About kundalini yoga and answers to frequently asked questions.

Stay relaxed and healthy with yoga.   

By practicing yoga you create peace in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Tension in your body and mind can be released by practicing postures and movements in balance with breathing.
It sounds so simple but from experience I know that it is not easy to just sit on a mat for half an hour and "do yoga". Especially if you have small children, have difficulty sitting on the floor, have a busy job, are a caregiver or are not feeling well, yoga and kundalini yoga in particular can help you on your way. Many exercises that we do have a specific goal, for during the yoga class and outside of it. In each class there are simple exercises with breathing and/or movement that you can use in your daily life if you need it.
 
Jagat Prem Annemieke Westerman Yoga coach yoga teacher
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In a turbulent world, where stress is increasing, yoga can play a major role in leading a healthy, happy and conscious life. The effects of yoga are versatile and comprehensive. The exercises have a cleansing effect, whereby toxins but also pain, fear, stress and frustrations are cleaned up and resolved. Yoga helps you become aware of your physical, mental and spiritual condition and to influence them positively. Yoga is for everyone. No experience is necessary. If you can breathe, you can do yoga! You can start the lessons at any time, even when we have already started the series. Inquire here if there is room for you. Curious why I give kundalini yoga lessons? Read it here.
Short exercise for relaxation during a busy day.
During a busy day you can build up a lot of tension in your body, especially in your shoulders, upper back and neck. With a simple (breathing) exercise you can calm your head and body in a few minutes.
How to: Sit upright on a sturdy chair with your feet flat on the floor. Place your hands on your thighs. Breathe in and out slowly and deeply through your nose a few times. Then roll your shoulders forward a few times. Roll your shoulders back a few times.
Now place your right hand on your lower abdomen. Feel how your hand on your lower abdomen moves through your breath. Follow the movement of your abdomen with your attention.
Then, with each exhalation, relax a different part of your body. Start with your head; your eyes, your mouth, and your jaws. Then move to your neck and shoulders. Also relax your back, your stomach, and your hips and pelvis. Finally, relax your legs and feet.
Now put your right hand back on your leg and then bring your attention back to your breath. To finish, take a few deep breaths in and out.
Salland yoga Nieuwleusen

Frequently asked questions about the yoga class.

What can I expect when I take a yoga class? When you enter, take off your shoes. Find a mat and install yourself. At the beginning of the class, I will briefly explain the theme of the class. During the class, various components will be discussed, such as exercises, mantras and meditation. In and around the class, I create a safe and positive environment. We end the class with a relaxation and a cup of tea.

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Am I not too stiff? Can I do that? Yes, everyone can do yoga. During yoga you will move from your experience and feeling. It is not a (sports) performance. If you have difficulty sitting in certain basic positions, then you use cushions or take a different position. You can also do exercises on a chair.

If you have a recent and limiting injury or condition, I ask you to consult your doctor before the yoga class. 

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Is this yoga also for men? Fortunately, yes. More and more men are doing yoga and men are also present in my classes every week. Due to the dynamics of the exercises in the kundalini yoga class, it is often men and athletes who are so attracted to this form of yoga.

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Can I come and do a trial lesson? Yes, that is possible. If you are just starting with kundalini yoga, you can take 3 trial lessons . This way you give yourself time to find out what it does for you and what it does to you. After that you can follow yoga lessons per lesson or with a strip card. If you have a question or want to register for a series of trial lessons, you can do so via the contact form.

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Is a trial lesson free? No, a trial lesson is not free, you can take three trial lessons for 30 euros.

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What should I bring? A large (hand) towel for over your mat, or your own mat for the mat, socks, cardigan to stay warm during meditation or relaxation. There are blankets and pillows available, but due to the Corona measures I ask you to bring your own things as much as possible. Wear comfortable clothes that you can move well in, preferably made of natural material.

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How much does a lesson cost? Read it here.

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Can I join a yoga class if I have never done yoga before? Yes, you can. My yoga classes are suitable for yoga students of all levels and experience. Yoga is a personal experience and not a competitive sport. In the class you focus on yourself, listen to your own body and work to your own ability. There are always adjustments possible in postures that are challenging for you. If you need a moment for yourself and you do not participate in an exercise, you focus on the energy of the group and visualize the exercise. This is a powerful and often underestimated exercise.

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What does kundalini yoga mean? The word 'Kundalini' literally means 'curl in the hair of the lover', and refers to the energy of your consciousness. This energy is stored in our first chakra (energy center or wheel) and the physical location of the first chakra is deep in the pelvic floor, at the base of your spine. The goal is to let the Kundalini energy flow from the lower chakras - which represent earthly and egocentric desires - to the higher chakras, which represent love and connection. It is an energy that we all have within us and that you can awaken and let flow yourself.

Kundalini yoga works directly on our nervous and glandular system, which makes the effect quickly noticeable. In addition, Kundalini yoga is also very practical and focused on better dealing with daily issues. In addition to stretching the muscles, removing toxins and deep relaxation, Kundalini yoga provides insight into emotional blockages and fears. It teaches you to be more conscious in life.

How does kundalini yoga differ from yoga forms? Kundalini yoga contains elements of all forms of yoga, such as hatha yoga, ashtanga yoga, shakti yoga, tantra yoga and raj yoga. In the kundalini yoga lessons we follow a kriya, which is a series of exercises with a specific goal, these are focused on a part of the body and consciousness. In addition, I use my experience as a hatha yoga teacher to complete a lesson, for example with a series of preparatory exercises in hatha yoga form that fit the theme of the lesson.

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Personal note: Yoga is Yoga. Don't make a big deal about what TYPE of yoga you do. Do what suits you. It's a Western idea that everything has to have a name, and that we hang our ego/identity on it. Just do yoga.

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I actually don't have time to do yoga. Especially when you have a busy life, yoga can help you reduce stress and tension, so that you can face your daily challenges energetically and relaxed. By still making time for yoga during busy times, you will notice that you will have more time and energy after a while.

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I am overweight and don't feel like doing anything. Are you not feeling well, don't feel like doing anything, are you overweight or depressed? Yoga has many series and exercises to balance the nervous and glandular system. It improves your blood and energy circuit and has a powerful effect on your metabolism. This makes your hormone balance more stable and creates more balance in your body and mind.

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I have an injury, can I join the class? Yes, with a minor injury you can join the yoga class. Please report this at the beginning of the class, by registering via the intake form or by texting me or telling me before the class. You spare the part of your body where the pain or discomfort is, so that the rest of your body can participate in the yoga class and you are not constantly occupied with the discomfort. Adjustments are always possible and you can do many exercises on a chair.

If you have a medical problem, are suffering from an illness or are recovering from surgery, I ask that you consult a doctor before starting yoga.

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Why do you have two names? My parents gave me the beautiful name Annemieke. This name expresses their love for me and I am proud of it. I also use a spiritual name; Jagat Prem. This name is a personal mantra, where the meaning is a greater, higher purpose in my life.

This name tells me and reminds me of my purpose in this life, a purpose beyond ego and possession. By following my spiritual path I can share my divine love ( Prem ) with everyone, the entire universe, ( Jagat ) . From this love I can serve, inspire and "uplift" others. It is a personal mantra that makes me experience my own positive energy every time my name is spoken. It is a mantra with a vibration of energy and love that will also serve YOU!

Want to know more about spiritual names? You can read more about it at: 3HO Spiritual names . // I use both my names, they are both very dear to me and you can address me and write to me as you like.

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Why do you wear a turban and should I wear one in yoga class? The turban I wear, I wear completely of my own free will. There is no belief, religion, opinion, conviction or anyone who encourages or forces me to do so. So you don't have to do it either. But you can and may. Read more about it here .

Kundalini Yoga in Nieuwleusen