Globally-Recognized Trainer Holds Yoga Workshops

A globally-recognized author and trainer is coming to Yogasoul Center in Eagan in March to teach the first in a series of meditation courses. The courses are designed to help participants develop a stronger sense of self so they can make every minute of life meaningful and effective.

Anyone who is interested in meditation, reducing stress, and learning more about improving themselves is invited to one or more special workshops led by Dr. Gurucharan Singh Khalsa, a psychotherapist, teacher, writer and internationally known expert in Kundalini Yoga as taught by Yogi Bhajan.

The courses explore the 21 stages of meditation, about which Khalsa has written a book that will be released in May. There are three journeys made of seven stages, and each meditation practice targets the challenges and talents of one stage. Each journey through seven stages of meditation clears blocks and conflicts in the self. With these cleared, the next stages take people into experiences that deepen meditation and produce clarity.

The first workshop on Friday, March 2, is an introduction to the 21 stages of meditation. On Saturday, March 3, students will explore one of three different journeys: the Crystallized Self. That journey will explore the human capacity to open the heart, be authentic, remove internal splits and bring mental focus. On March 3, students will take a journey into the Expressive Self, which is the capacity to discern one’s true self in action, to live with integrity and character, and to create a meaningful life. Qualities of the Expressive Self include humility and graceful enlightenment.

Khalsa will return to YogaSoul on May 12 for a course in the Transcendent Self, or the capacity to be self-transforming, to master intuition, to go beyond self-limiting beliefs and embrace extraordinary potential and spirit. Wisdom, personal effectiveness and spiritual scope are natural outcomes of these three dimensions of the higher self. It is in this state that people can recognize the sacred contract between their consciousness and soul. Here people can rewrite their destiny.

Each meditation that students practice is a practical tool to develop awareness and master the mind for a rich and fulfilled life. All the meditations are classic and well-tested. They are varied in style and can be done for lengths of time that support personal intention and capacity. The seven progressive stages of meditation provide both a map and the keys to realize potential as a human being to consolidate the self and more easily connect with others.

Each workshop includes energizing kundalini yoga exercises and then guides students through the practice of deep meditations from one of the journeys. The exercises are of moderate intensity and suitable for beginners. This is designed for anyone who wants to learn to meditate or deepen an existing personal meditation practice. The meditations will vary from 3 minutes to 31 minutes. The workshop provides a thorough background and introduction to the techniques, how to use them and their effects.

Anyone can take one workshop or all of them, and not in a particular order. Khalsa says what people will learn is a “circle of skills,” as each journey positively influences the next one. The Transcendent Self serves the Crystallized Self, which helps the Expressive Self, which flows into the Transcendent Self.

The workshops take place Friday, March 2, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturday, March 3, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, March 4, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A final workshop on these special meditation techniques will take place Saturday, May 12, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Cost is $35 for the Friday workshop. Saturday and Sunday workshops are $165 per day or $300 for both days if paid for by Feb. 22, and after that date the cost will be $180 per day. The May 12 workshop will cost $165 if paid for by April 30, or $180 after that.

Khalsa's background is one of extraordinary depth and breadth. He studied mathematics and chemistry at Harvey Mudd College and graduate mathematic studies at Claremont Graduate School, and attended Boston University for a Masters in counseling. He has a doctorate in psychology. He has taught at MIT and the University of Guadalajara; has been affiliated with the Center for Psychology and Social Change at Harvard University; has completed original research on the cognitive and physiological impact of meditation; and he has trained thousands of yoga teachers around the world.

YogaSoul’s mission is to help clients win the battle against stress. It has an extensive class offering in several styles of yoga, including Kundalini, Hatha, Yin, and Vinyasa. It boasts a fully equipped Pilates studio and offers many kinds of classes, including Zumba, Tai Chi and belly dancing. Its full roster of teachers and healers provide clients with a variety of healing services, including intuitive readings, Reiki, Thai yoga bodywork, Ayurveda, energy work and several others. YogaSoul also hosts special workshops and Kundalini yoga teacher trainings.

To see a full schedule, make an appointment with a healer or sign up for a class, visit YogaSoul’s website, http://yogasoul-center.com/. New students get their first week of classes free.