Meditating is a great way to increase self-awareness and removing negativity from your life. Kundalini meditation, however, takes it a step further by awakening your potential for awareness.

Kundalini simply means "coiled" in Sanskrit, and it refers to how life energy is coiled like a snake at the base of our spines. If you'd like to learn more about Kundalini yoga and Sat Nam, the guide here will tell you everything you need to know.

A Brief History of Kundalini Meditation

Kundalini practices have been around for thousands of years. The teachings first appear in the Upanishads, which is a collection of sacred Hindu texts that were writing around 1,200 years ago. However, some scholars believe that the oral telling of Kundalini practices predates any of the written materials.

It began as a private philosophy that only students of religion and meditation could practice. When it evolved into a physical practice or a form of yoga, many people outside of students and teachers didn't know what it was. It remained that way for over a thousand years until Yogi Bhajan made it brought the teachings to the western world.

The Potential Benefits of Kundalini Yoga Meditation

According to practitioners, Kundalini meditation is reported to offer the following benefits:

·Aiding and increasing concentration

·Bringing you to a state of mindfulness

·Increasing the balance between body, mind, and soul

·Improving creative energy

·Enhancing emotional balance

·Improving the quality of sleep

·Improving your breathing patterns

The aforementioned benefits are all anecdotal, though the scientific evidence certainly shows the Kundalini meditation indeed has certain health benefits, including stress and anxiety relief, as well as improved cognitive function.

How to Start a Kundalini Awakening

Without countless techniques available, choosing the right form of meditation can be a bit tricky, to say the least. A teacher can guide you on how to begin your Kundalini awakening and offer more in-depth explanations regarding specific meditation techniques.

In short, Kundalini meditation tackles multiple problems at once, and first-time meditators might have an easier time trying it after following attending guided meditation classes. That said, you can attempt to do the basics by yourself by preparing the following:

1. Choose of comfortable, conducive place

Anyone can do Kundalini meditation anywhere, but ideally, first-timers should choose a place that's free of distractions and at a comfortable temperature. Also, dress in comfortable clothing—choose an outfit that allows your body to breathe and move freely.

2. Get into position

When you're ready, sit cross-legged on the floor with your back upright. You can also try sitting on a chair while putting most of your weight on your feet. You can also get a quilt or blanket to sit on top of if your floors are too hard. It's important to choose a spot in a room that allows you to sit with a straight spine comfortably. Now, close your eyes softly until they're about 90% shut.

3. Focus on the third eye chakra

Some practitioners find that focusing on their third eye chakra can help them get into a meditative state of mind. To do this, while keeping your eyes nearly completely closed, fix your gaze upward toward the center of your forehead. This can be uncomfortable for first-time practitioners, but you should note that any dizziness or slight pains you feel could be signs that your third eye chakra needs to be opened.

4. Select a mantra

One of the more crucial aspects of performing Kundalini meditation is to choose a mantra that suits you. One of the simplest mantras to follow for first-timers is "Sat Nam." Every time you inhale, chant "sat" in a loud whisper. When you exhale, chant "Nam." The mantra will direct your energy and make your intent clear while also improving your awareness.

5. Focus on your breathing

Focus your attention on the sensation of breathing through your nose. Each inhales and exhales should take around three to four seconds. You can also divide your breaths into equal segments—i.e., inhaling four times before exhaling in the same manner. If your mind wanders during your meditation session, redirect your attention to correct your breathing patterns.

6. Add mudras

Kundalini meditation places emphasis on the position of your hands, known as mudras. For instance, touch your index finger to your thumb (Gyan mudra) to promote wisdom and calmness. To boost patience and commitment, touch your middle finger and thumb together (Shuni mudra).

7. Start slow

Your first several Kundalini meditation sessions shouldn't go on for hours and hours. Begin slow and slowly increase how long you spend meditating. First-timers can start for three to five minutes and increase each subsequent session by a minute or two.

8. End the session

When you've completed your Kundalini meditation, perform a last final breath (deep inhale and exhale). Take in another breath while extending your arms to their full length above your head and slowly relax your arms as you exhale. Congratulations—you've completed your first Kundalini meditation session on your own!

What Should I Avoid Doing?

There's really nothing you have to avoid while performing a Kundalini meditation. However, you should know what you're getting into.

Some practitioners report an odd tingling sensation while meditating, while others claim they suffer from more extreme effects, including disorientation. This doesn't happen to every person, though someone who isn't used to slowing their breathing patterns may experience the same symptoms. Thankfully, any discomfort you might feel is temporary, but if they last longer than you're comfortable with, you might want to take longer breaks between each Kundalini meditation session.

Another tip that some Kundalini teachers offer to students is to keep a bottle of water handy. Drink plenty of water before and after meditating.

Key Takeaway

The general response from those who practice Kundalini meditation is that it improves spirituality and inspires them to make drastic changes to their lifestyles. If these sound like improvements that you need in your life, then start your first three-to-five-minute Kundalini meditation session at your earliest convenience.