Kundalini Yoga for Mental Health & FREE CONCERT APRIL 22nd
By: Lindsey Hamilton ‘22
Let me begin by addressing a few misconceptions. Yoga, as a practice, is neither about form-fitting Lululemon pants, nor turning yourself into a human pretzel. You don’t need a Hydroflask or even much flexibility.
Yoga has been practiced for thousands of years by people of all skill levels and backgrounds with universal results: drastically increased mental and physical benefits. Kundalini yoga in particular focuses on maximizing mental health benefits through special yoga practice combined with mantras, a kind of chant and music intended to help direct and focus the mind.
For a taste of these mantras, be sure to check out the Grammy Award-winning band White Sun, a group famous for their musical interpretation of yogic mantras. The FREE concert will be held on Monday, April 22nd at 6PM in Founders Park on campus.
For a better idea of what this type of yoga is all about, keep on reading!
What makes Kundalini yoga so special?
There are eleven general types of yoga with innumerable variations of each.
Kundalini yoga, as opposed to other forms of practice, centers around developing awareness of oneself and one’s mind (AKA the buzzword we know as mindfulness). A typical kundalini yoga class consists of mantras (the chants mentioned above), kriya (the workout part of the practice), pranayama (controlled breathing), and meditation.
The Benefits
you after yoga vs. you before yoga
While all of this may sound a bit intimidating, subscribing to the more spiritual aspects of the practice (which are non-religious and compatible with any faith) is not necessary in order to reap the benefits of this style of yoga.
With even a short practice, benefits include:
improved circulation and digestion
heightened state of well-being
decreased feelings of depression and anger
increased feelings of calmness
improved focus and memory
A quick personal testimony: while I’m a long-shot from a yoga master, taking a Kundalini yoga class this semester has drastically improved my stress levels. I feel more peaceful, I’m less tired, I’ve barely gotten sick all semester, and my grades have improved. A coincidence, perhaps…but maybe not!
Try it yourself (DIYoga lol)
A sample practice that’s easy to do and takes less than 15 minutes:
Breath of Fire (3 minutes)
Cat Cow (3 minutes)
Sun Salutation (not in traditional Kundalini yoga but is a good way for beginners to get a work out— do however many reps you feel comfortable with)
Meditative breathing (there are many different types, but the one in the link is my favorite)
Yoga at USC
There are several classes available at USC if you’d like to give yoga a try, listed below.
PHED-122 Kundalini Yoga and Meditation
This is the class I am taking this semester and practices the style of yoga mentioned in the article. It is offered at 3PM on Monday through Thursday.
PHED-120A Yoga (this is a prerequisite for PHED-120B)
PHED-123 Yoga Therapy
PHED-125 Restorative Yoga
Additionally, while not strictly a yoga class, PHED-119 Introduction to Mindfulness offers many of the same mental health benefits.
More about Monday’s Concert
When it comes to manta-centric music, White Sun is one of the most awarded groups in the genre. Their music is relaxing, fun, and has an otherworldy beauty.
You don’t need to be a yogi to come! Students and music fans of all sorts will be hanging out, doing some light yoga with the music, and relaxing. Everyone is welcome!
In the fight against stress and schoolwork, yoga is a powerful tool. Carving out even several minutes in your day and practicing some yogic breathing can have an incredible effect on your mental health. A quick session can help clear your mind and deter anxiety and depression.
With finals coming up, I hope you’re all able to remember of a few of these tips from yoga to put into your “how to keep myself sane” toolbox. Remember, your mental health should always come first! Best of luck to everyone :)
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