Kundalini yoga is a perfect technology to help one recover from and overcome addiction. There are many ways the technology can be applied - through specific exercises to rebalance the glandular system, rebuild and strengthen the nervous system, repattern the limbic system and neural pathways, clear the energetic pathways or nadis in the body, develop the frontal cortex, and many more - because Kundalini yoga is dynamic and it impacts all body systems and functions as well as provides a path to connect the body, mind and spirit.!!One of the best applications of Kundalini yoga for someone who is struggling with addiction is by systematically applying techniques to the Chakras, starting with the First Chakra. Chakras are energy centers in the body where prana or life force accumulates. In Kundalini yoga there are seven distinct chakras, each one associated with different characteristics and functions. When a chakra is out of balance, prana is blocked, and certain shadow qualities emerge. When we work to balance the chakras, our energy moves freely, our body functions properly, and our highest qualities and caliber emerge. We are maximized for optimal living.!!“Chakras affect our perceptions, feelings, and choices. They affect the flow and types of thoughts we have, and the energies we can gather to act upon them and manifest our thoughts. In all of our behavior, they affect the relationship between the conscious and the subconscious. Opening and balancing the chakras opens the senses, and integrates them into a responsive network that can relate to the larger source field of energy from which we come and to which we return.” - The Aquarian Teacher, KRI, page 184. !!This set specifically ties the imbalances we face when overcoming addiction relative to each chakra, and provides a Kriya and Meditation selected specifically to balance the chakra in order to help you recover from and free yourself from addiction, and maximize your potential.!!MULADHARA. FIRST CHAKRA, ROOT.

Concept. It’s been said that all addiction starts in the root chakra. Without a balanced first chakra, we tend to feel ungrounded, unsafe, insecure. So we seek things outside of ourselves to feel grounded, nurtured, safe, secure. We look to externalities to fill up the hole that is left from the imbalanced root. By strengthening our root chakra, we connect to our center, we feel more grounded, we feel secure and comforted and stable and we don’t need to reach outside of ourselves to achieve this. This series is a great series to practice to strengthen the root.!!Element. Earth!!Security & Survival!!Foundations. Survival. Security. Habit. !!Location. The end of the spine between the anus and the sex organs. !!Organs. Theme, Elimination. Areas, Bones, feet, legs, rectum, perineum, large intestine, base of the spine, adrenal glands and immune system.!!Proper Functioning. Grounded, centered, secure, loyal, stable, healthy elimination.!!Malfunction. Fear, insecurity. Life feels like a burden. Feeling of not really belonging on Earth or in one’s culture or family. Weak constitution, elimination problems, reduced physical and mental resistance, sexual perversions.!!The root chakra is located between the anus and genitals (perineum) and is symbolized by 4 petals. The color red and sometimes brown is associated with this chakra. The root chakra forms the foundation for the raising of Kundalini energy or life force. The root chakra governs the processes of elimination, birth, survival and independence. It is the gateway to human connection to earth. You can balance this chakra with the sacred vowel UH (as in cup) and focus your attention on the chakra at the same time.!

O V E R CO M I N G A D D I C T I O N T H R O U G H B A L A N C I N G T H E C H A K R A S

The first chakra is called Muladhara which means root or foundation. In this particular chakra we can begin to transcend the basis of physical nature. Connecting to the earth element here, this energetic center is responsible for everything that manifests in the physical world. It is involved with material and primal survival, our health, bodies and habits. In Kundalini Yoga, the specific body parts that are related to the first chakra are the bones, feet, legs, rectum, perineum, large intestine, base of the spine, adrenal glands and immune system. The theme here is elimination, steadiness, health and stability. Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga we can build a strong connection with this energetic center and use it to help us live fully in our bodies and on this earth.!!!!Warm-up.!! Spinal Twist.!! Sufi Grind.!! Cat Cow.!! Frog Pose.!! !!Kriya.!! Foundation for Infinity!

!Meditation!! Meditation for a Stable Self!

SVADISTHANA. SECOND CHAKRA. SEX.

Concept. One of the main causes of our need to turn to addictive substances is that we don’t properly express our creativity. Creation turned inward literally leads to destruction, an implosion of sorts. It is devastating. In the Gnostic Gospels of Thomas, Jesus said “If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you.” When our Second Chakra is in balance, we are able to tap in to our creative force and are able to bring forth what is in us, to express what must come out. A balanced second chakra also allows us to develop patience and boundaries and develop responsible, healthy attitudes towards sex and positive relationships. All of these things are critical to helping one live a life where there is not need to escape (expressing the creativity, establishing and protecting our boundaries) and aids in the process of overcoming addiction (patience), and further sustains us once we have come through addiction (in developing nurturing positive relationships). This set is wonderful for balancing the second chakra.!!Element. Water.!!Creativity.!!To Feel. To desire. To create.!!Location. The Sexual Organs.!!Organs. Sexual organs, reproductive glands, kidneys, bladder.!!Proper Functioning. Positive, relaxed attitude to sexual functions, patience; creativity; responsible relationships.!!Malfunction. Rigid emotions, frigidity, guilt, no boundaries, irresponsible relationships. Problems with reproductive organs or kidneys.!!Warm-up.!! Spinal Twist.!! Sufi Grind.!! Cat Cow.!! Frog Pose.!! !Kriya.!! Releasing Premenstrual Tension & Balancing Sexual Energy!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Meditation.!! Ganpati Meditation!

This meditation is said to redeem all negativity of the past and present, smooth out your day-to-day problems and create a positive tomorrow. It will change your luck and allow prosperity to flow. !!Posture. Sit in Easy Pose, with a light neck lock.!!Eyes. The eyes are 1/10th open. Concentrate at the Third Eye Point.!!Mudra. Place the wrists over the knees, hands in Gyan Mudra, with the arms and elbows straight.!!Mantra. Saa-Taa-Naa-Maa- Raa-Maa-Daa-Saa- Saa-Say-So-Hung!!Part I. Chant the mantra on a single breath, as you press the fingertips of each hand sequentially (thumb to fore finger, thumb to middle finger, thumb to ring finger, thumb to little finger) with each syllable. Use a monotone voice. Continue for 11 minutes.!!Part II. Inhale deeply and hold the breath. Move the body in a slow twist and stretch motion. Move each muscle of the body. Move the head, torso, arms, back, belly and hands. Then exhale powerfully. Repeat this 5 times.!!Part III. Immediately sit straight. Look at the Lotus Point, the tip of the nose. Become totally calm, absolutely still. Meditate for 3 minutes.!!To End. Inhale and hold the breath for 30 seconds as you physically move and rotate your body as if it is going through spasms. Every muscle must be stretched, squeezed and turned around, from the muscles in your face, head and neck, down to your toes. Exhale. Repeat this 3 more times. Then inhale, sit calmly and concentrate on the tip of your nose for 20 seconds. Exhale, and relax.!!!!

MANIPURA. THIRD CHAKRA. NAVEL.

Concept. The most important chakra to balance in order to recover from and overcome addiction is the Third Chakra, or our Navel Center. This is where our sense of self and personal power, our WILL is developed. Often times when we suffer from addiction we have lost our sense of personal power, and given it over to sources outside of ourselves - chemicals, behaviors, compulsions. When we develop our third chakra we begin regain this sense of inner power and come to rely on our own strength. This is also where our sense of personal identity lives, which we also lose when deep in addiction - we forget who we are. In many cases, we didn’t understand who we were to begin with. When we develop our third chakra, we begin to regain the understanding of Who We Are. Self-confidence returns through building this chakra, as does our self-esteem, and also of significance, our commitment. If there is any energetic center that we should focus on rebuilding when recovering from addiction, it is this one. By stimulating and balancing the third chakra, we burn through that which is no longer serving us, begin to connect back to who we are, develop a deeper sense of self-confidence, come into our TRUE power, and develop our WILL.!!Element. Fire.!!Action and Balance.!!The Will of The Spiritual Warrior.!!Location. Navel point, solar plexus.!!Organs. Navel point, solar plexus, liver, gall bladder, spleen, digestive organs, pancreas, adrenals.!!Proper Functioning. The center of personal power and commitment. Self-esteem, identity, judgment. This is where the strength for inner balance, inspiration and good health is developed.!!Malfunction. Anger, greed, shame, despair, obstacles everywhere. Not enough strength and spontaneity. Conforming in order to be recognized. Refuting ones own wishes and emotions. Problems with digestion, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas.!!Warm-up.!! Spinal Twist.!! Sufi Grind.!! Spinal Flex.!! Cat Cow.!!Kriya.!! Nabhi Kriya!

!!Meditation.!! Caliber for Constant Self Authority!

! !

ANAHATA. FOURTH CHAKRA. HEART.

Concept. In recovering from addiction, we need to find a deep sense of compassion for ourselves, the ability to forgive our perceived mistakes and failures, and ultimately, to find a love for ourselves that is so deep that we want to nurture ourselves and find relief only through wholesome, healthy means. In order to cultivate compassion, kindness, forgiveness, and self-love, we must work on balancing the pranic energy located in the fourth chakra or the heart center. This set will help achieve this.!!Element. Air.!!Love & Compassion.!!Love and awakening. From me to we.!!Location. The middle of the chest on the breast bone at the level of the nipples.!!Organs. Heart, lungs, thymus gland.!!Proper Functioning. Compassion, kindness, forgiveness, service, love. Recognizing and understanding these qualities in others. Sacred transformation. Awakening to spiritual awareness. !!Malfunction. Grief, attachment. Closed to surroundings. Easily hurt. Dependent on love and affection from others. Fear of rejection. Helper syndrome. Heartlessness.!!Warm-up.!! Sufi Grind.! !! Spinal Twist.!! Spinal Flex.!! Cat Cow.!!Kriya.!! New Lungs & Circulation!

1. Stand Up. Balance equally on the two feet. Keep both arms straight with no bend in the elbows. Make “Buddhi Mudra” with each hand (touch the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb, the other fingers relaxed but straight). Swing the arms in giant circles up and back over the head, then down in back and forward. Your beat is automatic and strong. Concentrate and put all your energy into the exercise. It should be a smooth and continuous swing. Continue for 5 minutes. Then inhale and stretch the arms straight up briefly.!

2. Stand up and reverse the direction of the arm swing. Make fists of both hands. Swing the arms down in front, up in back and over the heard. Keep the arms straight and move powerfully. Continue for 1-2 minutes. Then inhale forward with the arms parallel to the ground and relax them.!

3. Stand up straight. Raise the arms over the head. Keep the arms straight. Put the palms flat together. Then bend forward and place both palms flat on the ground. Strike the ground with the palms seven times as you bounce slightly in the bent position. Chant the sound, “Har,” with each bounce. Then rise and clap the hands together over the head as you say, “Haree!” Create a steady rhythm so that the chant is continuous: Har, Har, Har, Har, Har, Har, Har, Haree! Continue for 6-7 minutes. Then inhale and stretch up briefly and relax down. (“Har” is the Creative aspect of God. “Haree” means God in Action.)!

4. Sit down with the legs stretched out in front. Keep the legs and the sides of the heels together. Place the palms on the ground next to the hips. Lift both legs up to a 60 degree angle, then let them back down. Do this motion vigorously. Add the breath to this motion. Use a strong Breath of Fire. Coordinate one inhale-exhale in the Breath of Fire as you lift the legs and another as the legs go back down. Continue for 2 minutes.!

5. Sit with the legs outstretched in front. Place the palms on the ground next to the hips. Lift the legs off the ground 1 ½ feet. Begin a criss-cross motion of the legs. Spread them comfortably to 45 degrees. Add the Breath of Fire in synchrony with the motion. Continue for 2-3 minutes then inhale and hold the legs together briefly, then relax down.!

6. Sit in Easy Pose. Extend the arms in front of the torso parallel to the ground and to each other. Palms face down. Begin a criss-cross scissor motion. Alternate which arm crosses over the top of the other. When they separate bring them to shoulder width apart. Add to the motion a powerful Breath of Fire. Continue for 30-60 seconds. Then inhale with the arms parallel and relax.!

7. Sit on the heels. Bend forward and place the forehead on the ground. Extend the arms back along the sides on the ground. The palms face up. Concentrate at the brow point. Do Breath of Fire. Continue for 30-60 seconds.!

8. Same position. Lift the arms up and join the hands together behind the back. Interlace the fingers of the two hands in a Venus Lock. Cross the thumbs over each other to lock the hands firmly. Lift the arms up and back down. Create a steady fast rhythmical motion. Add the Breath of Fire to the motion. Do one Breath of Fire as the arms go up and one as the arms go down. Continue for two minutes. Then inhale and raise the arms up, hold briefly and relax.!

9. Sit in Easy Pose. Become very meditative. Keep the spine straight, chest lifted slightly and lower spine tucked gently forward. Elevate your thoughts to the infinite, the unlimited and the vast. Open your heart and give your best personal prayer for empowerment, healing and awareness. Put your head, heart and soul into it. (Example of a prayer is: “Blessed God, give us strength, faith and truth to guide ourselves now and forever. Sat Nam. Blessings, blessings, blessings to all.”) Continue for 2-3 minutes. Then relax completely.!!

Comments: You feel full of energy and in control when the lungs and circulation are in excellent shape. The breath and its flow in the body determine your emotional base. This set retools the lungs and improves circulation throughout the body. It is a rhythmical and short kriya for intermediate students or for enthusiastic beginners who are in good condition. !!Exercise #1 stimulates the lungs, lung meridians and flushes the upper lymph system. #2 balances the motion of #1 and it releases the circulation through the neck and cheeks. #3 stimulates the navel chakra. It releases reserve energy to heal and coordinate the body and to improve circulation in the digestive areas. The mantra is an effective trigger for navel point energy. It also frees up emotions like fear and confusion that block your ability to act decisively. #4 pushes circulation below the navel and stimulates the lower colon. It enhances circulation to the lower legs. #5 reinforces the effects of #4 but adds balance to the electromagnetic field. It is also excellent for strengthening the sexual system. #6 rejuvenates the lungs and synchronizes the electromagnetic field of the heart with the breath rhythm. #7 brings a circulatory flush to the brain, eyes and upper glands. #8 affects the very top of the lungs and builds the magnetic field. !!In 22 minutes a day you can practice this Kriya and rebuild your system. It will prepare your lungs for an excellent practice of pranayam in Kundalini Yoga.!

!!Meditation.!! Meditation for Projection & Protection from the Heart!

Seat. Sit in an Easy Pose, with a light jalandhar bandh.!Mudra. Place the palms together at the Heart Center in!Prayer Pose. The thumbs are crossed.!Mantra. Chant the Mangala Charn Mantra:!Chant: AAD GURAY NAMEH!As you extend your arms as shown in picture. The arms return to the Heart Center as you chant:!JUGAAD GURAY NAMEH!and again extend the arms up, as you chant:!SAT GURAY NAMEH!Returning the hands again to Prayer Pose at the Heart Center, chant:!SIREE GUROO DAYVAY NAMEH!Project the mind out as you chant. The full extension of the arms is timed to the chant.!Time. Continue for 11 minutes, adding 5 minutes per day!up to 31 minutes, until you perfect it.!Comments. This meditation gives you an enchanting, magnetic!personality, with many unexpected friends. The Mangala!Charn Mantra surrounds the magnetic field with!protective light. It means:!AAD GURAY NAMEH!I bow to the Primal Wisdom!JUGAAD GURAY NAMEH!I bow to the wisdom through the Ages!SAT GURAY NAMEH!I bow to the True Wisdom!SIREE GUROO DAYVAY NAMEH!I bow to the great, unseen Wisdom.!

!VISHUDDHA. FIFTH CHAKRA. THROAT.

Concept. When the fifth chakra is in balance, we are able to authentically express ourselves, communicate effectively, inspire others, and most importantly, we are well equipped to handle other people’s judgments and opinions. We speak from the heart and project our true essence, and we are fearless communicators. While these things won’t help someone overcome addiction, what they will do is help one become fearless in their new life decision - free of fear of what other people think, able to effectively express themselves to the world as their authentic selves, and powerfully OWN who they are. A balanced fifth chakra is essential for one who is coming through addiction to empower them to stand tall and strong in their new life path, and to become the inspiring teachers of a new way of life to all they come in contact with. !!Element. Ether.!!Projective Power of the Word.!!Location. The throat.!!Organs. Trachea, throat, cervical vertebrae, thyroid.!!Proper Functioning. The center for truth, language, knowledge, and the ability to communicate effectively. Authenticity. Healthy self expression and interactions. Inspiring. Teaching. Embodying God’s will.!!Malfunction. Lethargy, weakness in expressive and descriptive abilities. Voice problems, insecurity, fear of other people’s opinions and judgments. Throat problems, neck problems, thyroid problems. !!Warm-up.!! Sufi Grind.! !! Spinal Twist.!! Spinal Flex.!! Cat Cow.!! Long Ongs. !!Kriya.!! Transforming the Lower Triangle to the Higher Triangle!

! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Meditation.!! 7-Wave Sat Nam! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

AJNA. SIXTH CHAKRA. THIRD EYE.

Concept. A well developed sixth chakra gives us a sense of understanding beyond or physical capacity. It allows us to have connection to something greater than ourselves, to understand our purpose, and to develop great meaning in life. When our sixth chakra is out of balance, we over-intellectualize and become confused, and have a limited understanding of Who We Are. For those overcoming addiction, the development of the sixth chakra means we begin to see outside of our limited perspective, to feel something greater than ourselves. It also directly impacts the pituitary gland, the master gland, which controls all of our glandular functions. A healthy pituitary means a healthy, balanced body. Often in addiction we are stuck in our lower, reactive, survival self. By developing our sixth chakra, we raise our consciousness, and are able to move beyond the limits of our bodies into the unlimited potential we each have.!!Element. None.!!Intuition, Wisdom, and Identity.!!Location. Between the eyebrows.!!Organs. Brain, pituitary gland.!!Proper Functioning. Center of intuition, clairvoyance; visualizing; fantasizing; !concentration and determination; Self-initiation. Power of projection. Understanding your purpose.!!Malfunction. Confusion, depression. Rejection of spirituality. Over-intellectualizing.!!Warm-up.!! Sufi Grind.! !! Spinal Twist.!! Spinal Flex.!! Cat Cow.!! Long Ongs. !!Kriya.!! Pituitary Gland Series!

Meditation.!! Meditation for Healing Addiction!