i am truth { sat kriya for 40 days }

 artwork credit: dharmadishes

Spirit, the Universe, a certain consciousness has come to me and let me know that I must practice Sat Kriya for the next 40 days. I know enough to listen and act when spoken to in this way, so unique from any other messages.

Sat Kriya is a core practice of Kundalini Yoga and was developed by the incomparable Yogi Bhajan. The mantra chanted during this kriya is Sat Nam, which means "Truth is my identity." Beautiful.

The benefits of Sat Kriya are numerous:

• Strengthens the nervous and sexual systems
• Balances digestion
• Massages internal organs
• Strengthens the heart
• Stimulates and channels kundalini energy
• Integrates energy released from the lower three chakras into the entire system
• Calming, clearing, and purifying
• Helps align the practitioner with her/his highest self

Here is the recipe (adapted/developed with the assistance of 3ho.org):

1. Sit in Vajrasana or Rock Pose, as it is known in Kundalini Yoga.
2. Extend the arms over the head, elbows straight, with the arms hugging the sides of the head. 
3. Interlace all the fingers except for the index fingers, which point straight up. Women cross the left thumb over the right and men cross the right thumb over the left.
4. Close your eyes and direct them to the Third Eye.
5. Relax the shoulders down the back, broaden across the collar bones, and soften the front ribs in.
6. Begin to chant "Sat Nam" (rhymes with "But Mom") with a constant rhythm of about 8 times every 10 seconds.
7. Pull the navel in and up toward the spine when chanting "Sat" (sut) and chant from the navel point. Feel it as a bit of pressure from the Third Chakra center.
8. When you chant "Nam" (naam), relax the belly.
9. As you continue to chant rhythmically, the root and diaphragm locks (Mula Bandha and Uddiyana Bandha) are automatically engaged. Your abdomen will look and feel like gently rocking ocean waves.
10. Keep the spine still and straight.
11. The breath will regulate itself.
12. Envision the energy that is circulating drawing up to your Third Eye center.
13. Beginners will do this for 3 minutes. The next level is 11 minutes, and eventually over time, building to 31 minutes.
14. When complete, take a lengthy Savasana, so that the body may have the time and space to absorb this powerful kriya.

I have been told that after only a few days, the shift in your energy and consciousness is dramatic. My mentor practices Sat Kriya daily and many other yogis and yoginis whom I respect have shared their reverence of this practice.

Would you like to join me in my adventure? :)

Additional helpful links:

Sat Kriya with the lovely Viriam Kaur at YogaVibes.com

How-To at 3ho.org

Sat Kriya at YogaJournal.com

Video demo at MyYogaOnline.com

Comments

[Rick]

I'll join you. The Sat Kriya seems like a good way for me to help me make a commitment to my practice.

[Michelle]

i'll join too. just try to forgive me if i miss a day! :)

[Viriam Kaur]

TY so much Lo for posting my video for this, this is such a great idea, I will join you! :) How many minutes are you practicing 11 is good! Sat Nam

[Mary, Rand(Om) Bites]

What a beautiful practice. I would love to try that. I am currently tossing up whether to do a 40 Day Revolution with a new studio or something like this. Thanks for the inspiration.

[keishua/Googlover]

That seems like a good idea. I'll join you. I think I can handle 3 minutes. Give a heads up when you start. I think it will be fun.