Regardless of how extravagant or low key your wedding plans might be, the lead up to one of the biggest days in your life can be incredibly stressful. With a steady stream of things that need to be taken care of, it’s often easier to reach for that quick sugar fix! But the truth is, you don’t need to “borrow” energy, instead you can use yogic techniques to rejuvenate and build your energy reserves so you can be the best version of yourself on the big day.

Golden Yogi Windows

 

Talking to the practice of Kundalini Yoga, naturopath and herbalist, Erin O’Hara from Golden Yogi has pulled together seven postures that will systematically stimulate the body’s natural energy to bring clarity to your mind, physically balance your body and leave you feeling energised and uplifted.

This practice of Kundalini Yoga is without a doubt one of the more spiritual styles of yoga as it emphasises the connection to the mind, breath and awareness of energy flow within and around the body.

  • Right Nostril Breathing – Breath for energy and a focused mind.

Sit crossed-legged, resting the right hand on the right knee. Block the left nostril with the thumb of the left hand. Begin long deep breathing through the right nostril only. Focus on the flow of breath. 3 minutes.

  • Sat Kriya – Release the energy from the Navel.

Sit on the heels with the arms overhead and the palms together. Interlace the fingers except for the index fingers, which point straight up. Rhythmically chanting “Sat Nam,” emphasis “Sat” as you pull the navel in. On “Nam,” release the navel, focus at the brow point. Continue for 3 minutes.

  • Spinal Flex – Release energy along the spine.

Sit crossed legged and grasp the shins with both hands. Inhale, stretch the spine forward. Exhale, let the spine flex backwards. 2 minutes.

  • Frog Pose – Circulate the energy.

Squat with the heels together and up off the ground. Fingers are on the ground between the knees. Inhale, raise the buttocks high, lower the forehead towards the knees and keep the heels off the ground. Exhale and come back to the original position. 26 times.

  • Neck Turns – Stimulate thyroid and parathyroid glands.

Sitting on the heels, place the hands on the thighs. Inhale deeply and turn the head to the left. Mentally chant “Sat.” Exhale completely as you turn the head to the right. Mentally chant “Nam.” 2 minutes.

  • Spinal Bend – Distribute the energy around the body.

Sit in crossed legged with hands on the shoulders. Inhale as you bend to the left, exhale and bend to the right. 2 minutes.

  • Meditate – Bring clarity to the mind.

Sit crossed legged with the spine straight. Direct all attention to the Brow Point (forehead). Watch the flow of breath. On the inhale, listen to silent “Sat.” On the exhale, listen to silent, “Nam.” 4 minutes or longer.

 

 

Erin O'Hara (BSc & BNatMed) is the founder & director of the Golden Yogi Studio and Wellness Centre in Takapuna. With a mission to make Kundalini Yoga more accessible, Erin has recently launched Golden Yogi Online. The app features O’Hara teaching Kundalini and providing access to guided meditation and wellbeing on an everyday basis. Whether it be at home, on the road or in a hotel; whether it be 5 minutes or a full 1-hour class, users have the flexibility to focus on making time to transform their energy in a timeframe that fits in with daily life.