The process of yoga focuses on the need to control the waves of the mind. The mind is considered to be the link between the body and the spirit or consciousness. Kundalini comes from the word kundal, which means lock of hair from the beloved. The uncoiling of this hair is the awakening of the kundalini, the creative potential that already exists in every human.

Kundalini Yoga is a yoga of awareness for body, mind and spirit. It was brought to the west by Yogi Bhajan from India.

Kundalini Yoga is a non-stressful way to promote flexibility, cardiovascular capability, weight and stress management, AND to cultivate energy, serenity, personal power and spiritual awakening. Its dynamic blend of breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, mantras and relaxation will enable you to look great, feel great, relax, enjoy life and live in grace and gratitude.

It works safely on every aspect of your body, mind, emotions and spirit. Kundalini Yoga facilitates the flow of pranic and spiritual (psychic) energy, in particular along the spinal energy channels and through the chakras.

It is a sacred technology for healing and expansion. Everything is done in a specific order and time frame for optimum results. Your eyes are closed during the class and focused at the brow point or 3^rd eye point unless otherwise instructed.

In Kundalini Yoga a sound vibration (mantra) is used to connect with both the higher self and the lineage of this ancient science. According to yogic knowledge, when a sound’s innate vibration corresponds to or in some way reproduces what it refers to, it is a sacred language. This is the underlying principle in languages such as Sanskrit and Gurmukhi. Chanting these ancient syllables is the fastest possible path to vibratory union between ourselves and the universal consciousness.

We wear white as the preferred color as it is the infinite of all colors and is psychologically uplifting.

We cover our heads with a natural fiber cloth, preferably cotton, as it strengthens the electromagnetic energy field and enhances the meditative mind.

We always start every Kundalini Yoga class by chanting the Adi Mantra 3 times

ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO

I bow to the infinite wisdom within

As we chant this mantra 3 times it connects us to the golden chain of teachers that have come before us. 

While practicing kundalini yoga; we silently chant Sat Nam, sat with the inhale and nam with the exhale.  SAT NAM = TRUTH IS MY IDENTITY

Yoga Breathing, also known as Pranayama – Prana =Breath/life force and Yama = natural law

Pranayam is the science of breath, controlling the movement of prana through the use of breathing techniques. Kundalini Yoga employs a wide range of pranayam techniques, using the rhythm and dept of breath to effect and manage different energy states of health, consciousness and emotion. The mind follows the breath. The key to controlling the mind is in controlling the breath. Some of the breathing techniques we use include:

Breath of fire – rapid breath pumping the navel point. Even inhale and exhale

The benefits include: cleaning the blood, the mucous lining of the lungs and all the cells. It expands the lung capacity. It warms up the body and activates the brain. It increases oxygen delivery to the brain, rejuvenating the brain’s neurons

Long deep breathing – By taking deep yogic breaths you can expand your lungs to about 8 times their normal size by breathing into the belly, diaphragm and upper lungs.

 
Alternative Nostril breathing – Blocking the right nostril helps to cool your self down. Blocking the left nostril and breathing out of the right helps to energize you. 

 We finish classes with The Long Time Sun which is a special blessing song and chanting One long Sat and Short Nam

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1D3ejwQiVg

May the long time sun shine upon you, all love surround you. And the pure light within you, Guide your way on.

The info. here has come from: Kundalini Yoga by Shakta Kaur Khalsa &

Meditation As  Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa, MD

Removing Fear of the Future Meditation

From Yoga Bhajan

Sit comfortably in easy pose - cross legged or can sit in a chair of you are unable to sit on the floor. Rest the back of your left hand in the palm of your right hand. The right thumb nestles in the palm of the left hand and the left thumb crosses it. The fingers of the right hand curves around the outside of the left hand and hold it gently. Place your hands in this position over your heart center in the center of your chest. Holding your hands in this way will give you a peaceful and secure feeling.

Start at 11 minutes and slowly and gradually work up to 31 minutes of practice time. To finish: inhale deeply and relax. This meditation takes away your fears of the future which have been created by your subconscious memories of the past. It will help to bring you into alignment with your heart centre.