About Kundalini Yoga
What is Kundalini Yoga?
Kundalini yoga is a form of Raj or Royal yoga that was brought to the West in 1969 by Yogi Bhajan. It is the yoga of awareness. A technology to support the creative potential of human beings and the awakening of self-healing. Yogi Bhajan was called to share this ancient practice, which was before only available to royalty and yogis, to support us in the transition into the Aquarian age.
The intent of kundalini yoga is to support us clear our energy pathways, release blocks and allow our vital life force energy to flow freely to every cell in our beings. When our life force energy flows freely we feel clear, balanced, grounded and connected to our true selves, life and the universe. We feel fully awake and alive!
How Kundalini Yoga helps
Regular kundalini yoga practice allows us to not only survive in this time of chaos and uncertainty, but to thrive in it. We do not retreat from life, we excel in it. Our self-awareness is strong and we navigate life with deep connection.
Physically our vital life systems such as the nervous system are strengthened and the glandular system is balanced which promotes emotional stability, physical health and vitality. Negative patterns and unhelpful thoughts transcend into creativity and the ability to excel through life’s challenges.
By clearing our bodies with movement, postures and breathing our life force (prana) is allowed to flow in and our elimination energy (apana)to flow out. This can be released in different ways through our channels of elimination e.g. having a runny nose, wind or sweating. It’s also common to release with laughing, crying and yawning. These are all normal ways the body moves energy out and are very welcome in class!
About Melanie Lee
My spiritual name is Nav Shiva Kaur - I answer to both that and Mel(anie). My yoga teacher training was with the Jivan Mukta Academy, which was a 220-hour course Aquarian Teacher Level 1 which meets the criteria for Yoga Alliance 200-hour accreditation. Having dabbled in Hatha and Iyengar yoga, I fell for the physical, mental and spiritual benefits of Kundalini yoga in a yurt in East Lothian. I particularly appreciated its ability to still an anxious mind, uplift low mood, improve my tall girl/runner’s inflexibility, feel holistically healthier and bring a greater clarity to life.
I am also a qualified counsellor/psychotherapist working in the NHS and in private practice. I have been a member of Mindfulness Association Scotland having done the Mindfulness Practitioner Foundation and Certificate courses. Before all of this I was an IT consultant for over a decade.
I enjoy all the constituent parts of Kundalini yoga – e.g. the physical postures, the pranayama (breath work), mantras, lifestyle suggestions, relaxation and meditation and love the chance to share the technology of kundalini with others. I believe using ‘The Yoga of Awareness’ can help us all deal better with stressful lives and live our lives well. I offer all ability group classes, 1-1 and small group sessions within Edinburgh and East Lothian.
Kundalini yoga classes
Note: Due to Covid-19 restrictions all classes with me are cancelled.
Address:
5 Forth Street (off Broughton St), Edinburgh EH1 3JX.
Class atmosphere:
Warm, inclusive, a balance between focus/discipline and a gentle humour.
Bring:
A yoga mat if you have one, a blanket (and cosy socks if you want) for relaxation, any props you need and water. Dress in comfortable clothes for yoga. The Yoga Room also has lots of mats, blankets and props to use.
Cost:
£50 for a 6 week block, £10 drop in. Cash on the day or e-mail: navshivakaur@gmail.com for payment details - paypal or bank transfer. I would be grateful if you get in contact before the class to book your mat space.
CURRENTLY OFF AS HALL IS TOO COLD IN WINTER
Address:
Sea Wynd, Aberlady EH32 0SA.
Class atmosphere:
Warm, inclusive, a balance between focus/discipline and a gentle humour.
Bring:
A yoga mat if you have one (if you want to borrow one for the first class please let me know), a blanket (and cosy socks if you want) for relaxation, any props you need and water. Dress in comfortable clothes for yoga.
Cost:
Investment: £7 drop in. Cash on the day or email: navshivakaur@gmail.com for payment details - paypal or bank transfer. I would be grateful if you get in contact before the class to book your mat space.
Hope Rooms, North Berwick
Address:
34 Forth Street, North Berwick, East Lothian EH39 4JD.
Class atmosphere:
Warm, inclusive. This class is connected to Ageing Well East Lothian so participants should be aged 50+. It is geared to work with those with some difficulty with flexibility and movement. Therefore adjustments to postures, options to do some moves on chairs etc can be offered. As this is a shorter class some components may be briefer than in my other classes.
Bring:
A yoga mat, a blanket (and cosy socks if you want) for relaxation, any props you need and water. Dress in comfortable clothes for yoga.
Cost:
Investment: £3.50 per class (low-cost Ageing Well class). Cash on the day or email: navshivakaur@gmail.com for payment details - paypal or bank transfer. I would be grateful if you get in contact before the class to book your mat space.
Private Classes
Private classes, either one-to-ones or small groups can be arranged with me. Private classes can be a one-off (for yourself or a small group of friends in your house or venue), an occasional class or something more regular - weekly/fortnightly/monthly. Cost depends on numbers and location. Currently my main availability for private classes is Fridays but please enquire for other days/times and if I can accommodate it I will, or will suggest alternative teachers. There may also be availability at my Cockenzie House counselling room on Thursdays for 1-1s.
One-To-Ones
A private one-to-one allows you to work on particular areas of concern with kriyas and meditations chosen especially for you. This would be suitable both for a beginner seeking a private space to learn Kundalini Yoga as well as a more experienced yogi looking to deepen their practice or work on something specific.
The price for a 1-1 starts at £40 for an East Lothian location for 75 minutes. Midlothian and East Edinburgh (Portobello etc) may also fall in that price bracket depending on travel time. Other areas of Edinburgh and further afield may incur an additional charge to cover travel time and parking.
Two or More Students
Perhaps you would like to organise a small class for friends - e.g. as a one-off or occasional 'wellness night in' or a regular morning class for friends? Or a healthy component to a hen weekend? I love it when a group of friends tries something new together or a lover of Kundalini Yoga wants to share it with others - sister, friends, partner or mum? Or perhaps you would like a Kundalini Yoga class or taster as part of a larger event you are organising? Whatever your idea please get in touch to discuss availability and pricing.
Melanie Lee (Nav Shiva Kaur) Kundalini Yoga:
New Student Registration and Liability Agreement
Waiver
If at any time during the class, you feel discomfort or strain, gently come out of the posture. You may rest at any time during the class. It is important in yoga that you listen to your body, and respect its limits on any given day.
I, the undersigned, understand that yoga is not a substitute for medical attention, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. I should consult a physician prior to beginning any activity program, including yoga. I recognise that it is my responsibility to notify my teacher of any serious illness or injury before every yoga class. I will not perform any postures to the extent of strain or pain.
I accept that neither the instructor, nor the hosting facility, is liable for any injury, or damages, to person or property, resulting from the taking of the class.
Further, I understand that photographs and/or video recordings may be taken for marketing purposes and that by participating, I authorise Melanie Lee or her assigns to use and reproduce any photographs, personal narrative, interviews or audio and video recording of my participation for any and all purposes without compensation.
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