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$0.00 40 Day Sadhana Kirtan Kriya

40-Day Sadhana For Fall Equinox 

Our next daily meditation is the wonderful Kirtan Kriya, also called Sa Ta Na Ma. This is one of the most well-known meditations in the Kundalini Yoga tradition. Neuroscientists have studied Kirtan Kriya, which has been recognized as a powerful tool for improving memory and focus and reducing stress. It has also performed well on tests to reverse the early onset of Alzheimer's  (See below for more info on that.) 

Join Nandi every morning to welcome the change of season and Fall Equinox with a clear mind and renewed outlook. It's time to go back to the ways of our ancestors or indigenous peoples. 

Details: Kirtan Kriya

As we welcome the change of season, we come together every morning for an uplifting and transformational Kundalini meditation: Kirtan Kriya . We learn to focus the mind, balance the brain, and reduce stress so that we jump into fall prepared for darker days. Join us daily at 6:20 am on Zoom. Open to all, no meditation experience is required. Donations are accepted. Learn more about this meditation here. This Sadhana will be self-initiated and practiced with little introduction or explanation. Well, tune in at 6:20 am, to be done by 7 am daily, so those of you who wish to attend the 7 am Kundalini Yoga class can still do so. Check out this video for a brief explanation and version of this meditation.  Kirtan Kriya Explained

Kirtan Kriya and Brain Health

Not only is Kirtan Kriya a great way to start your day, but researchers have discovered that it has powerful neurological effects. The practice of Kirtan Kriya is composed of focused breath work, visualization, chanting, and finger movements (called mudras). So, how does this unique practice of Kirtan Kriya work to improve brain health? According to practitioners of the ancient tradition, Kirtan Kriya stimulates the areas of the brain associated with each of the five senses. The practice involves chanting simple sounds (called mantras) while performing key hand positions (mudras). These techniques are performed while maintaining a specific visualization of concentration.

Benefits of Kirtan Kriya 

Recent studies have shown several benefits of regular Kirtan Kriya practice, including:

• Improvement in blood flow to the brain (including specific areas involved in memory retrieval) 
• Increase in brain wave activity in the frontal lobe results in the sharpening of attention, concentration, and focus Increase in brain chemicals and important neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine, dopamine, and norepinephrine (all of which help the brain function better 
• Increase in energy levels and improvement in the quality of sleep 
• Reduction in cortisol levels (the stress hormone) 
• Improvement of mood, psychological health, and spiritual well-being 

 Research Study on Kirtan Kriya and Brain Health

The effects of Kirtan Kriya on brain functioning and memory were the subject of a recent study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. The study found that the practice of Kirtan Kriya improved brain functioning and memory by increasing connectivity in the brain. The practice was also found to decrease mood swings. The study involved a group of people, aged 55 and older, who reported mild anxiety related to memory problems. Some of the study participants showed signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The study was 12 weeks in length. For 30 minutes per week, one group attended a Kundalini yoga class-focused on breathing and meditation. They practiced this specific form of Kirtan Kriya meditation for 15 minutes each day by performing specific sounds, focused meditation, and hand mudras (positions). A second group involved eleven participants who attended an hour per week of classroom instruction, followed by daily practice of mental exercises said to help boost brain functioning. 

Study Conclusion

Both groups in the study were found to show improvement in the region of the brain involved in communication and language; but, the yoga group also exhibited a significant improvement in memory performance and mood. The Kirtan Kriya group's results showed improvement in increased brain connectivity and verbal memory. For more information, visit the Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation. Learn More

Nandi Gabremedhin

Nandi Gabremedhin is a two time graduate of Lighthouse Yoga Center’s Teacher Training Programs, first earning a 220-hour KRI Level 1 Kundalini Yoga Instructor certificate in 2018 with Sada Sat Kaur & Julie Eisenberg, and then a 200-hour Hatha Yoga Instructor certificate in 2021 with Tara Lemerise, Abby Dobbs, and others.

Nandi’s first yoga class was more than 12 years ago and she felt an instant shift. Nandi practiced Rocket Yoga with Ahmed Jabali for two years. With continuous practice she found it brought awareness and self confidence, and a better connection with others thru a more divine energetic space. Making a decision to become a teacher Nandi has continued advanced trainings in Kundalini Level 2 courses, White Tantric Meditations and Queen Afua’s Sacred Woman holistic health and spiritual divine healing program.

Nandi enjoys creating energetic fun classes and workshops that incorporate a holistic focus of mind, body and spirit. Nandi’s offerings feel good and are suitable for most if not all students. You may also experience a Hatha/Kundalini hybrid which may include a little flow, kriya and meditation. Nandi’s classes facilitate experiences for individuals to find their own power, overcome personal challenges, gain introspection by uncovering the divine energy within!