Looking to re-connect with your sense of play? Kundalini is key

We live in a society where the pressure is on. This comes not only from a public desire to succeed at work and at home, but from the demands we place on ourselves. We might feel great when we actually do reach our goals, but what if this has come at the expense of our wellbeing and the ability to play? How sustainable will it be? Kids play and so feel high mood feelings throughout the day but sadly, as we get older and become more focused on our goals, this is one of the first things we tend to drop. People tend to forget how important child’s play is and the amazing results that a bit of added play can have in our busy lives. So how do you go about re-connecting with your inner child and the ability to play? Well for one, you can try Kundalini yoga.

Kundalini yoga is essentially an uplifting blend of spiritual and physical practices that incorporates movement, dynamic breathing techniques, meditation, and the chanting of mantras. For someone new to Kundalini, the mention of chanting might be slightly intimidating, but fear not, this is the Kundalini key to play. Why? Simply because by chanting, we challenge ourselves by entering an unknown and perhaps initially uncomfortable environment which brings out laughs and connects to play. A mantra is a syllable, word or phrase in one of the sacred languages (like Sanskrit & Ghurmeki) which elevates or modifies consciousness through its meaning, the sound itself, rhythm, tone, and even the reflexology of the tongue on the palate. Engaging and playing around with these mantras helps us to feel free, improve our sense of self and lower our protective walls.

For example, one common mantra used in Kundalini yoga is “Akal, Maha Kal” meaning “undying, great death”. Although perhaps not sounding optimistic, it is a very powerful and life-giving chant that removes fear and relaxes the mind. Another one is “Sat Nam” which is the most widely used mantra in the practice of Kundalini and refers to calling on the truth, expressing the reality of existence. Chanting this mantra simply awakens the soul.

Inviting play through chanting within yoga classes really allows us to reconnect with our inner child. Sound and movement is brilliant at allowing us to reconnect with our bodies and releases ‘feel good’ chemicals’ that enhance our ability to laugh. By energising and activating ourselves we learn how to be in the moment. The more in tune we are with ourselves and not looking into the future, the happier we become, and the more we practice being more playful, the easier it gets and we soon find it will be something we can take off the mat and into our everyday lives.

Kundalini classes are offered across triyoga’s London studios, head to triyoga.co.uk to learn more.