Kundalini Yoga for Nervous System Resilience

In recent years, the nervous system has become a central topic in both science and wellbeing - and for good reason. Many of us are exhausted, overwhelmed, anxious, disconnected, or burnt out, often without fully understanding why. Kundalini Yoga offers a powerful and embodied way of working with the nervous system, helping us build resilience rather than simply coping.

Nervous System Health Is Like Physical Health

To me, optimal nervous system health is very similar to optimal physical health. When people are on a weight‑loss journey, they often look for the next miracle diet or magic exercise routine. Yet lasting change rarely comes from shortcuts - it comes from a balanced, supportive lifestyle practiced consistently over time.

The same is true for the nervous system. There are techniques that offer quick relief, and they can be helpful, but without addressing how we live, rest, move, breathe, and relate to stress, their effects don’t last. Nervous system resilience is built through a healthy, well‑balanced way of living. 

Why the Body Matters So Much

As yogis, we are incredibly fortunate - because we work with the physical body. The nervous system is often thought of as something that lives only in the brain, but the body plays a huge role in how the nervous system functions. Posture, movement, muscle tone, breath, sensation, and rhythm all send constant information to the brain.

By working with the physical body, we can calm, soothe, regulate, and even strengthen the nervous system. Over time, this work doesn’t just regulate stress responses - it can transform how we experience ourselves and the world.

This is why Kundalini Yoga focuses on the integration of movement, breath, awareness, sound, and rest. We don’t bypass the body - we listen to it.

Learning to Listen: Body Awareness & Interoception

Much of nervous system regulation begins with learning to listen inwardly. Many sensations and emotions remain active in the body long after an experience has passed, continuing to influence our thoughts, reactions, and behaviour.

This ability to sense internal signals is called interoception - the bridge between mind and body. When we improve interoception, we improve emotional regulation, resilience, and mental clarity. Instead of outsourcing regulation to external solutions, we learn to feel, pause, and respond consciously.

Cognition doesn’t happen only in the brain - it happens with the whole being.

When we learn to listen to the body, we can distinguish if the feelings we are experiencing are real or they are connected to the past. Maybe this email is actually not that scary but it triggers old memories? With that knowledge we can regulate ourselves and respond to the situation differently. 

Why We Struggle So Much Today

The nervous system has become a ‘hot topic’ not only because of new research, but because modern life places enormous demands on it. Many things we consider normal constantly trigger micro‑stress responses:

• information overload and constant communication

• multitasking, rushing, and noise

• unresolved emotional stress

• insufficient sleep

• processed food and sedentary lifestyles

• isolation and lack of community

• unpredictability and ongoing pressure

To make matters more complex, our nervous system patterns are largely formed by early adulthood. Many of us were never shown how to regulate emotions, deal with stress, or feel safe expressing vulnerability. Early caregiver attunement - or lack of it - shapes how we self‑regulate, relate to others, and process emotions throughout life.

In our 20s and 30s, we may cope. But as responsibilities increase, the system often reaches its limit. This is when burnout, breakdown, anxiety, or chronic fatigue appear - and when many people turn to yoga and meditation for restoration.

Why We Need a Strong Nervous System

The nervous system is how we experience life. It translates what happens around us into hormonal responses, sensations, emotions, thoughts, and actions. It runs on electricity - it conducts wattage.

Just as a thin cable cannot safely conduct high voltage, a nervous system that hasn’t been strengthened cannot handle large waves of stress - or large waves of joy. Without resilience, the system short‑circuits: emotionally, mentally, or physically.

Strong nerves give us endurance, patience, flexibility, and emotional space. They increase our capacity for connection, creativity, and happiness. The amount of ‘voltage’ your nervous system can hold is directly related to how much joy, love, and aliveness you can experience.

Understanding the Nervous System: From Classic to Polyvagal

Traditionally, the autonomic nervous system was understood as having two branches:

• Sympathetic - fight or flight, mobilisation

• Parasympathetic - rest and digest, recovery

Polyvagal Theory, developed by Dr Stephen Porges, expanded this understanding by describing three functional states, shaped by the vagus nerve:

1. Ventral Vagal - Safe & Social
   Calm, grounded, connected, curious, open to learning and healing.

2. Sympathetic - Fight or Flight
   Mobilised, anxious, restless, angry, or driven. Helpful short‑term, harmful when chronic.

3. Dorsal Vagal - Freeze or Shutdown
   Numbness, heaviness, withdrawal, collapse. A protective response when overwhelm is too much.

A helpful image is a ladder: yoga helps us move up and down this ladder with more awareness - and return to safety when we get stuck.

The Goal: Nervous System Flexibility

We’re not meant to stay in a calm state all the time. Life naturally moves us through activation and rest. What matters is flexibility - the ability to move between states and come back to regulation.

Kundalini Yoga supports this through intelligent use of:

• movement to discharge stress and build resilience

• breath to balance and tone the vagus nerve

• rhythm, sound, and repetition to create safety

• rest to allow integration and repair

Stress Lives in the Body

Stress doesn’t only live in the mind. It often settles in the body:

• jaw and neck - unexpressed needs

• shoulders - responsibility and burden

• chest - grief and heartbreak

• belly - fear and worry

• hips and pelvis - stored emotional tension

These patterns release only when the nervous system feels safe. This is why slow, rhythmic, embodied practices are so effective - they build trust.

Movement, Breath & the Predictive Brain - How Kundalini Yoga can help with the nervous system

The brain is not only a thinking organ - it’s also an organ of movement. When we change how we move, we change how we think and feel. Movement is one of the most powerful tools for emotional regulation and brain health.

Breath plays a similar role. Research shows that breathing at around 5-7 breaths per minute strengthens stress resilience and emotional regulation. Simple practices like balanced breathing (for example, 6-6 breathing) can gently bring the nervous system back into harmony.

The brain is constantly predicting what will happen next based on past experience and bodily signals. When we change the signals - through movement, breath, and awareness - we change the predictions, and therefore our lived experience. This is precisely how we can transform our nervous system with Kundalini Yoga and meditation. 

In Closing

Nervous system resilience is not about fixing yourself. It’s about creating the conditions in which your system can feel safe, flexible, and strong enough to meet life.

Kundalini Yoga and Meditation offers a deeply embodied path - one that honours the intelligence of the body and supports not just survival, but vitality, connection, and joy.

Whether you are practising through kundalini yoga online classes, or studying with a Kundalini Yoga school online, this work meets you where you are. Between my weekly Kundalini yoga classes, or individual yoga therapy sessions I can help you be more present, resilient and peaceful. 

If you are looking for a sustainable, embodied way to support your nervous system through Kundalini Yoga you are warmly welcome to join us at weekly yoga and meditation classes. Additionally, I’m offering a special 50% discount for the first month on High On Yoga membership for everyone joining in January. Use the coupon code ‘2026’ when signing up here. 

The Power of Gentleness in Your Yoga Practice

In a world that celebrates hustle, pushing, and "no pain, no gain" gentleness can feel like a radical act. But in yoga - and in life - gentleness is not weakness. It is a powerful, transformative force that can change the way you move, breathe, and live.

For the next 40 days at High On Yoga, we’re exploring gentleness - not as passivity, but as a soft strength that supports deep healing and growth.

Here’s what we’ll dive into together:

Self-Compassion.

Gentleness begins with how we speak to ourselves.
Do you notice when your inner voice is harsh or critical? Most of us carry an inner judge that is quick to point out mistakes. Self-compassion is the practice of softening that voice, of meeting ourselves with kindness - even when we’re not perfect.

On the mat, that might mean honouring where your body is today, choosing the easier variation, or simply resting when you need to. Off the mat, it means learning to treat yourself as you would a dear friend.

Soft Strength.

Gentleness doesn’t mean being floppy or weak - it means finding your strength without force.

Think of holding a baby bird: firm enough that it doesn’t fall, soft enough that it doesn’t get crushed. That is soft strength - stable, steady, but never rigid.
This is what we cultivate in yoga: strength that supports rather than strains, effort balanced with ease.

Ahimsa: Living Without Harm.

In yogic philosophy, ahimsa (non-violence) is the very first principle. It asks us not only to avoid harming others but also to stop harming ourselves - through overwork, overthinking, and over-efforting.

Practising gentleness is a way of living ahimsa. Each time you choose a kinder thought, each time you respect your limits on the mat, you are embodying this principle.

Trusting the Process.

So much of our suffering comes from trying to control everything. Gentleness teaches us to trust - to let growth unfold naturally.

Just like a flower cannot be forced to bloom, your healing, your strength, and your transformation all have their own timing. Yoga becomes the place where you practise letting go of the rush, of the pressure to be somewhere else - and start finding peace where you are.

Gentle Devotion.

Spirituality doesn’t always have to be intense or dramatic. Devotion can be a quiet, everyday practice: lighting a candle, breathing deeply, showing up on your mat even when you don’t feel like it.

Gentleness invites us to fall in love with the process, with the small, sacred moments - and with ourselves.

Join Us This Month

If you are ready to stop pushing yourself, stop beating yourself up, and start building a kinder, softer, more sustainable relationship with yourself - we’d love to have you join us inside High On Yoga this month.

✨ Self-kindness is a practice. Let’s practise together. ✨ Join the High On Yoga Membership Here.

Why Living in Alignment Matters - and How Kundalini Yoga Can Help

Have you ever felt as though you were simply going through the motions of life, doing all the things you “should” be doing, yet something still feels off? That’s often a sign that you’re living out of alignment.

Living in alignment means your thoughts, words and actions reflect your deepest truth. It’s when your inner and outer worlds move together in harmony. When you live this way, you naturally feel more peace, clarity, resilience and fulfilment - because you’re no longer fighting against yourself.

We create a lot of chaos for ourselves when our thoughts, words and actions don’t match. Perhaps you want to be a healthy person but often skip workouts and order takeaways. It feels good in the moment - you’re relaxing on the sofa with your favourite Chinese - but when this becomes a habit, deep down you won’t feel good. Interestingly, when your thoughts, words and actions are aligned, even the “hard” things feel good. You discover that you’re capable of doing hard things, and this brings a deep sense of satisfaction.

But alignment doesn’t just happen. It’s a practice - and this is where Kundalini Yoga becomes such a powerful ally. The word yoga itself means union: union of body, mind and spirit. When this union is felt, your actions in daily life naturally reflect more harmony, integrity and wholeness.

Through breath, movement, mantra and meditation, Kundalini Yoga helps you to realign again and again, so that your choices and direction in life feel more authentic and true.

Here are five ways Kundalini Yoga supports living in alignment:

1. It connects you to yourself
Instead of being swept up by daily busyness or external expectations, Kundalini Yoga brings you back home to yourself. The practice grounds you in your body, breath and presence, reminding you who you are beneath the noise. By combining movement with breath and mantra, you naturally become present. Connecting with yourself is the first step towards living in alignment.

2. It teaches you to listen inwardly
Through stillness and meditation, you learn to listen to your inner voice. Alignment requires knowing what’s true for you - and Kundalini Yoga strengthens that inner listening, so your decisions come from within rather than from outside pressure. The more you listen to yourself, the more your thoughts, words and actions will align.

3. It helps you release what doesn’t serve you
The kriyas and meditations are deeply cleansing – physically, mentally and emotionally. They help you let go of habits, patterns and attachments that keep you out of alignment, creating space for what’s truly right for you. When your body or mind is full of old habits and patterns, it’s difficult to create new ones. The first step in a new direction is to clear the path. Just as a gardener prepares the soil before planting, we need to prepare our inner environment for new growth.

4. It awakens your intuition
One of the gifts of Kundalini Yoga is how it sharpens intuitive awareness. When you’re in tune with your intuition, alignment becomes natural - you simply know which choices bring harmony and which don’t. When we are able to listen to this inner guidance, and are courageous enough to act on it, life begins to feel magical.

5. It gives you the courage to live your truth
Even when we know what feels right, it can take courage to act on it. Kundalini Yoga strengthens the nervous system and the inner will, so you can step into alignment with more confidence, even when it feels challenging. It not only opens us up, but also strengthens body and mind, helping us to live with more courage, authenticity and heart.

Living in alignment isn’t about perfection – it’s about continually coming back to what feels true. With regular practice, Kundalini Yoga becomes a compass, guiding you towards a life that feels meaningful, peaceful and authentically yours.

If you’re ready to deepen your connection to yourself, you’re welcome to join my Kundalini yoga online classes. We practise together live each week - moving, breathing, meditating and finding stillness — wherever you are in the world. My online community is gentle, supportive and rooted in real connection. Many students tell me it feels like being part of something bigger, even though it’s all online.

What Does Paragliding Have to Do with Yoga?

Not very much, is the short answer :-). However, in my philosophical mind, there are actually many parallels and lessons that can be applied.

For those of you who don’t know, I recently started learning to paraglide. Something I’ve been dreaming of doing for 20 years is finally becoming a reality - but the journey is not what I expected. To my own surprise, I’m facing many fears, my anxiety is kicking in quite a lot, and I’m finding it all much more difficult than I had anticipated.

Just to paint a picture - before my first solo flight, I almost couldn’t sleep at night (which never happens to me). However, a wise friend told me: “It’s about feeling all the fears but not nurturing them.” That, combined with three meditations in the morning, gave me the strength to fly for the first time—and this is how my journey began. Now, after completing 24 solo flights, I feel more secure, but I still have a long way to go…

Anyway, back to my original question - what does paragliding have to do with yoga?

As I’m still learning, there are many days or times when I can’t fly because the conditions are too strong for me, and I need the support of an instructor. However, what I can do is practise on the ground - something called ground handling. Many pilots think it’s too boring, but one can learn a lot from it and really improve the technique. So, whenever I’m in a suitable place, I try to get in some practice.

Sometimes the conditions are too strong even for ground handling, but I simply say to myself: “I’m going to open my paraglider and see what we can do.” Sometimes, I get two hours of solid practice; other times, I ‘fight’ with the glider, get pulled along the ground, collect new scratches on my body, and pack it away. But every time I open the glider, I learn something new.

And it’s the same with yoga.

All you can do is open your yoga mat and see what happens. One day, you might do a full 90-minute class or master a challenging posture; another day, just a few gentle stretches or a three-minute meditation. Sometimes, all your body is capable of is savasana (deep relaxation). However, simply by unrolling your mat, you are making progress.

Maybe not the kind of progress you want. Maybe not the kind you see on Instagram. But it’s your own progress, and your body, mind, and soul are grateful for it.

This is why learning to paraglide reminds me of yoga. Because learning a new skill is hard. Showing up is hard. Being consistent is hard. But it does pay off. Small, steady steps forward really do add up over time.

So, just as I’m going to open my paraglider- even when I can’t fly, even when I can’t even practise on the ground - because I know I’ll still learn something new, I invite you to open your yoga mat and see what happens.

Without expectations. Without pressure. Just open the mat and be present. Your body will tell you what it wants and needs. And I promise you, doing this regularly will help you grow as a person immensely.

To us all…

Let’s have the courage to turn up.
Let’s have the curiosity to explore and grow.
Let’s be present, supported, and guided.

In yoga, paragliding, and in life.

Love, light, and peace to all. Daria x

P.S. If you are looking for ways to show up, here are your opportunities to join me on the mat this week:

Tuesday 6 - 7.30 pm Kundalini Yoga class

Thursday 6 - 7 am - Jupiter Kriya Meditation for Prosperity

Thursday 7.15 - 8.45 pm Kundalini Yoga class

Sunday 8 - 9 pm Meditation class

Join here https://highonyoga.co.uk/onlinekundaliniyogamembership

5 Reasons Why Your Relationship with Yourself Is the Most Important One

In a world obsessed with external validation—followers, likes, job titles, and perfect relationships—it’s easy to forget the one connection that shapes everything: the relationship you have with yourself.

Our relationship with ourselves is absolutely crucial, yet we are often our own worst enemies. We criticise ourselves, break promises to ourselves, and, to put it lightly, we are not always the most loving towards ourselves. Ask yourself this: if you spoke to your friends the way you speak to yourself—would they still be your friends? Probably not, right?

Loving yourself is the foundation for living a happy, fulfilling life. But it requires ongoing commitment: consistent reminders, healing, and embodiment.

Here are five powerful reasons why building a deep, honest, and loving connection with yourself is essential to your growth, healing, and empowerment:

1. You Are the Source of Your Power (Third Chakra Wisdom)

The solar plexus chakra (Manipura) is the energy centre of personal power, self-worth, and direction. When you’re disconnected from yourself, you give that power away—through people-pleasing, indecision, or self-doubt.

When you cultivate inner strength, set boundaries, and trust your instincts, you begin to live from your centre—not from the expectations of others. Empowerment is an inside job.

TIP: Strengthen your Third Chakra with Kundalini Yoga.

2. Inner Clarity Leads to Outer Alignment

When you know who you are, what you value, and what you need, your decisions become clearer and more aligned. You stop chasing validation and start choosing experiences, relationships, and goals that genuinely support your growth.

Practices such as Kundalini Yoga, meditation, and self-reflection help quiet external noise so you can hear your own truth—and act on it.

TIP: Spend some conscious time with yourself, whether on the yoga mat or off it.

3. Self-Acceptance Builds Emotional Resilience

Your inner relationship determines how you respond to life’s challenges. When you treat yourself with compassion—especially during times of failure, rejection, or self-doubt—you build emotional safety and the resilience needed to move forward.

The more you accept yourself, the less approval you seek from others. This creates a steady emotional foundation that external circumstances can’t shake.

TIP: Be kinder to yourself.

4. Your Inner Dialogue Shapes Your Reality

The way you speak to yourself becomes the story you live by. Harsh self-talk reinforces insecurity, fear, and limitation. Loving, empowering self-talk builds confidence, courage, and creativity.

When you develop a kind, honest, and supportive inner voice, it becomes easier to take risks, follow your intuition, and stand up for yourself.

TIP: Connect with the Divine within you, and your inner dialogue will begin to shift.

5. Healthy Relationships Start with You

You attract and maintain relationships that mirror the way you treat yourself. If you don’t trust, respect, or value yourself, it becomes difficult to accept those things from others—or even recognise when they’re missing.

When you cultivate self-love, you naturally create stronger, more respectful boundaries and invite in relationships rooted in mutual empowerment—not dependency or performance.

TIP: Be grounded in yourself and everything else will flow.

Final Thought

Your relationship with yourself is the blueprint for every area of your life—relationships, work, health, creativity, and purpose. Strengthening this bond isn’t selfish; it’s foundational.

Make it a daily practice to return to yourself—through Kundalini Yoga, meditation, breath, reflection, and truth—and watch how everything around you begins to shift.

This is our focus at High On Yoga Online Membership. Join us for weekly live classes on:

• Tuesdays at 6pm

• Thursdays at 7.15pm

• Sundays at 8pm

Or access the recordings whenever it suits you.

Now your turn!

How would you like to improve your relationship with yourself? Let us know in the comments.