the path of light
Kundalini Awakening is the path of balance and deep personal transformation. It shines a light on the unconscious parts of your self. The practice of Kundalini yoga is simple, yet powerful and has its roots in the tantra yoga tradition. The primary aim is spiritual enlightenment.
Kundalini Awakening
what is kundalini awakening
When Kundalini awakens you will experience significant changes within yourself. Parts of your brain that were previously silent become alert. Your consciousness changes in a way that allows you to think more creatively. Your intuition is sharpened. You live outside the box of your social and cultural conditioning. This will improve your performance in all areas of life.
Good health, willpower, concentration, youth, vigor, vitality, and peace are all natural outcomes of dedicated practice of Kundalini yoga. Your patience and persistence over a prolonged period of time will also make you a happier, more loving and compassionate person capable of giving and receiving love unconditionally.
Ending the war within
Most people live in a state of chronic inner conflict. Constantly trying to change the outside world to fit ideas of what it should be. When you finally get to see this war going on inside you, and how it hurts your relationships, you will do what you can to end it as soon as possible.
The practice of yoga for Kundalini Awakening creates peace within. As a result, your experience of the world completely changes. It also changes the experience others have of you. You begin to engage with the world through your heart and become more giving and compassionate towards all beings. You also move beyond the stress, worries, and projections of others. No longer do you react to their words and actions but, instead, to your own inner voice. This brings great freedom.
Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind. Always.
The 3 stages of awakening
Many think Kundalini awakening is a more or less linear process of raising Kundalini energy. However, you are working with a great power and this does involve some risk. For example, Kundalini may be stuck in the root (Mooladhara) chakra which can cause sexual and neurotic problems. Many potential issues such as these are avoided by working with a qualified teacher and following the practices described in the ancient texts.
There is a specific order to kundalini awakening, as follows:
1. Balancing Ida and Pingala
In yoga and Ayurveda, Ida and Pingala are two of the three main nadis (energy channels) in the human body. The third nadi is Sushumna, which runs along the spinal cord in the center of the body.
Ida nadi is the left channel, associated with the feminine, lunar principle, and the parasympathetic nervous system. It is said to be responsible for the flow of prana (life force) from the moon and is connected to the left nostril. Ida is often referred to as the “cool” or “yin” energy, and is associated with the qualities of receptivity, intuition, and emotional balance.
Pingala nadi is the right channel, associated with the masculine, solar principle, and the sympathetic nervous system. It is said to be responsible for the flow of prana from the sun and is connected to the right nostril. Pingala is often referred to as the “hot” or “yang” energy, and is associated with the qualities of action, creativity, and mental clarity.
Pingala controls life energy (Shakti) of your body and Ida the energy of consciousness (Shiva).
In yoga practice, Ida and Pingala are often associated with specific postures, breathing techniques, and meditation practices that aim to balance and harmonize the flow of energy through the channels. By working with this energy flow, we cultivate greater awareness, balance, and harmony in mind and body.
It is worth noting the parallels of Ida and Pingala with the two pathways of the vagus nerve. The activation of this nerve has been linked to many health benefits.
2. Activating the chakras
It is essential to work with the chakras before attempting to open the Sushumna. The chakras need to be purified and activated to allow prana to move freely along the nadis of the body.
Nadis are energy channels, and the chakras can be seen as the junctions of those channels. If the junctions are not connected the right way energy will not pass through and remain stuck. Chakras can most effectively be activated through the practice of Kundalni Yoga Kriyas and the magical Tibetan Rites.
Chakra focus is used in all kundalini yoga practices, including Sun Salutation and Hatha yoga asanas. When practising pranayamas we use chakra locks. Breath control is an important practice used to remove energy blocks, particularly in the lower chakras, and create the required free flow of prana.
3. Opening the sushumna
When Ida and Pingala are balanced and chakras activated the Sushumna opens and Kundalini energy can be directed to flow unobstructed. The most effectfive practices at this stage of Kundalini awakening are the pranayamas and Kundalini Kriyas.
The Kundalini energy moves up the Sushumna, passing through each chakra in turn. A process that completely rewires your nervous system and purifies all 72,000 nadis throughout the body. When Kundalini enters the last chakra (Sahasrara) at the crown of the head the energies of Shiva and Shakti unite and your awareness is completely transformed. You become an awakened and liberated soul.
Benefits of kundalini yoga
Kundalini yoga is a simple, yet powerful method that has its roots in the tantra yoga tradition. As well as a path to higher states of consciousness, it has benefits for mind and body too.
Spiritual Awakening: The primary aim is to awaken the kundalini energy, leading to higher states of consciousness and spiritual enlightenment.
Mental Clarity: Regular practice can help improve focus, reduce stress, and enhance mental clarity.
Emotional Balance: It helps in balancing emotions and increasing resilience to stress.
Physical Health: Improves flexibility, strength, and overall physical well-being through the practice of asanas and breathwork.
Energy And Vitality: Increases energy levels and vitality by optimizing the flow of energy in the body.
To master Kriya Yoga means to be able to do exceptional things. This is what is meant by reaching your full potential.
Life is a flow of love. The only thing required of you is your participation in it.
Kundalini Yoga practices
Kundalini Yoga is a practice focused on achieving physical vitality and a deeper awareness of ourselves, our bodies, our emotions, and the world around us. This kind of awareness both requires and creates profound internal transformation.
Kundalini Yoga practices we teach at Yogi Living include:
1. Breathwork (Pranayama)
Breathing techniques play a major role in Kundalini yoga. These include rapid breathing like Breath of Fire as well as alternate nostril breathing and deep, belly breathing.
2. Asanas (Postures)
Kundalini yoga uses poses to stimulate the chakras and activate Kundalini energy.
3. Mantras Chanting)
Mantras are chanted to focus the mind and raise consciousness.
4. Mudras (Gestures)
Mudras are hand positions that are believed to affect the flow of energy in the body.
5. Meditation
Meditation is used to calm the mind, raise awareness, and connect with higher states of consciousness.
6. Surya Kriya (Sun Salutation)
A powerful yogic practice designed to promote holistic health, wellness, and complete inner wellbeing.
7. Kundalini Meditation
An active meditation to awaken kundalini and balance the chakras, and creates a sense of calm.
8. Kundalini Kriyas (Sequences)
Kundalini kriyas combine postures, breathwork, and mantras to focus energy on the chakras as a means to activate Kundalini energy.
9. Tibetan Rites (Trul Khor)
Practices combining movement, breath, and meditation to create a shield against negative energy.
Click here to read more about Practices For Kundalini Activation.
At Yogi Living we believe individuals have the power to overcome unhealthy habits through aligning mind and energy. However, this is a gradual process that requires guidance and consistent practice.
safety and guidance
Know that Kundalini awakening is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires dedication and patience. It is a personal and very subjective experience that can vary greatly from person to person. Some may get a gradual and gentle awakening, while others may have intense and overwhelming sensations.
You will find many posts online that talk of dramatic experiences with Kundalini awakening. These typically include: strong vibrations of in the body, electric-like currents flowing up and down the nerves, blissful states and even divine visions. There are also other, less desirable, conditions such as uncontrollable muscle spasms, intense heat and sweating, migraines, even temporary paralysis.
These kinds of experiences are rare with correct preparation (see The 3 Stages Of Kundalini Awakening above). They can, however, happen spontaneously. The guidance of an experienced teacher is essential.
While generally safe, those with medical conditions should consult a healthcare professional before starting Kundalini yoga.
Yoga from the heart
We teach yoga from the heart. We teach the path of love. We believe laughter is as much a part of yoga as deep silence. We work to create deep connections: with your own essence and with others. We work to raise consciousness and ultimately help you achieve liberation. This is the meaning of yoga for us. We hope for you too.
Regular practice of yoga can give you to better health and create the kind of relationship with yourself and others that you know is possible but perhaps have struggled to find. Welcome to your new life!
Feel the love
Would you like to experience the transformative power of kundalini yoga? Are you ready to jump right in or just dip your toes?
Choose an experience that is the best for your needs:
Whether you are an experienced yogi or a complete beginner you will leave here with a smile and friendships that last a lifetime.
Email or call us for a chat and to see if we are a good fit for what you seek. We encourage you to reach out, but wherever you land we wish you happiness!
Ask Winnie
frequently asked questions
What is kundalini?
Kundalini is said to be a powerful, primal energy that represents the unmanifested potential within us. The term “kundal” means “coiled” and “ini” can be translated as “power”, leading to a definition of Kundalini as “the dormant energy coiled at the base of the spine”.
This powerful energy can be awakened by the physical and spiritual practices of yoga such as mantra, mudra, asana, and pranayama. When awakened, the kundalini shakti rises through the chakras (energy vortices) in the energetic body and leads to spiritual awakening.
Is kundalini awakening dangerous?
Kundalini yoga is powerfully transformative and as such should be treated with respect, in common with ALL forms of bodywork and transformative practice.
There is the possibility for unpleasant side effects, such as: uncomfortable physical sensations, emotional turmoil or mental challenges. These risks can be reduced or eliminated entirely with proper preparation, developing strong self-awareness and most importantly working with a qualified guide or teacher.
Do I need yoga experience?
Not at all. Yoga therapy is tailored to individual needs and does not involve complicated asanas.
Are classes held in English?
Yogi Living Ashram resident yoga teacher Winnie Winnetu speaks English, Swedish, Danish, French and German so don’t worry if you cannot speak Swedish!
Can I bring my partner?
Yes! Partners are always welcome, if space permits.
There is a small extra price to cover our costs if your partner does not wish to participate in the retreat.
How do I get to Yogi Living Ashram?
Yogi Living Ashram is located in Skåne, South Sweden close to the vibrant city of Malmö.
The closest international airports are Copenhagen Airport, Kastrup (75 km) and Malmö airport, Sturup (30 km) with good rail connections to Malmö and on to Trelleborg (our closest town).
You can also come by car through Germany and take the ferry from Rostock to Trelleborg. There are 3 sailings (6 hours duration) per day.
Can I stay at the ashram?
You are welcome to stay if we have no retreats or guests. Keep in mind we are a small ashram with a limited capacity.
Yogi Living Ashram offers different forms of accommodation: caravans, glamping (summer only) and AirBnB rooms.
What is the local area like?
The surrounding countryside is picture-postcard Sweden. There are many small picturesque villages and a mixture of open farmland, woodland, and lakes. The wonderful coastline of the Swedish Riviera is only 5km away. When the weather allows we can arrange an excursion to places like the Ales Stones (the “Swedish Stonehenge”) and local castles.
You can also hang in the garden under where we have a treehouse meditation platform and a jacuzzi. There is a small ICA supermarket 5 minutes walk from the ashram.
Let's Talk
we would love to hear from you!
Book a discovery call with Winnie to see if we are a good fit for you. Or simply ask a question by email, and we will get back to you as soon as we can!