Maya Fiennes Kundalini Yoga: A Journey through the Chakras

Are you like me, highly sensitive? If so, then this may just be the perfect workout for you. Yes, it is a workout. Make no mistake about that. I've been using these dvds 5-7 days a week for almost five months. There are still kriyas (or exercise sequences) that are extremely challenging to me. I've become far stronger and more flexible, both in mind and body. My posture is better than it's ever been, and the back pain that has always plagued me, as a scoliosis sufferer, is far more manageable. I used to see a chiropractor once a month for that reason. I haven't felt a need to do that since beginning this yoga. No other sort of yoga I've tried has worked with the spine in such a direct and gentle way. So, the DVDs have already paid for themselves.I've tried many varieties of yoga throughout the years. There is no one style that will resonate with everyone. In Kundalini Yoga, however, I have found my personal home. I am a highly feeling and sensitive person, and Kundalini Yoga is unique in the way that it addresses the safe and positive release of emotions often deemed "negative," like fear, worry, and anger. This yoga series addresses the whole person, mind, body, heart, and spirit, in such a gentle way -- it shows how to transform those feelings or passions into acceptance and bliss. My highly skeptical husband and my nephew, who are both complete neophytes to yoga, do the yoga with me regularly, and they are coming to love it as I do. There may be people who, like my husband, find talk of chakras woo-woo. That's okay. You can understand the chakras however you want. This DVD series does an excellent job, though, of explaining the emotions and processes governed by each chakra in the chakra-specific narrative portion of each dvd.This first dvd set in the series is easily the most physically challenging one.Just a note, when I say that the yoga is gentle, I mean it, but Kundalini yoga is *extremely good* at getting to those emotions. You may find yourself almost yelling the mantras sometimes, or tears may come to your eyes. Embrace that release -- it means that the yoga is doing its job. Honestly, this is nothing to be feared or ashamed about -- even in public classes I've attended, this sort of emotional release is extremely common. The yoga is designed to get those feelings out, so don't hold them back. Maya urges her students to TRUST THE PROCESS. You will be challenged, there may be times you feel like giving up, but take a breath and rejoin the kriyas when you can and more likely than not, you'll find yourself relaxed, energized, and blissful at the end. The wonderful music, which she writes, sings, and performs herself, is very supportive of the process. Play it a little more loudly, especially during the mantra sections, and you may find that music encourages you to keep up.There are a few minor quibbles that I have. I think that the meditation sections are far too short. In my household, we've solved this by having a mantra queued up and ready to go on the stereo. You can pause the dvd in between the exercise and mantra section for a deeper meditative experience. There is also a spot in the 1st chakra exercises ("Courage") where she does an exercise for one leg and not the other. Overall, though, this series is the BEST.

Maya Feinnes is a gifted healer and teacher. Through regular practice with Maya's Journey Through the Chakras, along with the next two sets which round out the series, I have found a calm within. My body, mind and spirit feel great! The DVDs are soothing, fun and challenging all at the same time. Maya is a concert pianist and amazing musician and singer. Her music and mantras, along with the simple elegance of the production, make these DVD's a great "time out" from a busy and stressful life. I highly recommend all of Maya's DVD's to anyone seeking a strong, soothing presence to guide them through home yoga practice. Alternating these with a few Ravi/Anas and Gurmukh makes a complete home practice with loads of variety and inspiration to keep at it every day. Oh, and did I mention that she will whip you into shape too?! That, I feel, is simply icing on this big beautiful cake!Yes, you have to buy three at once here - but you will want to buy them all anyways! This way you don't pay the extra shipping - so go for it - get the whole series now and enjoy!

My only concern with this set is that the main kriya used in the first DVD is *not* for beginners. It takes at least a moderate degree of flexibility. That being said, it is WONDERFUL and I would suggest it for anyone who has the maturity to make good judgments about the need for modifications with some movements or numbers of repetitions.I have been using it daily for a little under a month now and I continue to progress and improve and to derive deeper and deeper benefits from it.The way it is presented is very calming and supportive and, I would say, reverent, no matter what your belief system. It is wonderful for your body (and mind!), no matter your motivation for using it, and I would just suggest that whatever your age, take it slowly if you are new to kundalini yoga.Bottom line, I couldn't be more pleased with this DVD set and will shortly be ordering the ones for Chakras 4-5 and 6-7.

I love this set of 3 DVDs with one for each of the first 3 chakras (she has DVDs for each of the 7 chakras). Each DVD lasts for a about 40 minutes. There is a warm up section, set (kriya)for each chakra and a meditative section with exercise/s with mantra in each DVD. The warm up for the 3rd chakra was sun salutations and the warm up for the 2nd chakra was the 5 Tibetans.The music is beautiful and I love the pieces with violin music.The sets include some slightly different exercises to the ones in the Ravi ana series and of course some of the same.There is little extra talking besides giving instrutions at the start of each exercise. I like this since it allows me to concentrate inwards/ focus on my body.Valuable addition to a kundalini yoga DVD collection.I also enjoyed her DVDs for the 5, 6 and 7 chakras

Bello il Dvd, belle le pratiche yoga di Maya Fiennes, bella pure lei. Che dire Se non avete un insegnante e vi aiutate con i libri questo DVD in quanto a semplicità e didattica è il non plus ultra. Grazie Maya.

Maya Fiennes ist weltbekannt, dazu muss man nicht sagen. Die CD hat 3 Lektionen für die erste 3 Chakren. Einzieges, was mich gestört hat, dass ich Zeit gebraucht hatte zu verstehen, komplettes Kurs entsteht aus 3 CDs. Ich habe aber milllerweile alle 3 gekauft und bin sehr zufrieden,

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 tasksActually, 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 updateI 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.

Beautifully shot and inspiring - all white space and fab soundtrack with Maya's own music. Its great that a product (and set of products) inspire such long reviews. I decided to buy the full set (the 4/5th chakra due to arrive this week). Started with detox / destress - good place to start. I agree with the other (positive) reviewers - also stress the need to keep going after the initial 'oh this is a bit strange' and 'wish I could stretch my legs - ouch' thoughts........ (bearing in mind I'm relatively fit but am really a yoga beginner - probably easier if you are already yogified!). If you've caught any of Maya's classes on Body in Balance on Sky you'll have a good idea what to expect from these.However, I have found (lack of flexibility) sitting in 'easy pose' for quite a long time a bit of a challenge, and just when I get to the end of the kryia section on we go to the 'meditation' (not what I'd expected as a meditation but hey ho....) section (for another 10 + mins) with lots of chanting / breathing. This is typical of kundalini yoga I presume and I am getting used to it (even if I do still feel a bit silly). Oh also would have liked a little more instruction / guidance about how often etc to run with these. I'm trying to do one every other day for 2 weeks to run through the whole chakra set - is this right?I do recommend all of Maya's dvds and am looking forward to the release of the book - shame its not come in time for Christmas!

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!