Kundalini Yoga: A Journey Through The Chakras - Courage, ... [DVD]

I'm really chuffed with this DVD simply because it does everything that it claims. I can't believe that I haven't stumbled upon Kundalini yoga before. I've flirted with Astanga and have been doggedly faithful to Hatha for some years but now I have to say I'm a Kundalini convert. Maya Fiennes approach to Kundalini is a down-to-earth approach and, as such, it is both accessible and credible enough to engage the more sceptical amoung us. Firstly, the DVD is shot in a studio against a white background. No distractions: just Maya and the Kriyas to concentrate on. Those who are familiar with Hatha yoga will be used to holding a pose for a set amount of time and 'breathing into it': Kundalini differs, insofar as for a lot of the Kriyas (poses, postures, asanas)you are in a set position but the are active throughout the pose (this is the meditation aspect). In fact, some of the Kriyas are quite vigourous and require a high level of dexterity and suppleness. However, as with any yoga discipline, it is not meant to be competitive and you work at your own pace. Maya does not offer alternatives or modifications to the Kriyas, so employing common sense and working within the parameters of your own limitations are crucial. The format for each lesson (this is a box set that contains 3 DVDS/lessons)is pretty similar: Firstly, you have a warm up/limbering period for 15-20 minutes. Then, you perform the Kriyas for 20 mins. Finally, you have the meditation section followed by a cool down/tuning out for a few minutes. DVD 1: Courage (Root Chakra) Similar warm-up to the 'Detox and De-stress DVD'. The Kriyas are fairly easy to perform but you have to sustain them over several minutes (therein lies the challenge). DVD2: Creativity (Sacral Chakra) You limber up to the 'Five Tibetans' (this should give you an idea of what is to come). The Kriyas are hardcore so don't be put off if you find them challenging. I had to go into 'Gyan Mudra'(meditation pose, put simply!)when the going got too tough. However, the more you are able to concentrate (which comes with practice) the easier it is to complete the set (lasts between 3-5 mins typically). DVD 3: Willpower (Naval Chakra) You begin with the Sun Salute and it is performed continuously for several minutes. The Kriyas are 'easier' in this session but still challenging to perform over several minutes. I am performing each chakra every day over the course of the week (I have the other DVDs in this series): it's early days and I can't say that my life has changed immeasurably but I am noticing subtle changes: * Improved digestion and more frequent elimination * Less gas and trapped wind * A calmer disposition and feeling less 'rushed' when performing everyday tasks Actually, reading that list back, this is quite significant. Be warned: this is addictive (but in a good way) and you will want to perform this daily. The DVD is expensive but it is excellent quality, and, if you really get into it (almost guaranteed) then it will constitute superb value for money. For those who think this is new age 'mumbo-jumbo' (to be fair it's not for everyone)and just want a good workout then, trust me, (DVD 1 & 2 in particular)offer a hardcore ab workout that will have you aching for days (I've done them all: Jillian Michels, Tracy Anderson, pilates etc etc). I'll keep you updated of my progress and I'm pretty confident that this could be life changing. May 2012 update I thought it was important to revisit this review as I feel very passionately that this DVD has had a positive effect on my wellbeing. I was faithful to this DVD, when I wrote the above review, but work commitments grew (to the point of being a burden) and I am ashamed to admit that I slacked off the yoga. Old, negative thoughts and emotions returned with a vengeance. I became very tearful and would cry for no reason. My depression returned that had been a problem in the past. I decided that I had to commit to this DVD again as I knew it had helped before. I alternated this DVD with Detox and destress and I found that it had a positive impact from the first session. I am commiting to doing this boxset every morning for 40 days: I am doing a bit of a kundalini yoga bootcamp, if you will. I am not recommending this to anyone else but for me it works. When I first got 'back on the wagon', I went through a bit of an emotional up-and-down which I can only describe as crying mixed with feelings of joy-like an emotional realease. This happened for two days, where the periods of upset lessened and were replaced by a feeling of tranquility. This new zen-like calm is apparent when I am confronted by annoying situations and people. I used to get frustrated, angry or upset but now I feel like 'yeah, ok, whatever!' and subconsciously mean it! Positive effects: * Greater flexibility. *'Increased' height from better posture * I am not weeping for 'no reason'. * I have begun to laugh again: I didn't realise how grumpy I had become until I started to see the funny side of things. * I don't feel that I can't do things and I am more inclined to give something a go. * I was developing those 'number 11' furrow lines on my forehead from stress and tension. I can honestly say that although I still have the lines, they are not noticable and have lessened considerably. * My skin, which to be fair has always been good, is now much clearer and I have a glow rather than a grey haunted look. * Unbelievably, my hair was starting to grey but I haven't noticed a grey hair for a while now (where did they go?). * I had packed on a load of weight from being depressed but I am losing weight again without dieting. I am doing a lot of yoga and walking the dog. But that's it: no more pavement pounding or aerobics. It seems more effective for me because my weight gain is related to stress. * I am not craving sugar or alcohol as much. Now, I can give or take alcohol and sugar is becoming less of a draw. I am not completely cured of sugar addiction but I am much better than I was. * I am eating better too, not consciously as in following a diet plan, but I am making better choices. I tend to eat a meditaranean, pescatarian diet by choice rather than because a doctor or wellmeaning soul have convinced me to. * I am less irrtiatble and do not lose my rag as easily. I am more tolerant and take things less personally. * I am-how can I put this politely-enjoying the initimate side of my relationship again. I went off that kind of initmacy when I was depressed and, if I'm perfectly honest, it has always been a bit problematic and painful. I believe that the second chakra has helped in 'opening up' this area and my husband is delighted. When this side of your relationship is good then you feel better about life and less stressed. I daresay there are loads more advantages but these are the ones I have remembered. I will update if there is more to say. Also, I will update you of any significant weight loss. Ultimately, the best advantage is how I feel. I didn't think I would ever feel like this again. There's room for improvement but I feel confident and optimistic about the future.

I've done yoga lightly on and off for a couple of years and became interested in Kundalini after catching Maya on an old Sky Fitness channel. Something about it made it different to the hatha yoga I'd been doing, and I noticed a definite subtle result almost immediately. Which brought me to buying the dvd! It really is very good and informative. What I would say is please exercise caution with the poses! I didn't realise how muscularly weak I was until I tried the dvd and realised I was only just about managing the warm ups. So if you're new to yoga, make sure you do what they tell you in a class, go SLOWLY and at your own pace. It was good to watch through the dvd first, make notes so if you can't manage 21 times of a certain pose, do say 3, then skip straight to the breathing afterwards. I'm going to keep a journal and see how far I get with this, since as I said I can only manage the warm ups it will be interesting to see how long it takes to build up the muscles for the other poses. Also, I have M.E and a few other health niggles here and there and have found this to be good, so long as you go at your own pace, I would really recommend it for all levels.

I've been losing weight and exercising now for 18 months and a couple of months ago I started a weekly pilates class, as well as doing some basic hatha yoga at home daily. I have low blood pressure and circulation problems, which have made exercise difficult. I've also been cycling a couple of dozen miles a week on the road, which has given me tight shoulders. In all, I'd say I was 'quite' fit before starting Maya's DVD, but with flexibility issues. This DVD gives an incredible workout; just like in a yoga school. I've attended yoga classes in my local area, but this is the closest I've found to the array of exercises that I used to do at the Sivanandha centre in London. It is demanding and does require a level of flexibility to achieve the moves as Maya does onscreen, but if you take it slow it's surprising how quickly the body loosens up. I found that with some exercises the first time was difficult, but within a couple of workouts I was able to do them. My first experience of the dvd, Courage, was incredible. I had oxygen charging round my system and I felt amazing. The best word I can think if to describe the sensation is 'fizzing'. I was happy, relaxed, all my aches and pains had gone and I slept well for the first time in weeks. I was hooked from that moment, and now I try to do one or two of the dvds each day. I showed the dvd to my sister-in-law, who is looking for a yoga workout, but she wasn't impressed and was a little put off by the music and how advanced the exercises looked. It *is* unlike other dvds on the market, and I think that's because others play to a western ideal of what yoga should look like to be accessible to a mass audience. Mayas dvds are very stylish and stay true to the intentions of yoga practice, so there are mantras and meditations that may look odd, but they are incredibly effective and enjoyable. Before I attempted the second dvd, Creativity, I made the mistake of watching it before I tried it; which resulted in me feeling intimidated by how difficult and demanding it looked and I was a little scared to try it. Once I had tried it, I loved it. For me, 'Creativity' is the most challenging of the three, but it may be different for each of us depending on our own level of flexibility. For the third dvd, Willpower, I just headed straight into the workout. The music is a little different: more fun and uplifting. The exercises are also tricky, but after a week of the other dvds, my body was ready for them. As for the results, well, I'm more toned and flexible now at 43 than I have been for years. Each muscle group has been stretched and worked, and the result after only a couple of weeks is that my skin is glowing, my stiff shoulders have dropped and my back feels great. I have no aches or pains and I feel like my clothing is hanging better on my body. Also, my circulation has noticeably improved and I no longer have blue toes! My advice to anyone considering buying this dvd would be to keep your mind open to a new experience. Rather than questioning the validity of the spiritual aspects of yoga, simply dive in and give it a go. I am open-minded but sceptical by nature, but there is no doubt in my mind that these exercises are spectacularly effective, and, perhaps, one day I will also discover that the spiritual side is also working on me. I live in hope!

Having followed the Detox and Distress CD for 3-4 weeks I decided to move on to these. I am spending 3 days on each DVD, starting with Courage. Initially I found it difficult and I most certainly cant bend far. However I have slowed down and by doing less repetitions of each exercise I can continue for the required length of time. My aim is to complete the 26 frog poses before moving to the 2nd CD. Eventually I will get all 7 CD's and work on them systematically. I'm desperate to move onto the other CD's in the series but want to master one before I do. I love the pace, music and calmness. Rather than it being a chore it's exercise to enjoy. Having followed the "courage" DVD for a week I have moved onto "creativity". Having read the reviews I was nervous about it being too difficult. It was hard and I could not complete the 4th and 5th Tibetan, or Bridge. However I did what could and I am confident that I will master it with practise. After a couple of days I could do all of the moves except for the full bridge pose., so did pelvic lift instead. Finally I Moved to the willpower DVD and it's a lot easier than "Creativity", although the first asana of the Kriya section is a little difficult and I do have to rest. The 3 DVD's are fabulous and I have bought the others in the "journey through the chakras" which I look forward to doing. What has been the most pleasing is how each time I follow the DVD's I improve.

I am 33 years old and in pretty good shape. However, the first Chakra DVD left me shaking. I don't have the flexibility to reach fully forward and grab my toes from a seated position or sit with my legs flat out at 45 degree angles. Neither can I fold myself backwards and touch the floor with my toes! Be warned, this is HARDCORE. Sadly, Maya doesn't bother to tell you alternative postures for those who are less flexible, making it an exercise in frustration at times. It also strikes me as hugely irresponsible and potentially dangerous. I have also done Maya's 4th and 5th Chakra DVDs and found the fifth to be brilliant and very gentle, the fourth also very good but a bit more demanding than the fifith.

I can highly recommend this 3 set dvd and keep lending it to friends (only because I have bought Maya's other yoga dvds too)as it has been so powerful a tool for making me calmer and more confident and dynamic in my life. For the first time after 3 weeks of practising this yoga I felt completely calm and strong as a rock when my 7 year old daughter was having an angry loud shouting session thrown at me, when usually afterwards I feel quite upset and down. This time no problem and she bounced back really quickly too. I have been doing yoga for 20 years and find some of the yoga on the dvd quite hard so a beginner may want to use cushions and props and modify some of the exercises a bit to protect their back and make it a bit easier. But Maya is such a lovely teacher and makes kundalini yoga really accessible in a most enjoyable way. The music is lovely and my daughter really enjoys the music too. This is life changing stuff at a great price!

This dvd was unwatchable - i could only stand her for 15 minutes - if you are a beginner it is really quite useless - the teacher seems to be mainly concerned with her image and presentation and telling one all manner of rubbish about spirituality. I would recommend Barbara Benagh instead - or a serious yoga course such as is found at Iyengar centres worldwide.

Most yoga, that people do, is a watered-down version of Hatha yoga. This dvd is original Yoga based on the kriya yoga system, which some say is the fastest system for achieving union of body, mind and spirit. Instead of just using stretches Maya Fiennes engages a more active approach to Yoga. One that helped me tremendously to loose weight and achieve a level of fitness and flexibility that is greater than any I have experienced in my life. When I started I loved it so much I did it 3 times a week instead of my usual 1-2 times which I did with other programmes. Instead of my interest fading out it grew and now that I can fit it in to the schedule I do it for a whole hour EVERYDAY. Most people I know who do yoga love this different approach which seems different to most yoga classes but is actually based more accurately based on original yoga as practised in India. She teaches a meditation at the end of the programme which is designed to achieve better control over the mind using a repetitive mantra and a repetitive action. Strangely I think my favourite thing about it is the music which is available by download from her website separately but I prefer it within the programme. Occasionally the content of these dvds is aired on a sky channel called body in balance (number 275 I think I have no idea what it is on Cable and I couldn't find it on a friend's V+ box). If you have a friend who has sky ask if he/she can record it for you and let you try it out with him/her before you buy. Some people complain that Maya folds up in a ball too easily and it's hard to do for beginners but if you take it easy then you soon develop the flexibility. I've always been fat and now it's not hard for me to touch my toes. I'm 2st lighter and I feel more muscular as well. I'm gone from class I obese to close to normal parameters. On top of that it has help me develop a major control over my mind and body. From my blood flow to my digestion speed I can manipulate both through meditation thanks to regular practice and meditation while using this dvd.