Kundalini Yoga for Burn-out, Depression & Anxiety A 3-day Kundalini Yoga Retreat with Japjeet Kaur Khalsa, 'hands on' expert in the field of burn-out & depression Friday 19 - Sunday 21 December 2014 Pellenberg (Leuven), Belgium Kundalini Yoga is uncoiling yourself to find your potential and your vitality and to reach for your virtues. There is nothing from outside. Try to understand that. All is in you. You are the storehouse of your totality. You have a right to be healthy, happy and holy. It is your birthright. Yogi Bhajan During this special retreat we will focus on a set of very pressing concerns in our society which are all too often still a taboo: burn-out, depression and anxiety. Via Kundalini Yoga kriyas and meditations that specifically deal with these 3 areas we will strengthen the nervous system (to better help you deal with stress) and we will target the glandular system (to get a healthy hormonal balance again). We will also look at the deep-seated 'longing to belong' & inexpressible anger that often underlie depression and we will be talking about what Yogi Bhajan calls 'cold depression'. You will be given powerful tools to revitalise yourself in the form of short meditations and pranayams (breathing exercises) which you can easily practice at home. Sleeping problems and insomnia will also be looked at. On top of all of this, we will look at the role of nutrition and lifestyle in combating burn-out and depression, thoroughly discussing diet, Ayurvedic herbs, etc. as well as the use of essential oils. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as people with experience in (kundalini) yoga and/or meditation, and is open to both men and women of all ages and from all backgrounds. For KY teachers from the UK, this retreat is accredited 8 CEU-credits by KYTA. * For testimonials about previous retreats, see at the end of this brochure. Teacher Japjeet Kaur Khalsa is a 'hands on' expert in the field of burn-out & depression. In 2001, at the age of 21, Japjeet was herself diagnosed with burn-out and clinical depression. She was on and off on anti-depressants and sleep medication for over 2 years but overcame her burn-out and got through her depression, and embarked on a very successful academic career - she got her PhD in Literary Studies and became an internationally acclaimed and awarded academic researcher and lecturer at K.U.Leuven (Belgium) and Penn University (Philadelphia, US) (under her legal name Nele Bemong). Finding Kundalini Yoga and meditation was of key importance for her in this journey in not just getting her life back on the rails, but in really becoming healthy and full of vital energy, and in finding deep contentment, peace, fulfilment and happiness within. Noticing her own rapid transformation she started training to become a Kundalini Yoga teacher and started sharing this amazing technology with others.
In 2012 she gave up her academic career to fully focus on delivering the Kundalini Yoga teachings all across Europe. Japjeet is a KRI (Kundalini Research Institute) and IKYTA (International Kundalini Yoga Teachers Association) - certified Kundalini Yoga teacher ('Aquarian Teacher Level I'). She is currently doing her Level II training. She is also a certified children and teenagers yoga teacher (Radiant Child Yoga Program RCYP Level 1 & 2) and has been a certified Facilitator for the Kundalini Yoga Women's Programme Excel & Celebrate - The Radiance of Woman since 2009. From 2008 until 2011 Japjeet taught KY in Belgium; since January 2012 she has been teaching KY in the UK and running retreats in the UK, Spain and Belgium. Over the past years she has specialised in KY for stress management and women's programmes. Japjeet is also a nutrition & health advisor, life-coach and spiritual counsellor. More information about Japjeet Kaur Khalsa and her classes can be found on www.shuniya-yoga.org. Practical Information Dates: Friday 19 - Sunday 21 December 2014. Daily from 10am to 5pm. The programme is most beneficial if you attend the full 3 days of a weekend, but you can also come for just 1 or 2 days. In this retreat the daily programme is shorter than normal and there will also be longer breaks, so that people suffering from acute burn-out and depression can get enough rest. Location: Villa Varia, Weligerveld 2, 3212 Pellenberg (Belgium). Villa Varia is situated in a beautiful natural reserve close to Pellenberg Hospital, but is at the same time easily accessible from Leuven and Tienen. Villa Varia is 8 kilometers away from Leuven railway station. The nearest airport is Brussels Airport. There is a direct train from the airport to Leuven station, and a bus from Leuven station to the location (De Lijn bus 3 to Pellenberg Hospital). Investment: Your investment for the non-residential option of this exclusive retreat is 250 for 3 days or 85 per day. This includes all teachings, tea and snacks and a delicious vegetarian lunch. We offer an early bird discount of 240
( 80 per day) for all registrations made before 1 November 2014. Concessions for students and people on benefits are possible - contact Japjeet Kaur via japjeetkaur1@gmail.com. You can also opt for a residential option, staying overnight at the venue, so you can stay in the group energy and experience the group consciousness. In the residential option we include an evening programme with meditation and with the opportunity to be even more deeply submerged in the KY teachings as you get to spend more time with Japjeet Kaur, Prabhu Anand Kaur (our host) and other yogis. The extra investment for the residential option is 26,50 per night; this includes a tasty vegetarian dinner (prepared by our host Prabhu Anand who is a professional cook), breakfast the following morning, and a sleeping spot in the yourte. If you want to sleep in a private or shared room, you will pay 36,50 per night. There are only a few rooms available, so please book early. In the immediate surroundings there are also B&B options or hotels. For KY teachers from the UK, this retreat is accredited 8 CEU-credits by KYTA. Registration and further information: We strongly book to recommend as soon as possible! The earlier weekend in January on the same theme was booked full within just a few weeks, which is why we are offering a second weekend. Japjeet travels all the way from the UK to again exclusively teach this programme in Belgium. NOTE: Registration is only definite after payment of the full registration fee (not including the extra fees for residential stays, as these are paid upon arrival) through (international) bank transfer - contact Japjeet at japjeetkaur1@gmail.com for further details. The registration fee is non-refundable, except in the case of severe and unexpected medical circumstances (in which case a 10% booking fee is still charged). For all further questions please email japjeetkaur1@gmail.com. Testimonials We gladly share some testimonials from people who have attended previous retreats with Japjeet at the same location. "Enlightening, ground shaking in the most positive way... Thank you Japjeet! Sat Nam!" (Catherine, August 2013) "Happy, Healthy, Holy, that's how I feel today! Thank you, Japjeet, for your service, your energy, your light." (Sigrid, January 2013) "I feel it. It touched me. It follows me. It surrounds me. Thank you!" (Farida, January 2013) "By now I have attended three retreats with Japjeet Kaur, and I can only say that my fascination for Kundalini Yoga keeps growing. Kundalini Yoga helps me to realise and manifest things in my life that I never deemed possible. The practice of this yoga touches me at a profound level and provides an adequate answer to the stressful situations that we all come across in our daily lives. The gentle, caring and professional way in which Japjeet leads these retreats makes each retreat into a journey from which one returns recharged, replenished and much stronger than before. Japjeet's profound knowledge of Kundalini Yoga and her personal lifestyle as a practising Sikh go much deeper than the 'next new age talk'. The strong group dynamics and the peaceful surroundings cause these retreats to be very complete and holistic experiences. Host Prabhu Anand Kaur welcomes her guests in a manner that comes straight from the heart. Her cooking skills form a true source of inspiration for anyone who wants to learn more about the vegetarian, healthy kitchen. Thank you, Japjeet Kaur!... Sat nam sat nam sat nam sat nam sat nam sat nam Waheguru." (Liesje, January 2013) "My introduction into Kundalini Yoga was nothing less than stunning. After just one day my energetic passageways were cleared and re-opened, I felt my lifeforce returning to me in full. Through the many experiences that we go through in life, especially the less pleasant ones, my energy sometimes doesn't flow as it should, and becomes unbalanced because I don't know how to act anymore. Before my first retreat I already had a practice at home doing energetic work to release these blockages, but the retreat with Japjeet did so much in helping to release all of these blockages. I fully experienced that thoughtless joy that I remember from my childhood, but this joy was accompanied with a newly awakened awareness. The result: a lot of positive energy, a feeling of freedom, inner peace, a feeling of encompassing cosmic connectedness, grounding,... I also immediately felt that a profound change had been effected, and that this effect would last for several weeks at least. We are now one week later and so far, that feeling has proven correct. A big thank you. The structure of the retreat also worked really well. On Sunday it felt like everything fell into place, it all felt like an organic whole. That is certainly needed to help everyone return to their 'normal' daily lives, otherwise the shock would have been too great. Nothing but praise for
the teacher. Japjeet, I feel that you have a very great talent, which you use in an extraordinarily beautiful way. I thank you a thousand times. You are very professional, you have an amazing take on life and a beautiful energy." (Katty, January 2013) "As a beginner in KY (and yoga as such, for that matter), the sheer fact of being introduced to Kundalini Yoga was an extraordinary experience. An eye-opener. I am totally hooked and definitely want to integrate it in my life. It does amazing things to your energy, your emotions, your awareness and not-so-awareness. It helps you to come down from the 'safe' and rational head, into the body and its emotions. That is why it is essential to have a good teacher. These are not just some flexibility or fitness exercises... And in this case, the teacher turned out to be the best teacher I could ever have hoped for. The right kriyas / exercises at the right time, lots of energy, support and inspiration... Japjeet, the interaction between the Kundalini Yoga and your spiritual path as a Sikh is very special and enriching. I hardly knew anything about Sikhi, but your explanations, your way of life, and the link with KY were very interesting and inspiring. Truly beautiful. And the location is brilliant, what a beautiful energy and amazing nature. The food was delicious. The hospitality heart-warming." (Valerie, August 2012) "It was an unbelievably intense experience. I now need some time to grasp the full extent of the transformation." (Rita, August 2012) "These were three incredibly beautiful days that have become the starting point of a new path in my life. I feel grateful to everyone in the group, and to Japjeet in particular." (Karin, August 2012) "I feel rich with these beautiful memories of a week so extraordinary I can't even describe it... I carry this experience with me in my heart, and I have noticed that in difficult times I can still go back to the strength I found there. And that is so special. Thank you Japjeet, thank you Ingrid, thank you all, thank you, thank you!!" (Liesje, August 2012) "U n f o r g e t t a b l e!!! What an experience! I got out of bed this morning with so much energy... and did my yoga sadhana. I feel a profound peace, I have come home to myself. Thank you so much to all of you, it was an amazing group! I felt as if for a little while we were allowed to rest in a beautiful and safe oasis, and that now we can go back to real life, armed with some amazing tools. Ingrid: the food was incredibly delicious! I am so inspired and am going to start experimenting at home. I also loved your beautiful garden and the surroundings Thank you! And Japjeet: words cannot describe what you bring to your students, you are our 'lighthouse', you help us to navigate the cliffs and the dangerous rocks, thank you, you are forever in my heart." (Sevapreet, August 2012) "I can't find words to express what I feel. I am filled with gratitude, both for the Kundalini retreat and for Ingrid's wonderful recipes. Japjeet, your collaboration with Ingrid was divine. Ingrid's house and garden, the cooking we did as a group, the fabulous energy between all of us, and on top of all that Japjeet's classes - what else could one ask for!" (Anik, August 2012) "This morning I got out of bed feeling satisfied. I particularly felt a lot of peace. The energy of the previous days was still clearly present. I have a few tough days ahead of me, but I feel like I can carry the burden, that I can transform this energy I am feeling into comfort for others. Ingrid, the food was incredible. Japjeet, the energy that you bring through your sheer presence, and that radiates from you, is indescribable... Thank you for sharing this with us." (Chantal, August 2012) "Japjeet, I feel blissful and blessed for having done one of your workshops and I will surely stay in a state of joyfulness for many weeks or even months to come. Good vibes, positive energy, hard work, but it was all very rewarding! It gives one more awareness and gratitude for being alive. Japjeet, I've added you to My Inspirations on Facebook. That says it all, about how you teach... You are there in the good company of Kofi Annan, Shirley McLain and Maya Fiennes..." (Linda, August 2012) "This 5-day retreat has done me a world of good. We laughed, sweat, cried and shared the most yummie meals together (thank you, Ingrid)! I have lost so much ballast through this workshop. I felt carried by the group energy. It's good to know that you're not alone. It has made me calmer. Hopefully I can stay in the flow of this energy for a while longer. Japjeet, as always you were a source of light and inspiration!" (Nathalie, August 2012) "My soul rejoices, I am brimming with energy, I am aliiiiive, I enjoy my days, I feel lighter, I am enlightened... I carry less ballast inside of me, there is space for more beauty. Japjeet, thank you and thank you yet again for these wonderful days you have shared with us, I will pay it forward to anyone looking for light and enlightenment. Ingrid, thank you for the amazing food." (Martine, August 2012)
"The lunchtime Kundalini Yoga classes that I used to take in Leuven offered a pleasant break to my working day, but it often seemed as if those short kriyas were rather random in their building up, which was very different from the slow, systematic building up and run-down of a main asana that I knew from the vinyasas in Hatha Yoga. KY seemed like a grab bag from which I could select what I liked and leave the rest aside. Thanks to the long and intense work during the retreat I have come to see the connections. And more importantly: I have experienced the blessings of this yoga: flexibility, clarity, and a concrete realisation of a great potential within that remains uncoiled due to the limitations I impose on myself. KY is, like the trail amidst the thistles, a path that can lead me through those feigned limitations. I have experienced how strong the resistance of those self-imposed limitations can be. I would describe the practice of KY as the taking on of challenges. It was marvellous to (re)discover how much difference the group energy makes in that respect! KY is so far removed from the solitary academic world I normally work in. Together you can do so much more, as we proved exercise after exercise. The pain was relieved, the joy magnified. It was also very interesting to discover how we can distract our monkeymind. Japjeet, you said to give the mind a stick to play with and you offered us a whole range of sticks: explanations about the positive effects of what we were doing, stories and anecdotes, jokes (Yogi Bhajan was a master in this too!), the way you sing and hum along with the mantras... All small sticks to keep the mind occupied and to help us gain yet another victory over ourselves. And you were right: no matter how awful the pain seemed in the moment itself, not a single day did I have sore muscles." (Jan, August 2012) "The KY weekend has given me so much energy that the week after, I worked as a madman (in the positive sense of the word), thoroughly enjoying my work and bringing so much creativity into it! I will never again leave KY and next Summer, when I leave for Maputo, I want to let others share in the experience of what KY can do for you. So I have registered for the KY Teacher Training Level 1... Both as a gift to myself and to the new people that will surround me in Mozambique... Energy, awareness, emotions, a strong spirit, a different way of living, peace of mind, enlightenment, a positive group dynamics, laughing, crying,... I could continue this list for a while... In one word, Japjeet, it was UNFORGETTABLE! You are an amazing guide!" (Min, November 2012) "The peace I felt on Friday was divine... By experiencing it, I know I can find it within myself! I have the feeling that I now deal differently with 'challenges'... And oh yes, there have already been some major ones! Before the retreat I felt like I was 'stuck', I couldn't put things into action, I was worrying all the time... Now it seems like I have an abundance of energy. It's as if I can pause my thoughts and look at them from an outsider's perspective (while trying not to judge, which is still hard sometimes). As always, it was an amazing experience." (Lajpreet, November 2012)