I Tried: Kundalini Yoga to Reclaim My Femininity
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In recent years, my femininity has been put to the test, amidst several significant life upheavals, the distance from my family abroad, and two closely spaced pregnancies.
While I was taking care of my children who are now 2 and 3 years old (yes, like Rihanna, a baby a year… except that I’m stopping at two!), I put many things on hold.
In short, all this to say that when we go through intense periods, it affects not only our physical and mental health but also our relationship with femininity.
That’s why I turned to a yoga practice known for its benefits on feminine energy and reconnection to oneself: kundalini yoga.
After a month-long practice, I’m sharing my experience here.
The Origins of Kundalini Yoga
Each yoga has its particularities, and kundalini is particularly associated with the power of femininity, the awakening of intuition, and a deep reconnection to oneself.
Popularized in the West in the 1960s by Yogi Bhajan, kundalini yoga has attracted many women (and some men, of course!) seeking meaning, balance, and inner transformation. Practiced through dynamic sequences, powerful breaths (pranayama), mantras, and meditations, it stands out for its energetic and spiritual approach, often more intense than that of traditional yogas.
In his book Psychology of Kundalini Yoga (2005), psychiatrist Carl Jung, one of the first to mention this practice in Europe, writes:
“There are several schools of tantric yoga, but that of Kundalini is undoubtedly the most surprising. It consists of activating the most powerful forces of the human being, described as a serpent coiled around the spine, and thus aims to reconcile the often presumed contradictory principles of sexuality and spirituality, merging their energies within the human body.”
The Uniqueness of Kundalini Yoga: Breathing
While it is true that breathing is essential in all forms of yoga, kundalini makes it a true pillar. Each exercise relies on the breath, used as a lever to activate vital energy.
The sessions often include intense breaths, sometimes close to hyperventilation. As a beginner, I followed the instructor while s slowing down whenever I felt my head spinning.
Practicing self-hypnosis, I quickly recognized this light trance sensation, especially during the famous fire breath. This technique aims to short-circuit the mind and detoxify the body, through rapid exhalations through the nose, accompanied by rhythmic contractions of the belly. Only the abdomen works — and it goes fast!
I won’t lie: the first time, it worried me a bit, so I listened to my body and slowed down the pace. My goal is to avoid any panic or discomfort, not to push myself beyond my limits.
If you are sensitive or prone to anxiety, take it easy, and never force an exercise that doesn’t suit you. The goal here is to reconnect with oneself, not to push yourself at all costs.
Be Cautious of Derailments
It must be said: kundalini yoga, as powerful as it is, is not without risks. In its early days, it was used to accompany drug withdrawals, particularly in the United States in the 70s. The goal? To replace a heroin hit with a session of mantras and intense breathing. One quickly understands its reputation as a “shock” yoga.
Of course, it’s better to do yoga than to consume substances, but for sensitive or vulnerable individuals, this practice can be too intense. It is preferable to start during a psychologically stable period.
Its very spiritual dimension also attracts unscrupulous profiles. Like in any field, there are derailments. If a class makes you uncomfortable, if the discourse seems strange or too insistent: listen to yourself, and change studios. The right environment is one where you feel free and safe.
The Benefits After a Month of Practice
I didn’t do it on purpose, but for my very first class, I arrived dressed all in white… not knowing that it was indeed the symbolic color of kundalini. The tone was set.
Some things made me a bit unsettled as a beginner, particularly the mantras, which were very present and charged with spirituality — a universe I’m not very accustomed to. But over the sessions, something changed.
I, who felt I had lost the connection with my body and my femininity, found that this practice truly helped me. I regained awareness in my movements, a form of gentle power, and I feel more feminine today than when I started.
Is there a bit of placebo effect or mindset involved? Maybe. But one thing is certain: this intense practice has done me good.
Rediscovering Femininity After a Difficult Period
After two (very) long maternity leaves, discovering kundalini yoga has been a true blessing. I began with my knowledge in mental health and a well-awakened critical mind, which allowed me to get the most out of it.
It is an intense practice that requires presence, self-listening, and a healthy framework.
Trying kundalini to reconnect with your body after a difficult period can really be beneficial as long as you feel stable and ready to stop if it doesn’t suit you.
featured image: ©conscious/unsplash
