Practice Timings Explained

Typically in Kundalini Yoga exercises are given in a specific order with a specific timing and for a specific amount of days. This isn’t a coincidence and as a teacher and a student you are asked to respect the timings given.

The exercises are given in a specific order because they each create a different impact on your body and how the energy moves. To reap the benefits of these exercises it is important to respect this and allow your body to go through the changes. These exercises have been specifically designed to have an effect on a subtle level, which can be felt through sincere practice. You can start off with the least amount of time recommended and then as your practice evolves extend the times.

Amount of Minutes:

3 Minutes: Affects your circulation, blood chemistry and the stability of the blood. The increased blood circulations begins, distributing enhanced neuroendocrine secretions throughout the body.

7 Minutes: Brain patterns start to shift from the static of beta waves to calmer alpha waves and ultimately to deep relaxing delta waves. Simultaneously, the magnetic force surrounding the body increases in strength.

11 Minutes: The pituitary gland, glandular system and the nerves start to learn and change. The sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems begin to accommodate the increased energy.

22 Minutes: Anxiety producing thoughts in the subconscious begin to clear. Your three minds (negative, positive, and neutral) start to work together so your mental integration changes. 22 is the infinite number of longing and gives mastery of the mental realm.

31 Minutes: Affects your whole mind and your aura. Endocrinological balance is achieved, as is balance of the chakra’s of the ethereal body. This balance persists throughout the day, and is reflected by changes in moods and behavior.

Amount of Days:

11 days: 11 is the number of infinity in the material world and conqueror of the physical realm. So it’s like the first step to break loose from the entanglement of the mind.

40 days: If done for 40 days in a row, it helps to break negative habits that block you from the expansion possible given the type of Kriya or mantra.

90 days: When you practice the Kriya or mantra for 90 days straight it will establish a new habit in your conscious and subconscious mind. It will change you in a very deep way.

120 days: When you commit to practice the Kriya or mantra for 120 days without skipping a day it will confirm the new habit of consciousness. The positive benefits of the Kriya get integrated permanently into your psyche.

1000 days: This will allow you to master the new habit of consciousness that the Kriya or mantra has promised. No matter what the challenge, you can call on this new habit to serve you.

If you want to accomplish a 40, 90 or 120 day Sadhana with a Kriya or meditation, you start counting on the day you are able to fulfil the complete times of the exercises as given.

Resources: The Aquarian Teacher: Level One Instructor Textbook, by Yogi Bhajan, PhD, Meditation as Medicine, by Dharma Singh Khalsa, Waves of Healing, by Siri Atma Singh Khalsa and www.3HO.org.