IF YOU ARE NEW TO KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION 

1. If you are new to Kundalini Yoga my recommendation is to take between 4 to 8 classes before you decide whether it resonates with you or not. I say this because each class is unique and different because in Kundalini Yoga we practice Kriyas (sets of exercises) and Meditations. There are thousands of Kriyas and Meditations which is why each class is unique. While every Kriya has a specific focus such as enhancing the health of a particular body system whether that be the endocrine system, digestive system, nervous system, reproductive system or circulatory system or helping to alleviate depression or anxiety, they ALL work to strengthen the nervous system, stimulate the glandular system and balance all the chakras. 

2. Why is the nervous system, glandular system, and Chakra System important? Our nervous system impacts literally every area of our health and well-being. The glandular system is sometimes also referred to as the endocrine system. It affects your emotions, your aging process, your immunity, your metabolism, and your general sense of wellness. Your ability to handle stresses and challenges, even the smallest things in life, is directly related to your glandular system functioning. Finally, when your chakras (energy centers, 7 in the body and one outside the body called our Aura or electromagnetic field) are open and balanced we experience optimal levels of health and well being.

3. Start slow and gradually increase your time in each exercise. Each class do a little bit more. Overextending yourself is counterproductive. Enjoy the journey to greater health and well-being. 

4. If an exercise does not feel right for you, sit in easy pose or lie on your back and visualize yourself in the exercise or pose. Visualization triggers many of the same internal mechanisms that being in the exercise or pose does. 

5. Put the ego aside and use modifications when you need to! Come in and out of an exercise as much as you need to. Love yourself in all phases and stages of your practice. 

6. When you do not feel like showing up is when you need it the most!! Trust me, this is so true!!  

7. Women... if you are on the heavier part of your cycle it is best not to practice inversions, vigorous abdominal exercises, a heavy breath of fire, pumping the navel or moving crow. I will remind you of this in classes. You have a free pass to rest during these exercises or to use modifications as you deem fit. Or perhaps you may choose to practice a light style form of yoga or exercise on these days. 

8. A nice addition to a regular Kundalini Yoga practice is walking outside 3 to 5 miles every day.  

9. While I am familiar with what is and is not recommended for pregnant moms and would love to have you join my classes, I am sorry, until I go through a comprehensive prenatal yoga training, I would not recommend joining my classes. 

10. While I think we can all agree that online yoga is not quite the same as being in person, it does offer us advantages such as less of a time commitment with no commute to and from the studio, reduced fees, accessibility from wherever you are and opening to and strengthening the idea that we can still be connected even when we are not physically with each other.  

11. Kundalini Yoga can be a very detoxifying practice so please be sure to drink LOTS of water after your practice. Flush those toxins, clear your system!