Kundalini Cole’s Notes (Win!)

Looking to rebalance body and mind, and to transform yourself physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? Look no further than Kundalini: a practice of yoga, meditation, mantras and breathing that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine for little-yet-long-lasting boosts. We sat down with certified Kundalini yoga teacher and professional opera singer Kathryn McCusker, whose recently published book, Everyday Kundalini, aims to show us all how ​to​ ​make​ ​Kundalini​ a​ ​part​ ​of​ ​even​ ​the​ ​busiest life. —Noa Nichol

Hi Kathryn! How did Kundalini become part of your life?

I was introduced to Kundalini Yoga in 1999 in Mexico while on a retreat and was so inspired by my experience that I decided to enrol in a school in London to learn more about the teachings. I am now based in London and have been teaching Kundalini Yoga for more than 15 years all over the world.

So, what exactly is Kundalini?

Kundalini is a primal energy that we are all born with. It is located at the base of the spine and is a transformative energy that when awakened, can expand your awareness and inspire you to achieve excellence. Kundalini Yoga works directly with the Kundalini energy and combines asana (physical postures), pranayama (breathing techniques), movement, stretching, mantra (sacred sounds), mudra (hand positions) and relaxation. The combination of these components create exercises, kriyas (sets) and meditations to stimulate the glandular system, strengthen the nervous system, expand the lung capacity and purify the blood.

What are the main wellness benefits of Kundalini?

Practising Kundalini Yoga keeps the body in shape and trains the mind to be strong and flexible in the face of stress and change. It increases oxygen, boosts blood flow, balances the glandular system, strengthens the nervous system and reduces stress-induced toxins like adrenaline and cortisol, which is beneficial when trying to navigate life in these accelerated in this fast-paced world. The beauty of it is that you can experience the benefits in a very short time; a regular practice will help you feel happier, healthier, more energised and be more creative, productive and relaxed.

What are your very top tips for making Kundalini "everyday" practical (bearing in mind our busy lives)?

Kundalini is very accessible and doable, even if you have a busy life. Start slow, find an exercise that resonates with you, whether that is with breath, mantra or movement, and commit to at least five minutes a day. A meditation is probably a good place to start and, if you can find a class nearby to where you live, this will inspire to keep up with your daily practice.

Personal question: how has Kundalini impacted your life in a positive way?

Kundalini Yoga has benefited me in so many ways. I am calmer, happier, more energized and more creative. A regular Kundalini practice has opened up all sorts of new opportunities for me, and truly transformed my life and, especially, my relationships. My daily Kundalini Yoga and meditation practice prompted me to open a yoga studio, supported me in my performing career and encouraged me to use my voice in a different way and produce mantra CDs. Kundalini helps me keep up with my three-year-old daughter (!) and inspired me to write this book about Kundalini!

kathrynmccuskerkundalini.com

Win! A Copy of Everyday Kundalini!

We have a winner! Congratulations Clare O. of Oakville, Ontario, who won a copy of Kathryn McCusker’s Everyday Kundalini!