The Sweet & Powerful Whisper of Truth: a liberating kundalini experience

Often people will ask me how kundalini yoga differs from other types of yoga. I feel ill-equipped to offer a comparison as I never truly got into other kinds of yoga. I even wrote a post about it here. But it is a fair question, so this is my attempt to answer it in a fair way.

A Door to Replace the Self-Help Section
Early on for me, this practice of kundalini yoga and meditation was exactly as it was/is professed to be: “the yoga of awareness”. The brain fog cleared, my perspectives shifted, and a deeper understanding of myself felt possible. The best way I could describe it was: imagine if the entire self-help section at the bookstore could be replaced with simply a door which opened into a kundalini class. Yeah, that’s it in a nutshell.

5 Main Differences, In Other Words (Jill Enticknap’s words)
I recently discovered this well-written account by Jill Enticknap, yoga teacher, entrepreneur and creator of Yogi Institute, online yoga studio and teacher training. She highlights the five main differences that set Kundalini Yoga apart from other yogas as: 

1. Focus on Energy & Chakras
2. Incorporation of Mantras and Chants
3. Structured Kriyas and Sequences
4. Emphasis on Breathwork (Pranayama) or Breathing Techniques
5. Spiritual and Meditative Focus

This feels quite right to me as the keys to the practice-- and good to know these are differentiators of kundalini yoga.  I encourage you to read her blog for a bit more on each of these. 

The only addition I may add is the prevalence of nervous and digestive system work, however that could be captured within energy/chakras, breathing techniques and essentially all of the five. 

While we work at flexibility, stretching, and strengthening our physical body, the focus is more from the inside-out. Moving energy to heal you from the inside through the conscious movement, breath and inner connection with your body’s divine wisdom. 

What matters most to me about this practice is its powerful impact, which for me and many others I know, was experienced soon after starting a regular practice. 

Life Before: What’s Wrong With Me? 
Prior to finding kundalini yoga, I worried incessantly about gloom and doom scenarios, especially for my family. I set my life’s priorities around making other people’s lives and dreams shine over my own. And that was a great place to focus because I didn’t know what I wanted or who I was anyway. Me? I didn’t quite fit in anywhere. At least that’s how I felt inside, though my friends didn’t see it. Except for momentous shifts like becoming a mother, I often wondered what’s wrong with me. Why couldn’t I figure it out? Self-help books tell you to “know thyself” - thanks, easier said than done! It was easier to lean on others’ lives and focus my attention there. I’m sure that wasn’t overbearing on anyone. 🙄

Life After:  I am the sparkly, happy unicorn
The worrying about things I can’t control, the fixation on doomed possibilities….poof, suddenly gone. To have the strength, nerve and focus to finally see myself and still love and accept that person changed me. Self-awareness is no joke…how many of us walk around oblivious? 

My life’s direction started to unfold and I felt trust and support around my gifts and the lessons I needed to learn. I felt more open and steady when social triggers overwhelmed me. Unknowns and discomfort became an accepted part of an amazing life. Decisions for myself came easier. I could support others while staying true to my own needs and wants.

I felt true self-love which translated into more empathy, compassion, and understanding for others. Energy and peace/relaxation happened at the same time. And I felt a deep connection with the Infinite. With God. I learned to Trust. 

This is me. A sparkly, happy unicorn. After kundalini yoga.

THE WHISPER OF TRUTH….and Freedom!
Inner work, spiritual connection, a balanced mind, and aligned energy IS physical-mental-spiritual health. An elevating and calming sensation experienced “on the mat” that stays with me through the turbulent and challenging episodes of each day “off the mat”. An equalizer that reminds me with its powerful whisper: you are divine spirit and “God’s gift”, loved and supported always. I feel grateful.

It’s liberating to feel unstuck and nourished, loved for exactly who and how you are regardless of –or because of– your “failures” and willingness to show up fearlessly. 

It’s a lifestyle practice: taking out the garbage daily and self-care all day. A sweet whisper of love that surrounds you with empowerment and radiance. This is my practice.

Is this yoga different?
What say you? Have you experienced different yogas? What do you love about it? Does my experience ring true for you with your practice?

I hope this was helpful to you. Share your thoughts in the comments!

WIth grit and grace,
​Anna SachKiret

P.S. Try a kundalini class with me this Saturday 10/19 at 9AM CT via Zoom - register here for this beginner’s class. Or join me for a monthly membership that would include the Saturday class –DM me for details.