Kundalini yoga is a tool to achieve self
mastery, and one of the oldest forms of human development. It is at least 6000
years old, some believe it dates back as many as 70,000 years. Kundalini yoga is
the original and most powerful of the twenty two schools of yoga, all of which
are beneficial. It incorporates gentle stretching as well as energetic aerobic
workout with breath coordination. All yoga sets are designed to work on specific
body systems, such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, endocrine or
reproductive system. Additionally each set helps to balance emotional as well as
mental patterns, and works towards greater awareness and centeredness.
Meditation and mantra, chanting and breathing
exercises as well as relaxation techniques are all part of practice. Kundalini
yoga is the science of the total self. It helps those who practice it to reduce
and manage stress effectively, to stay emotionally balanced, as well as
physically and mentally strong and healthy.
The word "Kundalini" means awareness
and hidden potential of that awareness; it is the greatness of what we are
capable. "Yoga" means relationship, unity, the merging of the
individual creative consciousness with the infinite Creative Consciousness. By
practicing this form of yoga an awareness and conscious relationship with our
spiritual origin is developed. It is not a religion but rather the science of
all religions. The spiritual impulse and identity is basic to human nature, but
for many people in this society it has been lost. Practicing Kundalini yoga
brings us back in touch with our three folded nature: body, mind and spirit.
For class wear comfortable, loose fitting
clothes, eat lightly, and bring a mat, sheepskin or blanket to sit on.
Immediately after class most students feel a
sense of general well being and relaxation, or a feeling of inner peace and joy.
Many students also report mental clarity and an increase in energy levels the
day or days following class.
ADI MANTRA: To begin we always chant the
Adi Mantra. The Adi Mantra connects us to the "Golden Link" of
teachers who have passed on these teachings throughout time. Until 1969
Kundalini yoga was taught only to specially selected individuals. Yogi Bhajan
opened up these teachings to everyone who desires to learn them. Chanting the
Adi Mantra protects us in the process of learning, and links us to our own
unlimited self, to the teacher within us to guide us to higher consciousness.
Take a deep breath in and chant Ong Namo, then
take a half breath in and chant Guru Dev Namo. "O" of Ong is held
short, "ng" is held long, while vibrating the sound in the nasal and
sinus area. The word "Dev" is chanted a minor third interval higher
than the other sounds. The entire mantra is chanted three times.
ONG NAMO GURU DEV NAMO
I Open Myself To The Experience Beyond My Limited
Self. Let My Unlimited Spirit And Consciousness Guide Me. I Call On The Subtle
Knowledge Of My Own Highest Mind To Uplift Me With What I Learn
BIJ OR SEED MANTRA: This mantra is most
used in Kundalini yoga. When you relax between exercises concentrate on the
breath and mentally vibrate "Sat" on the inhale and "Nam" on
the exhale. Unless otherwise specified always breathe through your nose.
SAT NAM: Truth Is The Word, Truth Is My
Identity.
____________________
Katharina Wehrli has been involved in the
Healing Arts and Holistic Health since 1977, Katharina is a Registered Polarity
Therapist with the American Polarity Therapy Association. Her training in
Craniosacral Therapy she received from the Upledger Institute in Florida.
Katharina is also a certified Kundalini Yoga teacher and a teaching Reiki
Master. Presently she is a student of the certification program at the School of
Evolutionary Astrology. The use of Astrology and the colors of Aura-Soma
accentuate and deepen her work with clients and students on psycho spiritual and
body mind levels. Whenever indicated Katharina will use art, music, poetry,
drama and role play or movement to guide a client towards a fuller emotional
expression and understanding of him/herself.
Katharina Wehrli can be reached by
calling: (508) 651-2648, emailing: info@earthlit.com,
or visiting her website: www.earthlit.com.
Her office is located at 6 Lakeview Road, Wayland, MA 01778.
