Experiences of Kundalini Awakening

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While the awakening Kundalini may be a dramatic experience, the

resultant shift in consciousness may be accompanied by years of

physical and psychological upheavals. The process of Kundalini

awakening can vary greatly from person to person. Some have intense

physical symptoms, while others experience mainly emotional or

psychological symptoms. It is as if the new energy invites a spring-

cleaning throughout the entire system, with unresolved physical or

emotional conditions coming up for

resolution and release. The life transforming changes which accompany

a Kundalini awakening cover the entire physiological, emotional,

mental and spiritual spectrum.

 

Greenwell (1990) has noted seven categories of symptoms which have

been observed during Kundalini awakening.

 

1. Pranic movements or kriyas Prana is the Hindu word for vital

energy. Thus as intense energy moves through the body and clears out

physiological blocks; a person may experience intense involuntary,

jerking movements of the body, including shaking, vibrations, spasm

and contraction. As deeply held armoring and blockages to the smooth

flow of energy are released, the person may re-access memories and

emotions associated with past trauma and injury.

 

2. Yogic Phenomena

 

Some people find themselves performing yogic postures or hand mudra

gestures, which they have never learned or could not do, in a normal

state of consciousness. Similarly, they may produce Sanskrit words or

sounds, or have an awareness of inner

music or sound, mantras or tones. Unusual breathing patterns may

appear with either very rapid or slow, shallow breathing. Some people

may not breathe at all for extended periods.

 

3. Physiological Symptoms

 

A Kundalini awakening often generates unusual physiological activity

as intense movement of energy releases toxins in the body. Symptoms

include apparent heart problems, pains in head and spine,

gastrointestinal disturbances and nervous problems. Internal

sensations have been reported as sensations of burning, over

sensitivity to sensory input, hyperactivity or lethargy, great

variations in sexual desire and even spontaneous orgasm (if desires

are not controlled or renounced). Symptoms can be erratic, coming and

going without provocation, but are generally unresponsive to medical

treatment.

 

4. Psychological Upheaval

 

Spiritual awakening offers a direct challenge to the primacy of ego

consciousness and the myth of separation. It brings with it a

challenge to move beyond the unconscious responses ruled by drives

and instincts and remove ego consciousness from the center stage of

the psyche. It comes as no surprise that such a challenge produces a

period of confusion and unbalance. People find themselves beset by

inexplicable emotional states as they move to clear out unresolved

issues. The emotional roller coaster may swing from feelings of

anxiety, through to compassion, love and joy, with accompanying

bouts of uncontrollable weeping.

 

5. Extra Sensory Experiences

 

As perception expands outside of consensus reality, people experience

a typical visual phenomena, including visions of lights, symbols,

entities, or review of past life experiences. Auditory input may

include hearing voices, music, inner sounds or mantras. Even the

olfactory system may be stimulated with perception of scents of

sandalwood, rose or incense. There may also be disruption of the

autonomous perceptive system, with losing a sense of self as a body,

or feeling bigger than the body, or out of the body, with the

resulting confusion and disorientation.

 

6. Psychic Phenomena

 

With the opening up of psychic abilities, a person may experience

precognition, telepathy, psycho kinesis, awareness of auras and

healing abilities.

 

7. Mystical States of Consciousness

 

A person may shift into altered states of consciousness where they

directly perceive the unity underlying the world of separation and

experience a deep peace and serenity with a profound knowing of

wisdom.