Kundalini Yoga
Kundalini yoga was brought to the West by Yogi Bhajan in 1969 and is a safe, comprehensive technology that can be practiced by everyone. It is an ancient art and science dealing with the alteration and expansion of consciousness, the awakening and raising of Kundalini Energy up the spine through energy centres called Chakras, activating them. This is accomplished by the mixing and uniting of Prana (cosmic energy) with Apana (eliminating energy) which generates pressure to force Kundalini to rise, by means of Pranayama (breathing exercises), Bhandas(body locks), in Kriyas (exercise sets), using Asanas (postures), Mudras (gestures), and Mantras (chanted words).

Kundalini Yoga sets and Meditations also use Visualization, Projection , Focused and Attention to attain specific effects.

Through the practice of Kundalini Yoga, an individual can unite his consciousness with Cosmic Consciousness on a regular basis by carefully performing the exercises and meditations in specific sequence and combination. A student soon becomes adept at perceiving the movement of energy within and outside of his body, and consciously begins to direct its flow to stimulate and awaken the chakras, for healing himself and others, and becomes a co-creator . It is the Yoga of Awareness.

Step 11: Kundalini Yoga in Recovery
A Kundalini yoga and meditation class that supports those working a 12 step programme and is designed to bring a restoration of the physical body , balance to the mind and to improve a conscious contact with a Higher Power.

Kundalini Master Class
The purpose of practising physical discipline is not only to develop your muscles, or strengthen your bones, and increase tissue flexibility of you body and mind, but also to awaken your soul. This set is designed to prevent misalignment of the spine by adjusting your body. It will elevate the longing of your soul to experience the higher states of consciousness by allowing the vitality of the lower chakras and the wisdom of the higher chakras to flow into your heart so that you can live in alignment with your Divine nature.

Gong class and Meditation
The sound from the Gong creates deep relaxation, releasing us from our thoughts. The sound vibrates the energy meridians in the body and brings them into balance, reducing tension and releasing blocks. Kundalini energy, which begins at the base of the spine, is released, travelling up the spine through the body.

Introduction to Kundalini Yoga and Meditation by Kathryn McCusker
This class is structured towards those people who are new to Kundalini Yoga and are curious to experience the basic components (breathing, movement, stretching, meditation, the use of sound and rhythm, relaxation and meditation) in a safe and nurturing environment. Whilst it is suitable for beginners, all levels are welcome.

Hatha Flow/ Hatha
Hatha Flow Yoga and Hatha Yoga offers a series of flowing postures linked by the breath to detoxify, stretch, and strengthen the body and build life force energy. The pace at which postures are practiced can vary depending on the teacher.



Hatha Master Class This extended 2 hours masterclass is suitable for students of all levels but not complete beginners, and offers the opportunity to go deeper into the practice within a single class. Every week will be a different topic of study: opening a lotus, inversions, twists, backbends etc.). To know more about each individual masterclass please email Margherita at shantiyoga@gmail.com or visit her website www.yogam.co.uk.

"Ashtanga yoga is a system of yoga transmitted to the modern world by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. This method of yoga involves synchronizing the breath with progressive series of postures-a process producing intense internal heat and a profuse, purifying sweat that detoxifies muscles and organs. Thereresult is improved circulation, a light and strong body, and a calm mind." - Ashtanga London

Dynamic Yoga
Dynamic yoga is a creative style of Hatha yoga, principles of Ashtanga and lyengar yoga. Dynamic yoga is not only meditative but also physically challenging. Correct breath control is used to create a seamless flow of postures.

Mysore self practice
Originating from Mysore India, this form of yoga is practised by Sri K. Pattabi Jois and his followers. It is the traditional way of practising Ashtanga yoga and students practice at their own pace. Must be familiar with the Primary series of Ashtanga yoga to attend.

Jivamukti

"Jivamukti Yoga is a method of yoga that was created by David Life and Sharon Gannon in 1984, which reintegrates the physical, philosophical and spiritual aspects of Yoga. The emphasis in the west has been on Yoga as mostly a physical practice. More and more people are achieving firmer bodies through regular yoga classes. But many are finding something more: what starts out as a purely physical practice creeps into the hearts and minds of even the least spiritual practitioners. David and Sharon became teachers because they were passionate about communicating Yoga as more than just a system of exercises, but also as a spiritual practice; a path to enlightenment.

From their earliest classes, they have taught a living translation of the Indian system of yoga in a way that western minds can comprehend. That is why Jivamukti Yoga emphasizes vigorous asana as its primary technique, but other practices such as meditation, devotional chanting and study of the ancient texts play an important role as well. The Jivamukti method of Yoga is one of the nine internationally recognized styles of Hatha Yoga. The other eight being: Ashtanga, Iyengar, Viniyoga, Sivananda, Integral, Bikram, Kripalu, and Kundalini. Jivamukti London."
(Jivamukti Yoga London website)

Alchemy is pleased to to offer a few Jivamukti classes in our programme. For more information on their centre please go to www.jivamuktiyoga.co.uk

Vinyasa
A dynamic form of yoga derived from Ashtanga which synchronizes breath with an asana (posture) sequence very precisely.

Yin Yoga
Yin Yoga is a practice where postures are held for 3 minutes or more. This length of time is used to open into the thicker layers of connective tissues around the joints that a moving, dynamic practice may not as effectively access. During this time of stillness, the physical, energetic, emotional and mental states of being are refined and aligned through heightened inner awareness. When this inner awareness is allowed to grow in stillness, knowledge is gained in maintaining a quiet and conscious state at all times; whether the external environment is one of calm or chaos. Yin Yoga is a perfect complement to a dynamic (Yang) style practice and an extremely subtle and profound practice on its own.

Shakti Dance
Shakti Dance is the 'yoga of dance' - the conscious practice of dance, infused with the wisdom of yoga to develop awareness and understanding of body, mind and emotions.

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Pregnancy Yoga
Pregnancy Yoga - Practicing yoga while pregnant can help women to have a happy pregnancy and birth. It helps to alleviate common pregnancy symptoms, boosts energy levels, develops the necessary suppleness and strength required to give birth and relieves anxiety and stress during a time of much uncertainty and change. Learning to focus on the breath, along with specific breathing techniques can enable greater control of the breath during labour. Pregnancy yoga also encourages the development of a bond between mother a baby and prepares women physically, emotionally and spiritually for childbirth. These classes are open to women from 13 weeks of pregnancy onwards and no previous yoga experience is required.

For more information on Pregnancy Yoga:
http://www.allaboutyoga.co.uk/about/aboutyoga/pregnancy/preg_yoga.aspx

Mummy and Baby Yoga
Yoga adapted for post natal integrated with safe and playful exercises with your baby. Movements and exercises help to combat fatigue and tone muscles after giving birth. Classes suitable from 6 weeks after giving birth to crawling.

Himalayan Hatha
Taught by Yogi Yogacharya Yogi Ashokananda.

We start class by sitting or lying down with a very short meditation. In the beginning, we practice very gentle and deep stretches to warm up our muscles and joints. We continue with a dynamic series of asanas from Authentic Hatha yoga combined with sukshyam vyayam and mudras, followed by Pranayama, which restores and rejuvenates our subtle body and mind, preparing us for the day ahead. As we come to the end, we practice deep relaxation, followed by chanting which serves to awaken and liberate.

We connect and channel energy to heal our beautiful bodies. We come full circle, having explored new postures each day. In this class, you will become more conscious of your physical existence through the postures and become more aware of your mental and emotional state. If the participant wishes to go deeper they can close their eyes and experience the joy of self going beyond the stretches and pain. Overall ,this class is dynamic and food for the whole being. After the class, you will be left with joy and peace, with a relaxed body and calm mind.

Gong and Meditation
The universe is powered by sound. The gong is the basic creative sound. Out of the gong come all music, all sounds, and all words. The sound of the gong is the nucleus of the World. It allows moving beyond the boundaries of the mind and connects us to the source creating a sense of oneness The sound from the Gong creates deep relaxation, releasing us from our thoughts. The sound vibrates the energy meridians in the body and brings them into balance, reducing tension and releasing blocks. Kundalini energy, which begins at the base of the spine, is released, travelling up the spine through the body to align the Chakras, clean the Aura and release the subconscious mind.

Alchemy offers esoteric and powerful Gong and Meditation classes. The Gong moves us beyond the boundaries of the mind and creates a sense of oneness. The sound from the Gong releases us from our thoughts and brings about deep relaxation.

For more information about the Gong Meditation:
http://www.harijiwan.com/yoga.htm

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Sadhana
Sadhana for the Aquarian Age as given by Yogi Bhajan:

"A person once said about Sadhana: "Once sadhana is done, nothing should happen to you".
I said, "No, when Sadhana happened, everything should happen to you, and you should come out as a winner, you should come out victorious!" That is what Sadhana gives you. It doesn't give you a written guarantee from God.
The one who does Sadhana builds himself such a powerful personality , he can conquer anything! That is why I do my own Sadhana. I have been doing it for years. I do it even now.
Some people ask me, " You are a Master, why do you do Sadhana?"
I say, " To remain a Master!"
- Yogi Bhajan

"Sadhana means a practice of self-discipline that allows one to express the Infinite within one's self. It is a time each day to notice the patterns that lead away from higher consciousness and to transcend those patterns. Sadhana is a conscious activity. We consciously choose to rise up, to exercise the body , and to meditate. Each day is different. Each day, we are different. every 72 hours all the cells of the body totally change. Sickness comes and goes. Motivation waxes and wanes, but through all the flux of life, through all the variations of the mind and heart, we consciously choose to maintain a constant and regular practice"

Sadhana is not a yoga class, although a Kundalini Yoga Kriya as taught by Yogi Bhajan will be a part of every Sadhana. This will be led for their first time by a student on Level 1 Teacher Training hosted by Karam Kriya at Alchemy. Come and support them and yourself within a spiritual community.

There is no charge made for Sadhana although every venue has costs and a donations will be appreciated. Everyone is welcome, always.

Selected Saturday mornings. 5.00 am to 7.30 am breakfast served after.
See Flyer for selected dates and make sure you call the Centre to confirm

* Wake up .Get up before the sun.
* Take a cold shower.
* 5am chant Japji.
* Tune in and practise a Kundalini Kriya
* Relax deeply
* Chant mantras for the Aquarian age.
* Wear light or white clothing and bring something to cover your head.
* In the spirit of Sangat we share breakfast afterwards.

Make every day a victory.

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Restore & Rejuvenate

Louise Whitehead - Hatha Yoga Teacher

Only By letting go can expansion happen. Only by being fully supported by blankets & bolsters for several minutes in each posture can we release, open, expand & let go. Restorative Yoga postures allow gravity, stillness & our own life-force to cleanse and purify all of our vital organs through the power of 'being' rather than doing. Deeply nourish & sooth your nervous system.

Expand & Rejuvenate your whole sense of self, in this deeply restorative class.