Kinetic Kirtan

Description of Class

Kirtan is a beautiful Bhakti (devotional) practice that fosters a sense of community and connection with the inner self. It is a way of connecting with the moment through sound. This workshop is based on the yogic tradition which itself draws from various Indian traditions. The workshop is not religious, although it has spiritual aspects, and is offered by Evolution Arts rather than the Buddhist Centre. Through collective chanting, the sense of separation is dissolved or ‘cut through’ returning us to our natural state of connectedness and flow, allowing the wandering mind to gently merge, with breath and body into cohesiveness. Each chant revolves around a particular mantra that can be thought of as a constellation of, or focus of energy, using repetition, call and response. We will explore our inner state with a short movement practice at the beginning to disorganise tension and prepare the mind/body for a joyful journey to heart centre. Suitable for all. Your tutor Lisa Nicholls Rider is dedicated to creating a calm space for self exploration and believes the practice of yoga should be a breath centred, nurturing personal journey to feeling awakened, light of heart and at ease through the body. Lisa believes yoga should be accessible to all, regardless of fitness levels, body size, age, financial capacity… if you can draw breath you can drop into moments of yoga. Her passions are yoga, singing, teaching & studying. Through weaving these together, she aim’s to help people access those moments of flow (vahī) and absorption (samādhi). Lisa will be joined by Gratia. Over the past 25 years Gratia has explored numerous styles of yoga, kirtan, voicework, meditation, yoga nidra, pranayama and massage. She has been leading kirtan for over a decade and now also offers kirtan experience days and retreats as well as 1-1s to support people in their kirtan leading Whether through chanting, yoga, nidra or massage she helps facilitate your own healing journey. She shares simple tools to restore, support and transform. Gratia brings joy and compassion to the practices she shares.