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.

Vinyasa Flow Open with Raphan
Move with the rhythm of the breath through intelligent and dynamic sequences of flowing yoga postures designed to cultivate stamina, focus and flexibility while realizing the wisdom, strength and grace of one's body. Set in an noncompetitive environment, classes integrate music and detailed alignment instructions and are designed for those who seek a mind / body / spirit experience that is deep, invigorating and life affirming. Meditation, breath manipulation exercises and chanting will be intertwined within the practise of Asanas.

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.

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.

Afrikan Yoga

Afrikan Yoga creates a perfect feeling of well being and when the body feels good and energetic, it stimulates the body to prevent and cure illness. No other form of exercise has such a remarkable effect on the body's own natural healing powers.

I Practice the most ancient system of yoga, 'Afrikan Yoga', it's true name is Smai meaning Union/Breath.

Afrikan Yoga regulates your breathing improves energy levels, alertness and clarity of mind. It stretches and works the muscles in the body toning and giving an invogorating workout. Increasing your energy with oxygenated blood, which actually helps to store energy in the body and replenish cells.

Afrikan Yoga improves the circulation of blood and lymph, massaging internal organs. Improving the function of the glands, such as the pancreas, ovaries, thyroid, testicles, pituitary and adrenals. Many diseases are caused by poor circulation so Afrikan Yoga is a valuable therapeutic tool.

Afrikan Yoga incorporates, postures, dance, (womb dance), Hudu (Afrikan Tai Chi), visualisation, meditation and hikau.
Afrikan Yoga is the reconnection to the source. Afrikan Yoga is the combined wisdom of Ancient Afrika with its rich heritage in natures principles. Afrikan Yoga is timeless culture for everyday living.

Taught by Pablo Imani

Please check schedule for class times

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Beginners Yoga

Alchemy offers yoga for beginners as drop in classes (Open or Basic/Beginners Classes and in special courses.) Please check with FOH as to which classes/courses may be best suited for you. For more information about Beginners: http://www.alchemythecentre.co.uk/yoga/new_to_yoga

Ongoing 4 Week Basics Course

This course is aimed at those with little or no experience of yoga, and anyone who would like a refresher or has questions on what they have been practising already. The course is taught in four modules, each week focusing on different aspects of asana:

Week 1: Standing Postures
Week 2: Forward Bending
Week 3: Back Bending
Week 4: Putting it all into practice & overview.

Everyone is welcome to join the course at any time (drop in) although it is suggested that all 4 modules be attended at least once in order to gain the strength, knowledge and confidence to attend level 1-2 & open classes.

Saturdays at 13:30. Taught by Alessia.

Please always check schedule for dates and times and any additions and changes to our programme.

Dynamic Vinyasa

A vigorous, fast moving , and smooth flowing class where asana is linked together with breath and intention.