by Andrew Vernon
The first time I attended a Kundalini yoga class, I had absolutely no idea what to expect.
Being relatively new to my yoga practice, I had been experimenting with different disciplines and classes – mostly Hatha yoga with the odd Vinyasa class thrown in.
By chance, a friend led me to an outdoor class held at Jericho Beach on a picturesque warm summer morning where 400 people were setting up for practice. Everyone seemed happy to be there. There was a palpable energy flowing through the large crowd: lots of chatting, laughing, and hugging. I couldn’t help but let this energy begin to invigorate my senses.
My friend assured me that this would not be like any class I had attended previously, and warned me that there would be “lots of dancing.” Dancing on a beach with 400 people, while morning joggers and dog walkers strolled by? I figured that I liked to bust a move now and again, so why not keep an open mind.
As the sun began rising higher under the clear sky, the crowd was guided through postures at a steady pace. We started with some warm up breath work and exercises. I was overcome with a sense of well-being as I moved, especially when I was told to take notice of my breath.
Slowly, I became more aware of my body and also my surroundings. Everything seemed to feel more…vivid.
We gradually moved into faster paced poses – my legs began to burn from all the squats – and by the time we paired up for partner exercises, everyone was laughing. Next thing you know, Enrique Eglesias’ “I Like It” boomed through the speaker system and everyone started screaming and dancing.
I look around in a panic, but my friend is no longer next to me – she’s sprinted off to dance with some friends across the field. The laughing and dancing was infectious, and before I knew it, I was dancing as well!
By the expressions on everyone’s faces after the class, I knew that his had been a great morning. The morning’s practice really opened my mind, and I wanted to experience the feeling again when it was all over.
Kundalini yoga is a great fit for me or for anyone regardless of fitness level or yoga experience. It’s a chance to let go and shake off the stresses of the day and dance to great music. I’ve been back to several Kundalini classes and always have a great time.
Thanks Semperviva.