By Nancy Dillon, Staff Writer
U-Entertainment
Celebrity yoga instructor Maya Fiennes, the sister-in-law of actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes, has a new DVD called "Kundalini Yoga to Detox and Destress" (Acorn Media; $14.99).
We caught up with the London-based expert to ask about the Kundalini style of yoga — which some call the easiest to learn — and her life as a jet-setting fitness guru.
Q: What exactly is Kundalini yoga, and how does it differ from Vinyasa?
A: Kundalini Yoga is a very direct way of reaching peace. Even after one class you feel the change in body and mind. It combines breath, movement and chanting, releasing the Kundalini Energy throughout the body. ...We work on gently warming up the spine as we release the spinal fluid, which balances all the hormones in the body and therefore slows down the aging process. The chanting opens the door to meditation in order to make a connection to ourselves.
Q: You're a trained concert pianist. How did you get started practicing yoga?
A: I started yoga as I wanted to relax before concerts and to improve my musical performance. I have now been doing yoga for ten years, having tried all different styles including Hatha, Ashtanga and Bikram in search of spiritual growth. When I found Kundalini yoga, my search was over.
Q: Much of the workout on your new DVD is done seated. Does this mean it's well suited to beginners? What about more advanced yoga students, will they work up a sweat?
A: As every class is different and Kundalini Yoga offers such a wealth of sets, I tend to customize each class according to my group. As yoga is not a competition, each set allows opportunities for all levels.
Q: How do your exercises detox the body?
A: The positions I am using in the "Kundalini Yoga to Detox & Destress" DVD together with the (breathing) put pressure on adrenals, and the sound "Har" flushes toxins throughout the body. In addition, the creation of endorphins through the exercise sets gives strength to the adrenals.
Q: What's your favorite yoga pose and why?
A: The "Immune System Booster," which works on cleansing and rejuvenating our whole system by creating new white blood cells in order to fight diseases. ...Sit in (an) easy pose with a straight spine. Close your eyes and concentrate on the "Third Eye." Bend the elbow of your left arm and raise the hand to shoulder level as if it is taking an oath. Touch the tip of the ring finger with the tip of the thumb. With the right hand make a fist and with your index finger of the right hand close your right nostril. Start powerful "Breath of Fire" (rapid inhale and exhale) through the left nostril.
Q: You talk a lot about the Indian spiritual tradition on the DVD. How important is the spiritual connection to your yoga practice?
A: Kundalini Yoga was first brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969. His teachings were based on creating the ultimate union of body, mind and spirit with the universal forces. To make that connection, the spiritual element is very important.
Q: The new DVD has a brief introduction from Deepak Chopra. How do you know him?
A: I was involved in Deepak's charity "The Alliance for the new humanity," and I played at its opening concert in Puerto Rico in 2003.
Q: As a trained concert pianist, do you approach music differently than other yoga teachers? How does it affect your practice or set you apart?
A: I realize that my skills as a concert pianist help me to connect to the music/mantras of Kundalini Yoga. Through my musical skills I become the median/link between the mantras and my students. Through my music, I enable my students to use their own sound to open their chakras.
Q: Your husband Magnus Fiennes is a music composer and producer and also the brother of actors Ralph and Joseph Fiennes. Do you ever teach Ralph and/or Joseph yoga, and how do they do?
A: I teach them both, and over the years they have become experts.
Q: You travel the world teaching yoga. Which location is your favorite for the perfect yoga experience and why?
A: I have taught all over the world, in the Maldives, Mauritius, Mexico, Greece and the south of France. It doesn't really matter where you are. Kundalini Yoga is all about the journey within one self; the outside world becomes irrelevant.
