Kundalini Yoga is a very complete science, and deals with the physical body, the triad of the body-mind-spirit, and with the subtle energies of the body, such as prana (life energy) and the chakras (energy centers on the spine). It works on these different aspects of our being by using mental focus, breathing techniques, mantras (sound vibrations), postures (body positions), mudras (hand positions), and relaxation to scientifically provide a more healthy, happy and holy way of life for each person who practices it. Yogi Bhajan says that with Kundalini Yoga, there is no such thing as "past." A highly conscious person is free of the past living in the moment. Realistically, many of us still cling to the past. Past experiences are recorded in our subconscious mind and on a daily basis they affect our actions and outlook on life. Kundalini Yoga cleans our subconscious mind so that we are no longer victims of our past.

Exercises
The exercises are arranged in a logical pattern that release tensions systematically throughout the body. At the end of a set, the body has been well exercised and infused with prana (breath) and total relaxation is possible. The physical energy has been stimulated and channeled up toward teh higher centres (chakras) in preparation for meditation.

Breath
Our early childhood is filled with lessons on how to do this and that, but do we ever teach our children to properly breathe? Our breath is the most fundamental aspect of our being. In fact we can live without food, and water for days maybe weeks. But a few minutes without breathing and we are dead.

"If there is anything divine in you, it is your breath."
- Yogi Bhajan

In our fast paced lifestyles we are constantly in a rush and not taking time to relax. When we're not relaxed our breath can not become deep. Instead our breathing is shallow an our lungs do not completely expand. We are functioning at less than optimum. Our energy will be low, our decision making impaired and additionally we are more prone to stress.

To fully expand the lungs, the diaphragm has to drop down in the rib cage to make room for the expanded lungs. In turn the belly has to expand out of the way to make room for the diaphragm. Try this, "put your hand on your navel and inhale,…when done correctly you should be pushing your hand our with your belly.

Here's an interesting principle. The rate and rhythm of our breath is directly related to our mental and emotional states. When the rate of breath increases and becomes rapid and irregular so does our mind become anxious and disturbed. By consciously breathing slowly and deeply we calm the mind and cool down the emotions. And yes the breath can be controlled, it is both an involuntary and voluntary bodily function.

Some things to breath about .....by Shakti Parwar Kaur
1. Your rate of breathing and your state of mind are inseparable.
2. The slower your rate of breathing, the more control you have over your mind.
3. The mind follows the breath, and the body follows the mind.

"We are not humans in search of a spiritual experience but spirits wanting a human experience" -teachings of Yogi Bhajan

Meditation
... is a tool for cleaning the subconscious mind. The subconscious mind is like a video camera continually storing stimuli from our daily existence. Like any storage area, it can become dirty and dusty if it is not constantly cleaned. That is what meditation does - it cleans our conscious and subconscious mind, making us brighter and shinier! Furthermore, if our subconscious mind becomes filled, things flow over into our unconscious mind. It is much better to avoid this, since it is extremely difficult to clean and repair the unconscious mind. Because of this cleaning process, contrary to ideas some people have about meditation, it is not constantly blissful and pleasant.

Meditation cleans old fears, buried anger, and negative thoughts from the different layers of our mind. This process is painful, but it is necessary, and it is better to do this in meditation than in therapy! As Yogi Bhajan says, we wouldn't go for days without washing our bodies with water, so why should we go for days without washing our mind with meditation.

… on meditation "Contrary to popular belief, your mind is not you. Your identity is much more permanent than that. Until you control the mind, you can't get beyond it to liberation. Liberation is the experience of your own Infinity, and lies beyond the mind." Meditation works and is one of the most powerful, safe and effective means of becoming a complete and spiritual human. Happiness is not dependent upon any outside person, event or thing. We are each responsible for our own happiness. (from Shakti's book)

...the last word on meditation Meditation is not limited to staring at a candle, or focusing on a point. It is simply becoming still and allowing all thoughts to happen and pass without attaching to them or expanding on a particular idea. By just allowing the thoughts to pass, this is how the subconscious mind is emptied.