What do you need for a Kundalini Yoga Class?
How to make kundalini yoga fun and accessible for every body.
Photo by Gina Tremblay
Over the years of practicing kundalini yoga, I have come to love certain props and accessories to use during the session. The first prop you need, and probably the most obvious, is a yoga mat. Whenever I unroll my mat, it sets the tone for me to settle down and tune in before I begin my practice. If you do not have a mat right now and want to do yoga at home that is okay; most of the postures can be practiced on a rug in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed.
Another accessory that is used in kundalini yoga is a blanket. Blankets can be used as a cushion to sit on. Since many postures are done sitting on the floor, blankets can keep your body comfortable. In addition, blankets are great to use during the resting period of yoga, or savasana and during long meditations to keep the body warm. In addition, bolsters are a great tool to use as a cushion for sitting; it provides more support for people who are not used to sitting on the floor for long periods of time or have lower back issues. Bolsters are also nice to put under your knees during savasana to support your lower back. Finally, if sitting on the floor for long periods of time with a cushion still make you uncomfortable, there is absolutely nothing wrong with practicing yoga in a chair.
While practicing kundalini (or any type of yoga), it is important to wear comfortable clothing. It does not necessarily have to be leggings and other athletic wear. Kundalini yoga can be done wearing loose t-shirts and sweatpants or joggers. I have even done yoga in pajamas; the point is to wear something you like and makes you comfortable during your practice. You do not need a wardrobe from a fancy yoga store.
The use of other props such as yoga blocks and straps are helpful in kundalini yoga too. Since we all have different bodies with different physical abilities, these tools can help those who are not as flexible and need a little more support during certain postures. More importantly, there is no hierarchy of yoga poses. You are not a “better yogi” if you do not use props and only do the most challenging poses.
Yoga should be accessible to everyone. Every BODY. You deserve to keep your body safe during a yoga practice. You do not have to look a certain way, have certain clothes and have a certain type of flexibility. Yoga means “to yoke” or to unify one’s body, mind and spirit.
Below are some links to my favorite yoga props and accessories. Enjoy!
Sheepskins are popular in kundalini yoga. The benefits (besides that they are comfortable) are that they protect your energy, have a calming effect and are very grounding.
Announcements
Want to practice kundalini with me? Join me at Holistic Therapies 4 Life on Thursdays from 4-5PM. Sign-up here
Here is my information for yoga playgroups. On Mondays from 9-10AM I am teaching Family Yoga at Holistic Therapies for Life. Sign-up Here
In addition, I just started teaching a 4 week toddler yoga series at Buddhaful Souls. Dates are 9/19-10/10 from 10:30-11:15AM. Sign-up Here
I hope this article served you. Have a great weekend!
Sat Nam,
Lisa