Kundalini Yoga: Awakening Your Inner Energy

Kundalini Yoga is often described as a spiritual form of yoga that combines movement with chanting, meditation and breathwork to awaken your inner energy. The practice originated in ancient India and was introduced to the West in the 1960s by YogiBhajan. Its goal is to stimulate kundalini, a dormant energy believed to rest coiled at the base of the spine like a serpent. Through specific sequences of poses (kriyas), breathwork (pranayama), mudras and mantras, practitioners guide this energy up through the body’s chakras—or energy centres—toward a state of heightened awareness and spiritual awakening. Unlike many yoga styles that focus primarily on physical fitness, Kundalini places more emphasis on breath and chanting, making it accessible to practitioners of any age or experience level.

A typical class starts by “tuning in” with a mantra such as Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, followed by a yoga set to stretch the spine, breathing exercises to improve attention, mantra chanting and a closing meditation. Studies suggest that this combination of movement and meditation can improve cognitive function, mood and flexibility. Research has also found that regular Kundalini practice relieves stress and anxiety, enhances mental clarity and self‑awareness and fosters emotional resilience. Because it’s a breath-led practice with options for every body, newcomers can join in comfortably while experienced yogis can deepen their spiritual inquiry.