{"id":96251,"date":"2025-05-12T14:02:39","date_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/zine.modalova.com\/zine\/?p=96251"},"modified":"2025-05-12T14:02:39","modified_gmt":"2025-05-12T13:02:39","slug":"tried-kundalini-yoga-reclaim-my-femininity","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/uk.modalova.com\/zine\/tried-kundalini-yoga-reclaim-my-femininity\/","title":{"rendered":"I Tried: Kundalini Yoga to Reclaim My Femininity"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While I was taking care of my children who are now 2 and 3 years old (yes, like Rihanna<\/strong>, a baby a year\u2026 except that I\u2019m stopping at two!), I put many things on hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s why I turned to a yoga practice known for its benefits on feminine energy and reconnection to oneself: kundalini yoga<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After a month-long practice, I\u2019m sharing my experience here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Origins of Kundalini Yoga<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Each yoga has its particularities, and kundalini<\/strong> is particularly associated with the power of femininity<\/strong>, the awakening of intuition, and a deep reconnection to oneself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Popularized in the West in the 1960s by Yogi Bhajan<\/strong>, kundalini yoga has attracted many women (and some men, of course!) seeking meaning, balance, and inner transformation. Practiced through dynamic sequences, powerful breaths (pranayama<\/em>), mantras, and meditations, it stands out for its energetic and spiritual approach, often more intense than that of traditional yogas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his book Psychology of Kundalini Yoga<\/em> (2005), psychiatrist Carl Jung<\/strong>, one of the first to mention this practice in Europe, writes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“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.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The Uniqueness of Kundalini Yoga: Breathing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

While it is true that breathing is essential in all forms of yoga, kundalini<\/strong> makes it a true pillar<\/strong>. Each exercise relies on the breath, used as a lever to activate vital energy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sessions often include intense breaths<\/strong>, sometimes close to hyperventilation. As a beginner, I followed the instructor while s slowing down whenever I felt my head spinning<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Practicing self-hypnosis<\/strong>, I quickly recognized this light trance sensation<\/strong>, especially during the famous fire breath<\/strong>. This technique aims to short-circuit the mind<\/strong> and detoxify the body<\/strong>, through rapid exhalations through the nose, accompanied by rhythmic contractions of the belly. Only the abdomen works \u2014 and it goes fast!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I won’t lie: the first time, it worried me a bit<\/strong>, so I listened to my body and slowed down the pace. My goal is to avoid any panic or discomfort<\/strong>, not to push myself beyond my limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are sensitive or prone to anxiety, take it easy<\/strong>, and never force an exercise that doesn\u2019t suit you. The goal here is to reconnect with oneself<\/strong>, not to push yourself at all costs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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A post shared by Kundalini Yoga School (@kundaliniyogaschool)<\/a><\/p><\/div><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

Be Cautious of Derailments<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It must be said: kundalini yoga<\/strong>, as powerful as it is, is not without risks. In its early days, it was used to accompany drug withdrawals<\/strong>, 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 \u201cshock\u201d yoga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Of course, it’s better to do yoga than to consume substances, but for sensitive or vulnerable individuals<\/strong>, this practice can be too intense. It is preferable to start during a psychologically stable period.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Its very spiritual<\/strong> dimension also attracts unscrupulous profiles. Like in any field, there are derailments<\/strong>. If a class makes you uncomfortable, if the discourse seems strange or too insistent: listen to yourself, and change studios<\/strong>. The right environment is one where you feel free and safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Benefits After a Month of Practice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I didn’t do it on purpose, but for my very first class, I arrived dressed all in white<\/strong>\u2026 not knowing that it was indeed the symbolic color of kundalini<\/strong>. The tone was set.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some things made me a bit unsettled as a beginner<\/strong>, particularly the mantras<\/strong>, which were very present and charged with spirituality \u2014 a universe I’m not very accustomed to. But over the sessions, something changed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I, who felt I had lost the connection with my body and my femininity<\/strong>, found that this practice truly helped me. I regained awareness in my movements<\/strong>, a form of gentle power, and I feel more feminine today<\/strong> than when I started.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is there a bit of placebo effect or mindset involved? Maybe. But one thing is certain: this intense practice has done me good<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u00a9JoseLuisSanchez Pereyra\/unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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\u00a9Conscious Design\/unsplash<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Rediscovering Femininity After a Difficult Period<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

After two (very) long maternity leaves, discovering kundalini yoga has been a true blessing<\/strong>. I began with my knowledge in mental health and a well-awakened critical mind, which allowed me to get the most out of it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is an intense<\/strong> practice that requires presence, self-listening, and a healthy framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trying kundalini to reconnect with your body after a difficult period can really be beneficial<\/strong> as long as you feel stable and ready to stop if it doesn\u2019t suit you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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featured image: \u00a9conscious\/unsplash <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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