Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy and Birth with Kundalini Yoga and Meditation

by Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa, Cindy Crawford (Foreword)

From internationally renowned yoga teacher Gurmukh comes a book on pregnancy unlike any other. Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful is a treasury of wisdom, information, and inspiration for pregnancy and motherhood based on the spiritual and physical practices of Kundalini yoga, which Gurmukh has taught for the last thirty years.

With illustrated, step-by-step instructions, she teaches time-tested techniques, meditations, and exercises that will help you physically, mentally, and spiritually. In the timeless way that women have passed down wisdom surrounding birth and child rearing to one another for centuries, Gurmukh weaves folk stories and contemporary testimonials into a program designed to help you get profound results in the shortest possible time.

The sections in this book cover each trimester of pregnancy as well as delivery and life with the baby. In her wise, gentle, and comforting voice, Gurmukh suggests meditations, exercises, and yoga positions to respond to the various needs of expectant and new mothers as you undergo dramatic body changes. Gurmukh also helps you explore and, when necessary, heal your own history and unconscious attitudes about pregnancy, birth, and parenting.

In Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful, Gurmukh gives you all the tools you need to have a healthy and happy pregnancy while increasing your connection to your partner and building compassion and prosperity. The ancient practices of yoga can lead you back to your own power as a woman, capable of more than you ever dreamed. All you need is a belief in the possibility of change and a commitment of as little as three minutes a day. Gurmukh has helped thousands of women and their families find fulfillment through the healing movements and meditations of Kundalini yoga---and she can help you, too!

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Health, Parenting

264 pages, Paperback

First published April 21, 2003

About the author

Gurmukh Kaur Khalsa is a teacher of Kundalini Yoga and a pioneer in the field of pre-natal yoga. She is the co-founder and director of the Golden Bridge Yoga Center in Los Angeles.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

I used this as a text book for a prenatal yoga training I just completed. Gurmukh opens the book with a powerful story of her own journey, and her experience of why prenatal health is so important. The book follows the weeks and trimesters, sharing several Kundalini kriyas for prenatal and building a yoga practice for the rest of one's life.

[ELART · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

It’s a “must” for pregnant women. Inspiring and empowering. “Be the change you want to see in the world”. Namaste

[Visnja · Rating 2 out of 5]

Even as a pretty 'woo-woo' person, this just wasn't my cup of tea. Much better suited for those who are really into Kundalini, as the book is more of a guide to pregnancy meditation and yoga than anything else. I also didn't love that 90% of the chapters shared anecdotal stories of a few women, as if to say they represent most women and their experiences.

There were a few lovely quotes I'll take away, and for this, it gains a star.

"Time doesn't heal all wounds. Love heals all wounds."


"Some of us have unions in which we have settled our differences through lifetimes of union and reunion, and this time around is a gift."


"Always remember that children are born exactly the way they need to be born. We are born into this lifetime to grow, and it is only through experience that we grow. Once labor starts, the process is bigger than any one person's plan. Sometimes, a soul coming through needs a certain experience for its journey, or maybe the mother needs it for hers, or the father needs it for his. We call it a complication, but it is a thread among the many thousands of threads that create the rich tapestry of a life."

"In the Bible's Old Testament, the commandment does not obligate us to love our parents, but to honor them. To honor our parents means to acknowledge them as people of tremendous worth in our life's pilgrimage. Directly or indirectly, they put the fire behind your passion to grow toward your spiritual advancement. Honoring them is the most dignified endeavor of your life."

[Sarah Siggelakis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This keeps happening - I went into this book with an expectation that I'd be getting some guidance on yoga for pregnancy. I gotta say that is not this. There are meditative poses throughout the book but if you were looking for guidance on keeping core strength and protecting your pelvic floor that is not this book.

This book is a personal journey into the wonders of pregnancy from a yoga slant. There's a lot of positivity and wellness advice throughout - it's not clinical at all and it's not about what can go wrong during pregnancy but more about the spirit of motherhood and what can go right. It's certainly the least stressful pregnancy and childbirth book I've read

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun and easy read. Exactly what I was looking for. I’m already a big fan of kundalini yoga so I’d recommend that as a base before picking up this book.This is focused on the spirituality and magic of childbirth and guides you through meditative practices that focus on bringing a deeper sense of oneness, power, and peace.
If there are any negatives I’d say I’m tired of reading small anecdotes about other people’s experiences through the eyes of the author. It just feels a bit too far removed. I’d rather keep it as the author’s story, plus the science, and spiritual content without feeling like I’m hearing someone random’s abbreviated, palliative story.

[Jane Henningsen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was recommended as part of a prenatal YTT program that I did and I have to say it was really not for me.

Kundalini is the side of yoga that I have the least experience with, so maybe it makes sense that I wouldn’t vibe with a kundalini pregnancy book.

It opens with a story of a hospital birth presented as a very traumatic experience where the mother has no autonomy and is treated poorly by the staff. The birth in question took place decades ago and hopefully isn’t representative of hospital birth today. The blanket assumption that we need to take birth back to the home where it belongs is not for me. I prefer books that are a little more neutral and validating of all approaches.

Otherwise, I like the idea of trimester specific meditations and yoga practice etc but am not really drawn to the ones in this book. They’re a little too new-agey for me. Again, I think it’s the kundalini aspect since I’ve enjoyed other meditations and breath work in the past.

I know some people love it so if you’re a yoga person you might as well give it a shot. Not my thing though.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would probably rate this 3.5 stars. It was definitely a good read, and had tidbits of info that I will take along with me during my own pregnancy. I enjoyed the meditation suggestions after each chapter. I found those valuable.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read this book throughout my pregnancy on a recommendation from a friend and it was wonderful! I enjoyed it immensely as part of my am meditation practice. Her stories and views helped me remember what’s really important. Absolutely bountiful, beautiful and blissful!

[Simply_Yosy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written book on prenatal and post natal practices, including powerful passages on how to decrease self-doubt and fear associated with the birthing process and advocacy during the birthing process.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A helpful perspective that deviates from the one I get at my doctor’s office. Certainly enjoyed the reminder towards mindfulness - took all advice with a grain of salt.

[Jessica Yearwood Travezán · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not for me. Lots of detailed meditations, based on anecdotal info.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet, positive

[Sharon Le Guin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A calming, meditative book that gently helps to shift your perspective on life.

[Angie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the messages in this book and would recommend it for any expecting moms!! It's also full of meditations and yoga poses if you are into that.

[Lissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book and all the empowering messages it contains. As a long time yogi and someone with lots of meditation experience, I loved to pick out those suggestions and exercises which felt great to me without stressing about having to do it all. For any beginner, it might be a bit difficult though to find one's own way because, in the end, this book is also a very personal story and perspective which might not work for everyone. For anyone who is not American the whole pregnancy and birth experience depicted in this book might be totally different in any case. A lot of the things that are suggested here are very normal in other countries and it was seriously worrying how pathologically pregnancy is approached in the States. So, to me, she did not come across as "as enlightened and empowering" as it might be to her classes in LA or American readers, but the Kundalini insights were still worth it.

[Kate Bukowski · Rating 2 out of 5]

A good book to read, especially if you are on a kundalini yoga path. At times you feel you are being pushed down a path of natural birthing, and home birthing and there is a premiss that as the author had a bad time in the 60s with obstetricians that all Obs are bad and will totally disempower you. I don't think this is true at all.
The book also focuses on the man woman relationship a lot and does not once mention there are other ways of having a baby. Even What to Expect does now.
The exercises through the book are wushy washy and based on Yogi Bajan's yoga style, I don't know where they come from or if there is any evidence that they work. They will make yyou feel elevated and give you toned arms though!

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently started a prenatal yoga class and got this book as a companion to the class so I can do some yoga and mediation at home as well. Looks great so far, but I'm not very far into it.

Having come to the end of this book I found that it offered some wonderful encouragement, but the sheer quantity of meditations that it asks you to try make it overwhelming. I would recommend picking out one or two meditations that really resonate with you and stick to them. You would need to devote your entire life to meditating if you wanted to practise everything described.

Aside from meditation there is some great advice and some very uplifting and encouraging stories here.

[Carrie Auwarter · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's probably best if you can get your hands on this book early into your pregnancy...like with the numerous meditations sprinkled throughout the book, it takes time to let the words sink in & to be able to practice what Gurmukh is teaching. I didn't hear about the book until around the end of my second trimester...I still enjoyed it & it's calm, peaceful message about pregnancy, birth & motherhood, but I definitely would have got more out if it if I'd discovered it sooner. The only issue I had with the book itself was that while she obviously recommends yoga during your pregnancy, there were no suggested yoga poses, just lots of meditations. But still, I definitely recommend this book!

[Pink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally decided to read third tri section as I'm already past first and second tri and those sections were a snore to try to get through at this point. Third tri was a short and easy read. Her spirituality is a little out there and hard to follow but her main encouragement is uplifting and affirming. Wish I had started reading earlier had I realized the book was broken up into trimesters. I'm enjoying the part on after birth as well. Missed the oxytocin high bond she talks about after birth with my second as I was so tired I handed him off shortly after birth. I can still see the missing bond today and can't wait to treasure those moments with my third.

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book full of timeless wisdom and insight that empowers expecting ladies in a very positive manner. It focuses on strengthening your mind, body and spirit for birthing the way it has been for eons. Gurmukh offers a gentle and refreshing approach to the fear based medical model of modern times. Simple exercises and meditations are offered at the end of each chapter to help recreate one's daily practice. It pairs very well with the author's prenatal yoga DVD. As a Kundalini yogi, I wish I had gotten the book earlier on my journey.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I just discovered this sitting on my shelf. I had received it from someone who was moving last summer and wanted to clear her bookshelves. Then I forgot about it and when I went to clear my bookshelves: there it was!

A pretty light read. The meditations and yoga are nice to try. And also, my arms hurt from doing so. :) It's broken up into the trimesters of pregnancy with pertinent meditations for each stage. It's a book I'll keep around because sometimes I'm just in a hippie mood.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great to understand that pregnancy isn't just a whole heap of changes in the body physically but also hormonally and emotionally, and Gurmukh guides us in how to embrace all those changes with grace, sensitivity and acceptance. Great to read when you think you might be the only one on an emotional roller coaster during your pregnancy. Great for partners to read as well to be able to relate and take care of us. A superb gift from my friend Ali.

[Ensley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I could give this book 10 stars. Simply the most beautiful and profound book on pregnancy, motherhood, and parenting that I’ve read-and I’ve read a lot! Gurmukh has the most gentle, non-judgmental, and loving perspective from her own motherhood journey and years of working with pregnant mamas. If you’re tired of simply reading about pregnancy as a list of physical symptoms and long for writing on the beauty and magic of parenthood, this is the book for you.

[Angie McCloskey · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is cool for the meditations but is a little hokey for me and a little preachy at times on the vegetarian/vegan tip. I will so never get Fran on the floor to sing "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" with me. Nor would I make that request of him. I dig the au natural vibe in general though- and the body beautiful message.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a little over-the-top Kundalini for me (Kundalini being a rather religious-extreme branch of yoga), but has some lovely stories and offers some good meditations and poses for pregnancy and labor-prep. Also, the foreword is by Cindy Crawford, who apparently had two homebirths--who knew?

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

As crazy and new age-y as it seems, this ended up being the right birth book for me. I learned about it in my prenatal yoga class and now it's the book I would send to expecting loved ones. Extremely positive and encouraging. I didn't read the Cindy Crawford forward, so couldn't tell you what happens there.

[Irma Yavno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very unique, inspiring, moving. full of wisdom and free of judgement book. I wish i read it when i was pregnant with my two older daughters, but thankful that i read it this time around. Loved the helpful, beautiful Kudnalini meditations at the end of every chapter. Highly recommend it to any mom or mom-to-be.

[V K · Rating 5 out of 5]

another essential book for pregnant mamas. whether you practice yoga or not, you will find this book to be enlightening and soothing, with practical physical and spiritual advice for preparing to welcome a child into the world. really great book!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the spiritual aspects of pregnancy. I read it cover to cover, used many of the ideas she gave for a peaceful pregnancy and birth. I have a very calm, very happy 3 week old baby now, and am convinced my mindset during pregnancy had good deal to do with it.

[Jos-Madelaine Standing · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are pregnant, plan on being pregnant, or know anyone who is or will be in future - please, oh please, read this book. No exaggeration of enthusiasm here. You will come out empowered and aware of how amazing the female body is when it prepares to give birth and does.