes and focus at the third eye point.

Ideally, inhale, pull on the hands and begin Breath of Fire. Pull on the hands and do Breath of Fire for at least 1 minute.

If you can’t do Breath of Fire, just pull and deepen your breath. Continue up to 3 minutes.

Do 3 good inhales and exhales at the end. Continue to pull. Pull hard!

At the end, sit for one more minute, hands comfortable in your lap. Center and slow your breath.

One last deep inhale. Stretch up as high as you can and hold.

As you exhale, shake your hands rapidly, moving them back down to your lap.

Open your eyes and look at Monday feeling refreshed, with the courage of a Bear.

3. You don’t need a lot of room for this one, but you may need a quiet place, unless your coworkers know you’re a yogi.

Stand up and bend forward, grasping the ankles tight.

Walk!

Walk all over.

If you have little room, walk in place.

Keep changing direction and walk.

This is, “Elephant Walk”. Your blood is totally circulating to the head and back, pumped by your movement.

Continue for 1 – 3 minutes.

Breathe!

Elephant Walk back to your starting place.

When you inhale up, be slow and deliberate. Don’t lose your focus.

Continue to stretch above your head, until your stretching fingers pull you up on your toes. Stretch straight up and inhale and exhale 3 times, in the stretch.

Relax the arms down.

Still standing, shake your arms and legs rapidly. Shake off the negative effects of the weekend!

One last inhale.

Center.

Exhale, and see if you aren’t ready to start the day!

Try one or all 3 of these suggestions to help you break out of those Monday Morning Blahs.

In a few minutes you can be fresh and ready to go.

~ SAT NAM ~

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Kundalini Yoga at Summer Solstice

admin — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 17:02:20 +0000

Kundalini Yoga

Summer Solstice is the traditional gathering time for Kundalini Yoga teachers and practitioners.

My first Summer Solstice was in 1977, a year after I had moved into the New Haven, CT ashram. This was the first year we all gathered on the land known as Ram Das Puri. We set up our tents out past the parking lot, and hiked about a quarter mile to the showers and then a bit further to the Tantric Shelter. As the years passed, the camping tents moved closer and the Tantric Shelter grew larger.

An amazing discipline was born, the discipline of the Yogi. Sadhana practice begins at 3:00 AM with a musical wake-up call. Cold showers are followed by prayers and Kundalini Yoga. The day continues with more classes, more yoga, White Tantric Yoga, and music…lots of beautiful music in a serene, sacred landscape.

A cleansing diet is served. The main fare is protein-rich mung beans and rice, lettuce, hot sauce and Yogi Tea. This brings the body into a mildly alkaline state, a great balance for meditation.

If you intend to immerse yourself in this life changing experience, here are a few tips:

This is a drug and alcohol free environment
Everything is strictly vegetarian
Vitamin B15 will help you to oxygenate at altitude, the site in the Jemez Mountains is over 7,000 feet.
Bring organic skin and bug protection
Drink at least 80 ounces of water a day
Bring an attitude of gratitude and you can’t miss!

Kundalini Yoga flip charts @ http://gurutej.net/store/kundalini-yoga-flipcharts/

Tantric Meditation

admin — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 17:05:04 +0000

Yoga Chakras

Yogi Bhajan referred to this meditation as a Tantric Meditation. Pumping the navel point will allow you to move blocked emotional energy. We suggest 11 minutes for beginners and expand to 31 minutes.

To Begin: Sit in easy pose with your hands in Gyan Mudra (thumb and index finger meet at tips). Focus your eyes at the third eye point. Chant the word HARI (God) continuously while pulling the navel point each time you chant the word Hari.

Keep Up and You Will Be Kept Up
Yogi Bhajan

Yoga for Health and Healing: From the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D.

The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan

The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan: The Power of the Spoken Word

Kriya for Health and Vitality

admin — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 17:36:38 +0000

Sodarshan Chakra Kriya

The meditation we’re suggesting today is an advanced one, not for beginners. This meditation works with the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is the master gland controlling the other glands. Mastering this meditation will increase intuition and the pranic powers. Start at 31 minutes a day and expand to 62 minutes.

Straighten the spine and focus the eyes at the tip of the nose. They eyes are 9/10 closed (very important detail). Place the left hand in gyan mudra (thumb and index finger together). The thumb and index finger of the right hand will be used to block the nostrils, one at a time.

Use the right thumb and block the right nostril. Slowly inhale through the left nostril. As you inhale you will repeat a mantra while pumping the navel point. Mentally repeat WHA HE GURU (Wha Hey Guroo) 16 times while pumping the navel on every sylable (total of 48 pumps per cycle.

Unblock the right nostril, block the left nostril and slowly exhale through the right nostril.

Repeat for 31 to 62 minutes. When finished, inhaled and hold for five to ten seconds.

The video below is from one of Yogi Bhajan’s classes. We were fortunate to be at this class when it was taught. In this variation, Sodarshan Chakra Kriya, Yogi Bhajan begins with the left nostril. He gives an incredible description of the mantra, ‘Wha He Guru’.

He says that Wha is a water sound. He -is the word for God and is a fire sound. Guru, is the sound of light. It shatters the limitlessness of human thought. Alchemically, we are mixing water, fire and light in this process, which he says creates Ether.

Chakras – I knew about chakras growing up, but I didn’t fully understand what they were and how I could use them in my life until earlier this year. Now that I’m clear on what they are and what I’m supposed to do with them, I wish I had learned …
Kundalini Yoga | Review Lynn Dupree – There are different forms of yoga, was intended for another target. Kundalini Yoga literally means “rolled” and exercise a way of combining movement with breathing to release the latent forces in us. In his DVD, Kundalini Yoga by Ana …
KUNDALINI YOGA – Try our FREE On-Line Training for Beginners – You … – The world’s most popular site for Kundalini Yoga – rated by Alexa. Books, DVDs, Videos, Meditation I’m home at last. We warmly welcome students of not just Kundalini Yoga, but of all other yogas too, as well as absolute beginners.
Kundalini Yoga East – Our unique yoga studio, conveniently located near the transportation hub of Union Square in the heart of New York City’s historic Flatiron District offers you a beautiful, tranquil oasis where you can experience a renewed sense of well being and happiness. Join us in our cozy, serene environment where our Kundalini Yoga classes use movement, breath, sound (mantra) and meditation to help you to relieve your stress, increase your vitality, balance your mind and uplift your spirit. You get a great workout that will increase your flexibility and stamina while also enhancing your concentration and self-awareness.

Eliminating Inner Anger / Kundalini Yoga: The Yoga of Awareness Series

The Aquarian Teacher: Conscious Communication Taught By Yogi Bhajan, Master of Kundalini Yoga (Kundalini Yoga Lectures & Meditations)

Meditation & Mantra

admin — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 15:20:31 +0000

There is a science and technology to the practice of Kundalini Yoga.

Enjoy this video lecture by Yogi Bhajan. He talks about locking the optical nerve to achieve a focused mind. One can lock the eyes between the brow, at the tip of the nose or at the chin.

Aligning the Soul, body and mind through this method allows the subconscious mind to release negative thoughts. Mantra (sacred prayers) permeates and transforms negative thoughts.

Clearing your subconscious daily will allow your intuition to guide your intelligence. It will also eliminate your need to dream at night!

There are two ways to live life. You can magnetize yourself, all will come to you and the Universal Mind will serve you. Or, you can chase everything.

When our ego blocks our identity and our essence, there is not enough money and not enough time. A regular meditation practice allows us to cleanse our reactive mind and live in peace and clarity.

Life is a working challenge, clear and cleanse daily!

The Kundalini Yoga Experience

admin — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 16:01:12 +0000

“The kundalini experience does not mean you have gone into a deep breathless trance and are beyond this world…It integrates you more fully with reality and gives you a broader vision and sensitivity so that you can act more efficiently.” –Yogi Bhajan, Ph.D.

If we could only recommend one book about the art and science of Kundalini Yoga, it would be “Kundalini Yoga the Flow of Eternal Power,” by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa. Her simple “back to basics” approach is well referenced and loaded with resources.

The book is comprehensive, easy to follow and well organized. Instructions range from beginners to more advanced levels. It covers Mantra, the breath, women’s teachings, and deep insights about the relationship to a Spiritual Teacher.

Shakti Parwha Kaur was Yogi Bhajan’s first student and taught the Saturday morning beginners yoga class for decades. A Master of the Path in her own right, her insights are priceless.

I had the pleasure of working directly under her in an office setting. Her clarity and devotion caused me to hold great respect for her.

This book is her first of three, and was written in 1998. It’s not just another yoga manual! It’s a wonderful guide for life, loaded with pictures, charts, recipes and practical instructions.

Preview of the Table of Contents

Kundalini Yoga

Marriage on the Spiritual Path –2007 publication.

Got Energy?

admin — Fri, 04 Mar 2011 17:30:46 +0000

Breath of Fire is a fundamental Kundalini Yoga exercise.

We’re excited to review a Kundalini Yoga flipchart made by Gurutej. The easy to use flipbook includes Breath of Fire, Sitali Breath, Thymus Thump, plus 13 other life enhancing and stress reduction programs.

The exercises take no more than three minutes and can re-charge your day and improve your mental focus. Many of these exercises can be done in a work environment when necessary.

The above picture shows Breath of Fire. This Kundalini Yoga exercise is excellent for rejuvenating and energizing. The basic breath is combined with many other exercises in the science of Kundalini Yoga.

Spinal Flex, which can be done seated at a desk, takes one to two minutes to relieve lower back tension and enhance the flow of spinal fluid to the brain.

Gurutej has been a life-long student of Yogi Bhajan and Kundalini Yoga. Her intuitive insight give her a unique advantage. She has presented what we all need, the key to having more energy. You can contact this senior level instructor at The Energy Gurus or call 310.734.6776.

We would also suggest following a gluten free vegetarian diet for more energy and getting some great Vitamin D from the Sun.

Yogi Tea

admin — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 17:06:29 +0000

Yogi Tea Spices

Back in the early 1980′s, I worked at the Golden Temple Restaurant. These were vegetarian restaurants sponsored by Yogi Bhajan.

My first job in the morning was to make eight gallons of fresh Yogi Tea. My husband had taken Yogi Bhajan’s Ayurvedic recipe and counted out the spices for the larger batches. Over the years I’ve adjusted the spices for different size pots. We like our chai spicy, so we use extra peppercorns and ginger.

Place one gallon of water on the stove to boil. Add 2 cloves and 1 teaspoon peppercorns. Let the water come to a boil. Meanwhile, grate 5 ounces of fresh ginger. Crumble two 3-inch sticks of soft Mexican cinnamon. Crush and open 1 teaspoon of cardamom pods. Add this mixture to the pan once the water begins to boil.

Turn the pot down and simmer for one hour. After an hour, we shut off the heat and add one tablespoon of fine quality black tea and one teaspoon of jasmine flowers. Cover and let steep for four minutes.

Strain the mixture to remove the spices and tea. You now have nearly a gallon of the best chai tea! Add milk or soy milk and sweeten if desired.

Enjoy a tea that cleanses and energizes the body!

++++++++++++++++++++++++

Many have asked where to get the Yogi Tea spices!
Well, here.

Frontier Cardamom Pods, Green, Whole, Extract Fancy Grade, 16 Ounce Bag

Cinnamon – Ceylon (Whole Sticks) By ChefShop

Frontier Cloves Whole, Fancy Grade, 16 Ounce Bag

Peppercorn (Whole) – Black Tellicherry, 1 lbs

Fresh Ginger Root used in Asian, Thai, Chinese and Indian Cuisines – Ships out on Tuesdays

PG Tips Black Tea, Pyramid Tea Bags, 240-Count Boxes (Pack of 2)

~ SAT NAM ~

Autumn Update Nabhi Kriya

admin — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 16:06:03 +0000

Well, I guess I missed posting in August. It was hot, even in the mornings. I know I was practicing…seem to have entered dreamtime for a while.

I understand why so many martial arts studios give you a 3 – 4 month trial. If you’re good, you’ll get your yellow belt. If you’re committed, you’ll get into it and move into another realm of learning. If not, this is about the time you’ll drop away.
Seems to be true for many committed activities. Walking, running, exercise and workouts at the gym, after about 3 months, all seem to either go by the way or get energized for the long haul. Let us pray we can keep up.

Nabhi Kriya has become somewhat “rote”. Leg lifts start on their own and I can be half asleep through the first few minutes. I still crack a sweat somewhere in the middle of the double leg lifts. Sometimes, I even get energized to deepen and expand my breath. Clogged nostrils in the morning, seems to come with the territory. The fun is that my “mind” is getting a little quieter during these times.

Physically, I’ve lost weight (commentable!) and have a feeling of tightness at the belly. THAT is unusual. Only time I ever felt that was after the Marine Physical Fitness Tests Sit-Ups of high school, when all it did was hurt for 3 days.

Too bad all these physical fitness experts haven’t discovered Kundalini Yoga. For example, did you know that we have different kinds of sweat? Some you wash off after yoga/exercise, some you massage back in. Do some research. The Teachings are being published online, as we speak.

Oh, I’m suppposed to be relating about Nabhi Kriya….
I’ve found that those little things, like the ankle twisting as the legs extend, middle of the back on the right gets a twinge, right side muscles bigger than left side makes for tighter joints and clicking. The list goes on. My, how we want to relate to our Subtle Body!

So, I guess we don’t re-adjust to “normalcy” as fast as a good chiropractic crack, but this slow and steady is definitely working….There are days I actually feel POSITIVE and my body keeps up. Others, I can sleep 12 hours…only time is involved with that one, and there are a few other things to do in the day.

Dear Ones, I hope you are enjoying my little yoga biography. May you be inspired, too.

Blessings

~ SAT NAM ~

Depth of Diaphragm Lock

admin — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 15:22:40 +0000

Greetings on this midsummer day,

Something changed this morning.
At the end of the Laya Yoga meditation, I’ve been doing 3 deep breaths with Mulhbandh on the held inhale and Mahabandh on the held exhale.
This time, all 3 exhales, the diaphragm lock got “deeper”. When I pulled in and up, there was a little point where the lock got so tight, the entire belly area got pulled in at least another 1/2 inch, almost like a true vacuum. I’m more impressed by the phenomenon of the depth of motion than trying to evaluate if anything else is going on. This all lasts only for those 3 breaths.

Though…
Pulling the navel on the first repetition and then the 3 diaphragm locks has finally started to work itself into a decent rhythm. The motion is smoother. We were falling asleep(!) about 20 minutes into the meditation. This doesn’t “pressurize” the system like many of the breath techniques and fading away is easy towards the end. On the other hand, the last few days have been much more responsive to staying awake and keeping steady during the rounds.

There is another side to this, too. A deep relaxation after the meditation can go deep enough to sleep for an hour. (So, energy IS moved!) Fortunately, this is usually early enough to not affect the rest of the day. We HAVE been able to get up and going, once the body rebalances. We’ve also gone as short as 10 minutes before getting into the rest of the day.

If you are jumping up, right after your yoga and meditation, you are not doing your nervous system a favor.

Please be complete in your yoga. The deep relaxation is as important as your intention to practice in the first place.

Wishing you a great Summer day.

Blessings.

~ SAT NAM ~

Kundalini Yoga Blogs » Kundalini Yoga

3 Kundalini Yoga Tips for Monday Mornings

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Kundalini Yoga at Summer Solstice

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Tantric Meditation

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Kriya for Health and Vitality

Sodarshan Chakra Kriya

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Meditation & Mantra

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The Kundalini Yoga Experience

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Got Energy?

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Yogi Tea

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Autumn Update Nabhi Kriya

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Depth of Diaphragm Lock

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