Demystifying the Practice: Why Wear White?
If you're new to Kundalini Yoga, chances are you've noticed many people wearing modest white clothes and head coverings. It's a pretty sharp contrast to the world of Lululemon spandex, and can be understandably confusing or intimidating to ask about. Though we're sure any yogi would graciously share their experience of it, let's break down the white elephant in the room!
The teachings of Yogi Bhajan are rooted in practical, scientific ways to enhance our natural being -- in the case of wearing white, it's part physics and part color therapy. And the best way to understand it is by contrast:
Consider the blistering heat of a freshly paved road or a black car on a sunny day, or even the protective "incognito" feeling of a cozy black hoody + sweatpants. Simple science understands that dark colors draw energy inward, absorbing energy from the environment in the form of light and heat.
On the flip side, white projects energy outward, as it is the reflection of all seven visible wavelengths. Wearing white, you become visible and communicate your presence with impact. It delivers a subtle transmission that you are a lighthouse, lit from the inside and shining outward in all directions, to uplift and serve the world around you. Ancient yogis also discovered that natural fibers serve as energy conduits, so wearing lightweight fabrics of cotton, silk or wool can help keep the body cool and maintain the free-flow of prana during challenging yoga sets.
As color therapy, the principle is much the same. White dress builds the protective and projective container of the aura by integrating all the colors of the chakras, encouraging the practitioner to "reflect what is outside and go within," as Yogiji put it. Many yogis will also treat the care and maintenance of white clothing as a meditation itself, applying extra awareness to daily activities that could stain the clothes.
Since Kundalini Yoga is directed toward increasing sensitivity and enhancing bioelectricity through a strong nervous system, this style of dress can be a supportive tool for developing consciousness. However, it's worth noting that how you dress should always be a matter of personal experience that's authentic to you. For Kundalini Yoga is about stripping back the layers of falsehood to reveal the truest YOU, not to put on an act, to fit in with a group or to please others. But as the temperatures are rising and the sun is coming out play, consider experimenting with this technology for yourself, taking note of how you feel!
And keep in mind - when looking in a mirror, the highest reflection we can cast is that which reminds us of God within us.
Sat Nam