Stepping into a kundalini yoga class as a beginner can be daunting. Kundalini yoga is a very different style to a hatha or vinyasa class. To help you get the most out of your experience, here are 5 essential preparation tips for your next kundalini yoga class.
5 Preparation Tips for a Kundalini yoga class
1) Dress in what makes you feel comfortable
We all know to dress comfortably for any yoga class but what I mean here is to dress in what makes you feel comfortable. You might have noticed that white is worn alot in kundalini yoga, however you do not have to wear white.
Traditionally white is worn because it is a neutral colour, a colour that represents peace, freedom and protection. It’s believed that white can remove energetic blockages allowing the Kundalini energy to flow through our chakra system.
You can wear anything of any colour that feels good, safe and comfortable for you. If wearing all white doesn’t feel good for you, you can mix it up, for example, wear dark pants and a light coloured top or the other way around. Or all white with a red scarf for a splash of colour. Wear what is right for you.
Wearing a head covering is also very common in kundalini yoga. You don’t have to wear one, this is also optional for you. A turban, scarf or wrap is often worn and has to do with acupressure. The light pressure of the wrap on the cranium helps make you feel more aware and more awake. It’s also containing the energy you’re working with and helps if you sometimes get light headed.
Wearing a head covering can also give you a sense of protection and that you are within yourself during meditation.
2) Nourish your space
Settling down to do your practice is a special and sacred time. Nourishing your space can make it all the more grounding and make you more present in your practice.
Here are some ‘nourishing your space’ ideas:
- To lie on – Nothing wrong with a yoga mat, I have a collection of them, but maybe Instead of a yoga mat you could use a small rug or something that’s comfy, soft or that feels good.
- To sit on – A meditation cushion or pillow to sit on, or you could use a yoga block. This allows you to sit much more comfortably and allows you to keep your spine straight, keeping your body in alignment. It will also help you from getting pins and needles so easily as your hips will be raised over your legs.
If you’re doing an at-home practice
- Light a candle – Or maybe you have a himalayan salt lamp or another light that brings a soft, peaceful vibe to the room.
- Crystals – Kundalini yoga, chakras and crystals all go together. Amethyst, Rose Quartz, are two of my favs.
- Sage or Palo Santo – Cleanse your space with sage or palo santo. Tibetan bells are also great for cleansing if you don’t want to set the smoke alarms off!
- Incense or Essential oils- In yoga we use all the senses, making us more present in our practice. Light some incense or use essential oil. I use the same incense for my practice that I only use for my practice and once I light it my body is like ‘oh we’re doing our practice now’.
3) Bring a light blanket or shawl
There are moments of deep relaxation in a kundalini yoga class, where your body temperature may drop. Bring a light blanket or shawl to keep you warm during those moments, especially during Shavasana, the relaxation part of class.
Wearing a shawl draped around you during meditation can create a sense of safety within. Like a safe cocoon around you, protecting you. When we feel safe within our felt sense, our parasympathetic nervous system is activated.
4) Set a Personal Intention
Kundalini yoga is a spiritual practice that activates a beautiful energy within. It’s not about working out but working in. It’s a practice that can be used along your inner healing journey.
Setting an intention at the beginning of your practice is a powerful way to guide your energy and direction for the class.
Practicing Kundalini yoga strengthens your connection to divine energy/source energy/higher self and setting an intention can open you up to receiving guidance or insights on that intention.
5) Journal for Reflection
Kundalini yoga can evoke deep emotional and spiritual experiences. It can awaken your intutition and your awareness. It can open you to receiving intuitive guidance, or a download as it’s sometimes called, and we can channel new insights, ideas and perspectives.
Keeping a journal with you allows you to capture what is being channeled through you.
This practice can help deepen your personal inner journey.
Conclusion: Be Open & Receptive
Kundalini yoga can seem like some weird, whacky, practice when you’re new to it and you’ll probably find yourself wondering “what am i doing?/ how did i end up here?” But with the right preparation and intentions, it can be a transformative experience. Show up to class open and willing to give it a true try. Every class is a journey and each person’s experience will be unique.
If you’re new to kundalini yoga or have taken a class or two and wondered what was going on, I have created a FREE Beginners Guide to Kundalini Yoga just for you to get you started.
Happy Practicing
Sat Nam
Heather xox