Yogic Living Newsletter

October 2022 - Volume 1

"Not the world, not what’s outside of us, but what we hold inside traps us. We may not be responsible for the world that created our minds, but we can take responsibility for the mind with which we create our world.”

~ Gabor Mate ~ 

The pandemic brought the importance of mental health to the forefront of our awareness. Still, many of us face the challenge of access and affordability when it comes to quality mental healthcare. What do the body-based tools of yoga and meditation have to contribute to the mental health conversation at this critical time? 

Research suggests that yoga and meditation are not only good for the body, but good for the brain. When we practice yoga, our brain cells develop new connections, resulting in improved cognitive skills such as learning and memory. 

Further, with its emphasis on breathing practices and meditation - both of which help calm and center the mind - it’s no surprise that Kundalini Yoga also brings mental benefits such as reduced anxiety and depression. You don’t need insurance or a fancy prescription to explore the ways in which Kundalini Yoga may benefit your brain. Learn more below!

Kirtan Kriya

Kirtan Kriya is a meditation that involves chanting the sounds, Saa Taa Naa Maa along with repetitive finger movements, or mudras. This practice can be adapted to several lengths, but practicing it for just 12 minutes a day has been shown to reduce stress levels and increase activity in areas of the brain that are central to memory. From an Eastern perspective, it is believed that the placement of the tongue on the roof of the mouth while making these sounds stimulates 84 acupressure points on the upper palate. This causes a beneficial bio-chemical transformation in the brain. In addition, Western research has revealed that utilizing the mudras in conjunction with the sounds enhances blood flow to particular areas in the motor-sensory part of the brain. Click here to learn more about the clinical research into the effects of Kirtan Kriya.

The Science of Kundalini Yoga

"Kundalini Yoga incorporates a number of elements that many styles of yoga do not incorporate. It's very heavy on the mantra. It's very heavy on the music. It's very heavy on the meditative, devotional components. We know from research already that compared to more limited styles of yoga - which are focused more on just the physical postures, the asanas - yoga, like Kundalini Yoga, that incorporate breathing and meditation are more powerful. They are more effective and they generate more benefits and more change in a positive direction." - Dr. Sat Bir Singh Khalsa, Assistant Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School

Meditation to Balance the Hemispheres

Focusing the eyes on the tip of the nose controls the optic nerve. By splitting the fingers, you are controlling both hemispheres of the brain. By separating the thumbs, you are separating the ego. By looking at the nose, you are concentrating and directing the optical nerve, which stimulates the sensory system of the brain.

Meditation to Develop the Frontal Lobe and Hypothalamus

This 31-minute mantra meditation is to develop the frontal lobe and hypothalamus, which govern the executive functioning of the brain. Most of us need to practice stimulation and control of the frontal lobe and upper palate, which tend to be underdeveloped. In this case, we use certain permutations and combinations of sounds with the movement of the tongue to get the result. 

Numerology Forecast for October 2022: Create an Emotional Safe-Haven

The month of October brings an excitement and intensity to planet Earth that will allow us to break through previously held beliefs that limited our effectiveness in the world. There will be a spring in our step and a sharp new attitude unfolding if we “sync-up” with the dance code that is now streaming live over the airwaves!

The number 10 of October brings in the themes of self-authority, achievement, courage, and a sense of ownership over one’s own personal domain. This is the month to get your house in order, and push to the back burner other people’s demands and expectations of you. Prioritize yourself, and create a buffer or boundary between yourself and those who are trying to hook into your energy field. Number 10 is the Radiant Body in yogic science, and the strength of the Radiant Body has much to do with our ability to succeed in the world.

Your Contribution Matters

Maybe a new teacher in Thailand is looking for a particular kriya. Or a lifelong student in Chicago wants a recipe for the weekend. Or someone who’s struggling in Australia and needi to hear about Seva and the solstice celebration. 3HO is for everyone, everywhere looking for connections to resources, inspiration, and community events as they engage in the path of Kundalini Yoga in their life.

Every day, someone gets on a yoga mat for the first or the thousandth time and uses 3HO resources — videos, posts, lives — to guide their practice. We are grateful for your support, as we expand our digital resources.

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