How do I know if I might be experiencing a Kundalini Awakening?

Kundalini is the life force energy that resides within all of us. Kundalini may also be likened to Chi, Shakti or Spirit in various traditions. In the Yoga tradition, Kundalini Shakti is the dormant energy that lies at the base of the spine, waiting to be awakened. When this energy is awakened, it starts to move up the spine, clearing the beliefs, pains and knots of the past that we often store in the body. The energy can be blocked by psychic knots (granthis) in each chakra or any part of the body, bringing pain, discomfort, ill health or disease. Often the blockages are related to particular belief systems, emotions or thought forms. The awakening of this energy can lead to various experiences, from heightened awareness, clarity, ‘seeing the light’, deep insight, and spiritual awakening to clairvoyance and psychic abilities. The ultimate goal of hatha yoga or kundalini yoga is to awaken this dormant energy and bring it up to the crown chakra, where it unites with Shiva, the divine masculine energy.

To awaken the kundalini steadily, one may choose to purify the body and mind, which is done through the regular practice of yoga and meditation. Once the body and mind are prepared, kundalini can be awakened through a variety of techniques, including meditation (dhyana), asana (transcendental postures), pranayama (breath work), mantra (chanting) and mudras (hand gestures). It can also be awakened without yoga practice. Qi Gong may also awaken stagnant chi and clear the patterns of the past that are stored in the body. Deep meditation practices from various lineages will have similar effects. Swadhyaya or self-enquiry (historically taught by Indian sages Ramana Maharshi and Nisargadatta) may also lend to one experiencing the deeper dimensions of yoga. Questions such as “who am I?” or “who is experiencing these thoughts and feelings?” may lead to a deeper understanding of who you truly are and assist you in seeing through the mind, which is all stories. These questions (ideally left unanswered) may also help you see beyond the body. “You are not the mind, and you are not the body”. These famous self-realisation teachings can be realised within you.

For some, kundalini awakening can be gradual or may happen very quickly, even immediately. As kundalini awakens, it brings heightened awareness, incredible energy, clarity and spiritual awakening.

When kundalini and shakti begin to ascend, we can live our lives with a deeper transcendental awareness and understanding, defined purpose and incredible power. You eventually become free of all the beliefs and patterns that held you so tightly bound in your body and mind, causing suffering. In fact, the whole process is quite miraculous and is charged with inherent beauty, yet it isn’t always easy. You have to really let go and surrender the ego, and sometimes there is pain as you let go of the past stored in the body and mind, even right down to the level of your DNA.

In fact, for teachers and students alike, there are a few key signs that indicate someone is experiencing a kundalini awakening. First, they may feel increased pranic energy in their body, often starting at the hands and feet. Later, particularly in the spine. This energy may cause physical sensations like tingling, shaking, or heat. Secondly, they may begin to experience powerful emotions and thoughts that they previously suppressed. These may include long-buried trauma or deep-seated fears. Finally, they may start to see changes in their behaviours, relationships and perceptions. For some this may include hallucinations or synesthesia (seeing colours when hearing music, for example) or extreme bodily sensations.

Here is a list of what to notice as both a teacher and a student:

• Increased energy in the body
• The feeling of goosebumps or waves of energy moving through the body at times
• For some, physical sensations like tingling, shaking, heat, headaches, tears, vomiting, and cold tremors can also occur
• Powerful emotions and thoughts and relief from negative thoughts that cause suffering
• Changes in perceptions like hallucinations or synesthesia
• Feeling more creative or inspired
• Greater sense of spiritual awareness or connection
• Increased intuition
• Easier time connecting with your intuition and inner guidance
• More vivid dreams or lucid dreaming, sometimes with disturbed sleep from the energy becoming strong at night, even waking you up
• Out-of-body experiences
• Increased psychic abilities
• Increased sensitivity, emotionally and physically
• The initiative to practise non-violence
• A deep sense of interconnectedness with all things
• An overwhelming sense of bliss and profound contentment which may come and go
• A sudden urge for incredible change, seeing through misperceptions or delusions of the past
• A profound acceptance of what is and seeing the truth or reality for what it is, no longer arguing with reality
• Recognition of oneness with the desire to serve others altruistically
• Deep compassion for all of life
• A more robust immune response as the body begins to be strengthened by the energy within, and the inner critic voice stops its attack as it fades away
• The ability to communicate freely and honestly and say no and yes to what is true to you in life
• A sense of deep connection to nature, a divinity or to a higher universal power
• Feeling a deep sense of peace and calm
• Tears of indescribable joy, awe, devotion

What triggers a kundalini awakening?

• Life events: childbirth, puberty, menopause, significant life changes, death of a loved one
• Practices: yoga, meditation, breathwork, chanting, prayer, self-enquiry
• Life events, such as a traumatic experience or intense emotional upheaval
• Deep suffering or a sense of being completely trapped
• Shock or realising you have no control over the next moment at all
• Practices like meditation, yoga, or deeply connected sex and intimacy
• A significant life change, such as the death of a loved one
• Awakening from a deep depression, despair or even anxiety (seeing through the mind)
• Falling in love (activates the heart chakra)
• Near Death experience
• Reading scriptures, studying spiritual texts
• Sitting with a teacher or healer who has had the opening occur within them

The signs of kundalini awakening are many and varied, all representing growth and expansion. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s a sign that your kundalini may be on the rise. The good news is that yoga and meditation can help you integrate the energy of kundalini awakening more smoothly into your life and, most importantly, into your nervous system. You will need to find a good guide or mentor through books, audio or in-person to assist you in encompassing the awakening. Bodywork, yoga, meditation practice with a respected healer and practitioner will also help immensely. In fact, just being in the presence of someone who sits in the seat of the Self or deep presence alone may be enough.

Our four-day silent meditation teacher training is coming up in January, and we highly encourage you to attend if possible.