Flexibility of the spine

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FLEXIBILITY OF THE SPINE

 

The yogis say that a person's age is determined by the flexibility of

his/her spine. The most basic goal of Kundalini Yoga is to take care

of the spine. This lesson offers a series of exercises to activate,

align and loosen up the spine. You should refer to the set

entitled " Exercises for Maintaining a Flexible Spine " on the

Kundalini Yoga Web Site - kundalini yogaspinal.html

 

FOCUS AND ATTENTION

 

Focus and attention are important tools to achieve optimal results.

While you are doing these exercises, put your attention on the part

of the spine that is moving or being activated. The energy

originates in the spine and flows out through the body and into the

energy field.

 

The spine is where you will feel the flow of energy. Notice which

parts of the spine feel warm or even hot and where there are no

feelings or numbness.This information will indicate where your energy

is flowing and where it is not. For the Kundalini to flow, the whole

spine must be open. Kundalini is our vital, creative energy that

flows through us all the time. The amount that flows through us

determines our aliveness and awareness. The goal of practicing

Kundalini yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan is to GRADUALLY increase the

flow of energy. Many people who practice Kundalini yoga do not

experience huge rushes of uncontrollable energy. Rather they

experience a gradual expansion of consciousness and increase in

vitality that evolves

over time.

 

GOALS OF SPINAL EXERCISES

 

The goals of the spinal exercises are to develop an AWARENESS of

your spine to establish the spine as a FOCAL POINT for your

attention to ACTIVATE and open the energy flow in the spine to

ALLOW the energy to move and align itself.

 

In later lessons we will experience the specific energies of each of

the chakras. First we want to establish a baseline of spinal

awareness.

 

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE PRACTICE

 

The moments between exercises which should be at least 15-30 seconds

and up to 1 minute if you choose. Executing the exercises is the

activation part of the practice. The exercises stimulate the

glandular system, loosen up the spine, massage the muscles and

strengthen the nervous system. Between exercises is the passive part

of the practice. DO NOTHING, simply be aware of what is happening.

Let the energy flow. It will adjust what needs to be adjusted and go

where it needs to go.

 

DAILY PRACTICE-HOW LONG?

 

This set of exercises can take from 20 to 40 minutes depending on how

long you do each exercise. The deep relaxation after the set is an

additional 5-10 minutes. The silent meditation is also between 3-11

or more minutes depending on the time you have. Tailor your practice

times so that you do not feel rushed. The more relaxed and present

you are to what you are doing

and what is happening, the better the results and the more awareness

you will cultivate.

 

Many people who have signed up for the training have indicated in

their questionnaires that they have 1-2 hours per day to devote to

the practice of Kundalini yoga. You will achieve striking results

with a 1-2 hour daily practice!

 

For those who have less time, consistent practice produces positive

results. I always tell people PROGRAM YOURSELF FOR SUCCESS. If you

can do 5 minutes a day, do 5 minutes EVERY day. Then increase your

time as you can. Do not start out with the false hope that you can

do 2 hours, do it for one day and then stop your practice.

 

40 DAYS

 

Once you have established a program that works for you, continue

practicing this set for 40 days. 40 days is the yogic time for

breaking a habit. 90 days of practice creates a new habit. 1000

days establishes mastery.

 

The optimal time to begin a new set or meditation is on the New Moon.

September 8-9 (depending on where you are in the world) is the New

Moon in Virgo. This is a great time to begin a healing practice such

as this spinal flexibility set. I would encourage everyone to make

Sept 8-9 or the Virgo New Moon your first day of your 40 day

practice. If this is not possible,

set your intention on the New Moon and start as soon as you can after

that date.

 

It won't be 40 days before the next lesson. We will add a mantra

meditation soon. My intention is to build our practice one step at a

time. Kundalini yoga and the spiritual path are so rich. When we

take one step at a time we can make a lot of conscious progress.

 

(Source: kundalini yogaclasses.html )