Teacher biography

Fiona Crossley - Nav Jiwan Kaur

Employed full time in a senior advertising and communications function at the age of 31, I was seeking relief from anxiety, insomnia, grief and chronic physical tension. I trained as a shiatsu therapist at the weekends. The shiatsu practice highlighted to me that I wasn't aware of the power of the breath.

I began practising different types of yoga in 2003. But I found yoga difficult (not being very naturally flexible !) and boring and was never able to close off my busy mind's chattering in static and uncomfortable postures. I preferred any physical activity that had rythmic music and movement as a way to escape my mind.

 

My first experience of Kundalini Yoga

When I attended my first Kundalini Yoga and meditation class. It was an experience that I couldn’t put words to at the time. I could only vow to myself that I would have to find a way to escape my work commitments to get to a weekly class at a nearby wellbeing centre.

15 years later, I am teaching that class along with several other classes and workshops that I organise independently. 

 

Teacher Training

The Kundalini Yoga teacher training (according to the teachings of Yogi Bhajan) is first and foremost a personal journey and therapy to help deal with the complexity of modern living. More than just learning about anatomy, postures and yogic philosophy, it includes modules on vitality and stress, communication, relationships, the mind and its games as well as age related physical, intellectual and mental developments.

However it was only when I began to teach that I started to master this vast ocean of treasure that makes up the technology of Kundalini Yoga. Indeed mastery can only be achieved through teaching. And after 15 years I am always learning as I digest and apply more and more of the "treasure" of the teachings.

 

Personally Impersonal teachings

The teachings are "personally impersonal" : you apply the techniques and teachings to yourself over a period of time and then, with the personal understanding of the effects of a technique, you begin to share in order to pass on the benefits to the students. 

 

 

 

I am continuously inspired by the Teachings and their application to the multiple challenges of being a human being. Indeed my students inspire me every day with their personal challenges.

 

Breath is Life 

Through the practice of specific breathing techniques (praanayam), we have the tools to tame an over-reactive mind. We can work with the breath to release physical and mental tension, anxiety, insomnia and depression.

 

Indeed my experience of the Teachings of Yogi Bhajan were so deeply powerful and life-changing that I was compelled to leave the security of full time employment and began to teach yoga in 2007. 

 

Gong healing

I trained as a gong practitioner in 2013 and have been applying gong therapy in yoga practice and as stand alone therapy in other contexts: businesses, healthcare, education and at the time of loved ones' passing over. The power of sound is astonishing ; I would never have believed the effects if I hadn't experienced them.

 

Life is a path, a journey with its challenges and graces but I am ever grateful to my teachers, students, spiritual guides and the golden line of teachers throughout the ages. Thank you for sharing this journey.

May the Long Time Sun Shine Upon You.

Sat nam!

Fiona

 


Accreditation

Fiona is accredited by the International Kundalini Yoga Teacher’s Association and the Belgian Federation of Kundalini Yoga. Fiona is also a qualified Radiant Child Yoga Teacher.

 

Fiona is a trained gong master and therapist using sound for healing. Gong sessions are held in groups and for individuals. 

Where to find Fiona's classes?

Fiona teaches at Aspria Arts-Loi Monday lunchtime and at Brussels Yoga Loft Thursdays and special gong events. Tuesdays and Thursday lunchtimes she teaches from her home studio near the Palais de Justice. Monday and Wednesday evenings you can join one of the sessions near Merode/Montgomery. Ad Hoc sessions outdoors are added in good weather and updates for these are communicated to subscribers. 

 

Regular sound healing gong sessions are organized in Brussels both on av de Tervuren and in Ixelles at Brussels Yoga Loft They are suitable for almost everyone. They are a wonderful way relax and restore.