Have you ever felt like there was this endless stream of unlimited potential deep down inside?
Well, allow me to be the bearer of some potent news. It’s not just a feeling.
It’s real.
It’s your soul energy. The essence of who you truly are.
Not your name. Not your profession. Not your nationality.
It’s that piece of you that is one with the infinite. It’s that awareness that you are never alone because all is you.
The challenge is activating and sustaining your higher spiritual state of consciousness.
But what if I told you that a mechanism within your body exists to rev up your spiritual engine and take off flying towards elevated awareness.
That mechanism is your Kundalini energy.
Symbolized as the sleeping serpent (“kundal” meaning “curl” or “coil”), this powerful current of life force energy lies dormant at the base of your spine.
Once awakened, it ascends through the energy channels of your spinal column, activating each energy center or chakra until it bursts out of the crown chakra at the top of your head.
Sound good?
Here’s the codified breathing practice that will help you on your journey to unlock your soul energy.
The Gatekeepers: Bhandas
Before you start with the pranayama technique, you need to understand what bhandas are and how to activate them.
Bhandas or locks are alignments of muscle along the spinal chord, that once locked into place through conscious positioning of the body, allow the Kundalini energy to flow upwards unimpeded.
- Root lock (mul bhand): activates the root, sex, and navel chakras by delicately:
a) Pulling the muscles at the base of the spine and anus
b) Pulling the muscles at the sex organ
c) Pulling the navel in and up towards the spine
2. Diaphragm lock (uddyana bhand): opens the heart chakra by:
a) Pulling the diaphragm upwards
3. Neck lock (jalandara bhand): opens the throat chakra by:
a) Straightening the spine
b) Pulling your head up and back (your chin will fall slightly, your chest will open, and your throat will open)
4. Mahabhand: the activation of all three locks simultaneously
The Spark: Breath Suspension
You’ve got the keys to unlock the door.
Now all you need is a little momentum to take that first step.
Suspending your breath on both the inhale and the exhale ignites that spark and gets your Kundalini slithering.
Suspending the breath on the inhale stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which activates the body.
Suspending the breath on the exhale stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, relaxing the body.
Get both going in a fluid rhythm and you’re working with some real heat.
That’s enough small talk. Let’s get to the main act.
The Technique: Breath Suspension with Mahabhand
Now, align the gatekeepers, set off the spark, and feel the energy.
First, make sure you’re in a comfortable seated position.
Straighten your spine.
Relax.
1. Breath Suspension on the Inhale (with Mahabhand)
a) Take a long initial inhale through the nose
b) Take in shorter “sniffs” until you can no longer inhale
c) Relax your shoulders downwards
d) Suspend breath and apply Mahabhand: root, diaphragm, and neck locks
2. Breath Suspension on the Exhale (with Mahabhand)
a) Exhale with a long initial exhale through the nose
b) Follow with shorter exhales without forcing all the air out of your lungs
c) Begin applying the root lock to sustain the exhale
d) Continue to exhale squeezing the breath from the lungs downwards until your diaphragm contracts upwards
e) Suspend breath, apply the diaphragm lock pulling up and in, and apply the neck lock
Final Pieces of Advice:
- You may feel heat and warm pulsing sensations. It’s important to keep the body relaxed while suspending your breath.
- You can repeat the above sequence as many times as you see fit. But listen to your body and pay attention to how you feel. Don’t go overboard.
- Stay present and bring your awareness to a neutral place inside
The Benefits: Physical, Mental, and Spiritual
Remember.
You are in the driver’s seat.
Your thoughts and actions determine what you’re capable of.
The tools are out there, but it’s up to you to unlock your unlimited potential to feel the benefits in your mind, body, and soul.
This vigorous pranayama technique changes the ratio of carbon dioxide and oxygen in your bloodstream, releasing tension from your body and brain.
It allows your Kundalini energy to rise and fill your mind with peace and pure consciousness.
And if used with great concentration and awareness, it will unify the heart and mind.
Breathe and feel the blessing of life.