My First Kundalini Yoga Experience
Kundalini has been a hot topic amongst the yoga community, and I FINALLY had the opportunity to attend a class! Thanks to my new friend, Ana, from the Green Thumb Conference, I was given a pass to Golden Bridge Yoga in SoHo/Chinatown.
First impressions: The location is perfect. You can take the NQR to Canal Street and it is just a few short blocks away. When you first enter the building, there is a little boutique with yoga apparel, books, candles, mats, etc. (classes are held upstairs). It is a calming atmosphere and I wanted to buy everything... Especially the book "Wilderness Survival" by Tom Brown Jr. (I watch way too much Walking Dead).
How I Feel About Kundalini:I took the hour and a half KUNDALINI YOGA & MEDITATION class with Gro (Devi Kirin). Gro is fantastic. She ties in astrology into her practice, which I find immensely gratifying and interesting. The class happened to fall on the New Moon, so it was an emotionally charged class… to say the least.
If you are used to Vinyasa or Bikram or just any yoga that is not Kundalini, then you will probably be just as confused as I was when hardly any familiar yoga positions were practiced. We did not go into downward dog, but we did spend a lot of time in a shoulder stand…..while kicking our butts (literally) and taking sharp, quick inhales and exhales (breath of fire). This was the part of the class when I felt all of the blood rush to my head and I thought I was either going to pass out or spontaneously combust.
My experience was weird. That was the only word I could come up with after class. I definitely do not mean to describe Kundalini as weird in a negative sense. It was just unlike anything I have ever experienced. It was unique, compelling, and I am excited to try it again. Kundalini focuses on strengthening the Nervous System and uncoiling the metaphorical "snake" at the base of your spine to release good energy.
It felt wonderful to share my Sunday morning with a great group of yogis. I enjoyed the meditation, chanting, and the beautiful song at the end. For me, yoga has always been more of a spiritual journey and the physical benefits are just an added bonus.
Has anyone else tried Kundalini? Let me know in the comments below. Also, be sure to check out Golden Bridge Yoga's website! They have locations in NYC, LA, and Santa Monica!
Golden Bridge Yoga 253 Centre Street New York, NY 10014 (212) 343-8191 goldenbridgeyoga.com
Sat Nam <3,
Jules
