I Tried: Kundalini Yoga to Reclaim My Femininity
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In recent years, my femininity has been put to the test, between several significant life upheavals, the distance from my family abroad, and two very close pregnancies.
While I was taking care of my children who are now 2 and 3 years old (yes, like Rihanna, a baby each 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’s not only our physical and mental health that takes a hit, 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 type of yoga has its specifics, 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 captivated many women (and a few men, of course!) in search of meaning, balance, and inner transformation. Practiced through dynamic sequences, powerful breathing (pranayama), mantras, and meditations, it stands out for its energetic and spiritual approach, often more intense than that of traditional yogas.
In his book The 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 aims to reconcile the often presumed contradictory principles of sexuality and spirituality, merging their energies within the human body.”
The Uniqueness of Kundalini Yoga: The Breath
While it’s true that breath is essential in all forms of yoga, kundalini makes it its true pillar. Each exercise relies on the breath, used as a lever to activate vital energy.
Sessions often incorporate intense breathwork, sometimes close to hyperventilation. As a beginner, I followed the instructor while 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 via 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 made me a bit anxious, so I listened to my body and slowed my pace. My goal is to avoid any panic or discomfort, not to push beyond my limits.
If you are sensitive or prone to anxiety, take it slow, and never force an exercise that doesn’t suit you. The aim here is to reconnect with oneself, not to push oneself at all costs.
Beware of Derivatives
It must be said: kundalini yoga, powerful as it is, is not without its 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 high 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 personalities, this practice can be too intense. It’s preferable to start it during a psychologically stable period.
Its very spiritual dimension also attracts unscrupulous profiles. As in any field, there are pitfalls. 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 showed up dressed all in white… not knowing that it was precisely the symbolic color of kundalini. The tone was set.
Some things made me a bit unsettled as a beginner, particularly the mantras, very present and charged with spirituality — a universe I’m not very used to. But over the course of the sessions, something changed.
I who felt I had lost my connection with my body and femininity, this practice really helped me. I’ve 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 mental aspect involved? Perhaps. But one thing is certain: this intense practice has done me good.
Reclaiming Femininity After a Difficult Period
After two (very) long maternity leaves, discovering kundalini yoga has been a true blessing. I started with my knowledge of mental health and a well-awakened critical mind, which allowed me to get the most out of it.
It’s an intense practice that demands presence, self-listening, and a healthy environment.
Trying kundalini to reconnect with your body after a difficult period can truly be beneficial as long as you feel stable and ready to stop if it doesn’t suit you.
featured image: ©conscious/unsplash
