On my journey to a self care, yoga has been one of the most helpful avenues to help me with stress relief, to stay calm and centered, and to keep physically fit. It has provided such relief during some really difficult times in my life. My introduction to Kundalini Yoga with Maya Fienne’s A Journey Through the Chakras is something I’ll never forget.
Over the years I’ve reaped the restorative and detoxifying benefits from different types of practices like Ashtanga, Bikram, and Hatha, which are all amazing. And then I discovered Kundalini yoga. For me, it was love at first sight. Hopefully you find my Kundalini Yoga with Maya Fiennes review helpful, and maybe you’ll even discover that you share the same affinity for Kundalini as me.
The draw toward Kundalini yoga, for me, is that it really taps into our emotional nature. It does so by strengthening the nervous system and heart center, awakening the spirit allowing us to foster a deeper level of consciousness.
For an overview of this type of yoga see my article here. And for a sample of A Journey Through the Chakras practice you can watch this video clip here.
What is Kundalini Yoga With Maya Fiennes – A Journey Through the Chakras?
Maya’s series works on all 7 chakras, for the purpose of this review I will be talking about the first of 3 boxed sets which focuses on the first 3 chakras, the energy channels for courage, creativity, and will power. The practices are broken into 3 separate DVD’s, focusing on one chakra at a time.
Two of the DVDs run 56 minutes, and one 52 minutes. They don’t feel too long or short, they’re balanced quite nicely. Part of that time is dedicated to Maya sharing brief summaries of Kundalini yoga, chakras, and mantras. Her nature is informative and illustrative as she explains for example – the balance between the lower and upper chakras is “like the tree, if the root system is functioning properly then the leaves begin to grow and flourish.”
She explains the relation each chakra has to particular organs and glands within the body, as well as the connection to certain emotions and behaviors so that we can learn to clear blockages through our practice. Each session begins with a warm up followed by kriyas, and chants (postures, breathing, and mantras) and ends with meditation and relaxation, leaving you feeling almost euphoric – like walking on air. You will feel relaxed and energized at the same time.
The setting is simple and soothing. Maya, peaceful and happy in her comfy looking white fabric against an all white background. The background music is so enjoyable – her own creations as she is a classically trained pianist using her own voice for the melodic mantras. The music is lovely, and the tone of her voice and accent is nice and relaxing.
The postures are done sitting, lying, and standing, and at first glance appear to be pretty low key. Trust me you will work up a sweat, an energetic sweat through swift repetitive combinations of body and breath movements that really get your internal energy moving and fuel your endorphins, giving you a high, euphoric feeling. The first time you experience the sensation it can feel a little strange, almost light headed, so take a break or slow down if you need to.
This DVD Set is For You if You Want to:
- gently work toxins out of your body
- clear blockages and balance your chakras
- strengthen your organs, glands, and body systems
- work through deep rooted trauma
- wind down from everyday stress
- stay physically fit
- practice being present in the moment
- sleep better
- have more energy, vitality, and peace
The only cons to the DVDs I can think of is that some of the movements can be a bit awkward (being quite different from other types of yoga) at first. There is a lot of chanting out loud so if you are shy this could present a challenge, although it helps to do the practice in private, and you will expand your comfort zone in the process :)
I absolutely love practicing Maya’s yoga techniques, her teaching style is really pleasant, and you simply can’t beat the wonderful feeling experienced on the journey through the chakras. To start your journey pick up your copy by below! Namaste friend!
Hi Jess, if I start doing this, how long will it last, before noticing the positive effects? Cheers, Jerry
Hi Jerry! I guess it depends on the person but for myself, practicing kundalini puts me into a state of relaxation both mentally and physically within the first few minutes of breathing. During and after one of Maya’s yoga sessions the euphoric feeling is amazing. Long term it has kept me fit, healthy, less stressed, and able to sleep better. You should give a try so you can see for yourself :) You won’t be disappointed.
Ah! I love this post! Explains absolutely everything and looks very appealing!
Hey Amy! Thanks so much. If you haven’t already tried Maya’s DVDs I highly recommend them, they are amazing!
Hi Jess! Great review ….. and a very informative website! I have been seriously thinking about starting to practice Yoga to help relieve stress and keep myself better focused. I am going through some tough times and think it would be very beneficial. Thanks for the information.
Thanks so much, Brittni Sue! My deepest sympathies for your tough times, I too have been there. Maya’s yoga sessions really have made such a positive impact on my life since they focus on opening the chakras and clearing out those negative energy blockages. Please visit anytime, I hope you will share your experiences with yoga soon :)
Great yoga style! :)
What position do you like the most!
It really is, Keye! Uh, to answer your question can I say…ALL lol! Sorry too hard to choose just one :)
Hey Jess, this is a great review. I definitely know a few people who can benefit tremendously from the Kundalini Yoga with Maya Fitness. I know many who have alot of stress from their everyday lives that this would be a great help for.
Thanks Diondre! Glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, pretty sure we all can benefit from yoga with how stressful things are these days. Please feel free to share this with those that you know could benefit, and come back soon :)
I’m in my early 60’s and have always wanted to try yoga.
This looks like a good one to start with – stretching and stress relief and getting myself/mind “centered” are my main objectives.
Think I’ll give this one a go.
Thanks so much – I LOVE your site!
Thanks so much, Joanne! Never tried yoga? Well what took you so long lol?! It’s never ever too late for anything. This sounds like it’s right up your alley. I suggest watching the intros completely before jumping right into the practice as Maya will give you tips on how to listen to your body while moving through the postures. One of the beauties of yoga is it’s all about your own pace. Go as slow as you want, and as light or deep as you want. No pressure, no judgement, it’s totally up to you. I hope you enjoy and please come back to share your experiences :)
Hello! This is my first time visiting your website and I am very impressed!
I have always heard of how beneficial yoga can be for your body and mind and how it can help you strengthen your core and inner organs and detoxify. My hectic schedule however, doesn’t allow me to attend classes at the moment so the product you are reviewing is the best present I could get myself! Thank so much for sharing this!
I will be visiting your website more often!
Thanks so much, Katerina! I agree with you on classes, I have tried them in the past and enjoyed them but I really enjoy practicing at home for a few reasons: I enjoy creating a personal journey with yoga. No excuses not to practice (convenience factor). I can chant as loud as I want without reservation, lol! Plus (this is a big one) I love Maya’s yoga so much and I can’t get her in a live class lol! I agree, this definitely is a wonderful gift for yourself! And then end with a nice cup of hot herbal tea :) I hope you love it and will come back to share.
I have been definitely thinking about doing yoga for my fibromyalgia but I think over all it would be great! I might just have to start doing this. Is it easy enough for beginners?
Cheers
Nichole
Hi Nichole! This could certainly be beneficial in relieving fibromyalgia pain. It’s easy enough for beginners, like I say – it is a different style then most yoga so at first some of the postures feel a bit different and take some getting used to – but it doesn’t take long to get the hang of it. And again the key is just taking it to level you need :)
Than. ?
You are so welcome Vicky =)
Great review ….. and a very informative website! I have practiced yoga on and off but I find it boring to be focusing on postures after some time. I have been seriously thinking about restarting Yoga to help in relieving stress and for better focused. Kundalini might just be what I need in the sense that it’s focus is on chakras instead.
Thank you, Cathy! If you find holding poses for periods of time not so stimulating, the combination of movements and chanting in kundalini may be just what you need to keep your senses engaged. Although repetition is part of it, these particular movements are dynamic but also relaxing. A Journey through the Chakras could quite possibly be just the thing you need to awaken that chi :)
Have to try this type of yoga! I have placed my order and will keep you posted on results.
Hi Sharon, I’m so excited for you to try it! Please do come back and share your results :)