5 Educators providing Courses

A mandala is basically a circle that becomes this beautiful container to hold all your ideas and emotions. We're gonna kick off our workshop together with this really relaxing meditation – complete with crystals and incense – to quiet that busy mind and find the right focus and concentration you need to create your mandala. Once you're feeling ready and calm, you'll create your own personal mandala using different beans, letting your imagination run wild. (we'll glue them on paper) While you're working, I'll be sharing the history, process, and meaning behind mandalas in a super easy way – we'll explore everything from how they show up in nature to their role in religion and art. I'll show you some incredible pictures of mandalas from around the world that'll blow your mind. When your wonderful work is done, I'll guide you through a creative visualization to reconnect with your inner center. Then here's the beautiful part – you'll choose 3 beans from your mandala and plant them with some cotton and water by your window at home. You get to watch them germinate and grow, and they'll become your new seeds for the coming months. It's this amazing cycle – from creating your mandala circle to planting actual seeds that will grow into new life. Your inner work becomes outer growth, literally. This class is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All and run by Giada Gaslini, from School of Shamanism It is FREE and is aimed at adults, women, etnic minorities, any individuals from low-income background. Suitable for all levels experience. By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.

Mandalas, in essence, can be understood to be diagrams, patterns and pictures that are distillations of cosmic wisdom and harmony; repositories of archetypal intelligence. Mandalas offer a potentially powerful means of deepening one’s spiritual and contemplative practice. This is especially true when they are constructed - using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge - in a considered and contemplative manner. During this week-long course, Daniel Docherty will guide participants through the construction of a number of mandalas from different traditions including mandalas that embody significant planetary patterns. We will explore their inherent symbolism and cosmic correspondences. Participants will also make their our own inks and paints from plant and mineral in order to colour and ensoul their designs. 

Join Daniel Docherty and Sheetle Shah for this practical two-day course exploring sacred pattern and the art of henna. On the first day of the course Daniel will give an overview of the practice and philosophy of Mandalas from various traditions. Participants will be introduced to certain key characteristics and significant symbolism inherent within traditional Mandalas. We will learn how to construct some of these sacred patterns using the traditional tools of compass and straightedge. Sheetle, a henna artist with 20 years of experience with this traditional art form, will guide participants through the processes of making and preparing henna paste 'from scratch'. You will learn how to apply intricate patterns to paper, hands or feet depending on your preference! Henna is a natural pigment with remarkable staining qualities. You will learn how it is traditionally applied to hands and feet during festivals and celebrations; today, henna is also applied for ‘belly blessings’, cosmetic tattoos, semi-permanent face painting, hair dye and has developed many other creative roles.

In this free and welcoming session, you’ll learn how to reduce stress and anxiety using one of the most powerful tools you already have: your breath. This practical class is designed to help you identify the signs of stress in your body and mind, and gently guide you toward restoring balance using simple, effective breathing techniques. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or simply in need of a moment of calm, you’ll leave with easy-to-use tools that can support your well-being anytime, anywhere. Through guided exercises and gentle breathwork, we’ll explore: How to recognise stress and anxiety patterns in your daily life Why the breath is such a powerful tool for emotional regulation A variety of simple breathing techniques to calm the nervous system How to use breath as a grounding practice in moments of overwhelm A short relaxation practice to integrate what you’ve learned No previous experience needed—just bring yourself, comfortable clothing, and a willingness to breathe. Come as you are. Leave feeling more grounded, peaceful, and connected to your inner calm. Open to all – everyone welcome. This FREE class is for Adults and is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.

The Dance of Earth and Venus results in one of the most beautiful and breathtaking rhythms and patterns of the solar system. Every eight Earth years (13 Venus years) they dance a pentagonal form in space akin to the pip-star inside your apple or the petals of a primrose flower! During this course we will learn how to draw this incredible pattern using the traditional tools of compass and straight-edge; we will explore the key aspects of Earth and Venus' cycles that determine such extraordinary heavenly harmony. And time allowing ... with copper leaf and watercolour paint made from malachite and azurite - which in the Hermetic/Alchemical tradition have forever been associated with the planet Venus - we will create stunning mandalas embodying the Earth/Venus dance ... (More info at sacredartofgeometry.com)

Would you like to add a persona touch to your old coat? Change a look of your favourite cardigan? Wearing a customised, handmade brooch could completely change your look so why not to join us for a 2-hour brooch making workshop, where you will learn very basic stitching and working with various upcycled fabrics including felt, tweed and tartan scraps. If you prefer to use your own materials or have some pieces of sentimental value you would like to use, you are more than welcome to bring them along. During this workshop, we will also touch on the theory of colours and how they can affect and change our moods. This workshop is led by Anna Baran, a trauma informed designer, artist, and maker based in the north of Edinburgh. She has always drawn inspiration from the sea, with her walks to local beaches, particularly Wardie Bay during the lockdown, becoming not only a source of new ideas for her artistic practice but also a way to gather materials such as driftwood, pieces of plastic ropes, and seashells. Anna has consistently sought to incorporate upcycled materials into her art, using her work to raise environmental awareness and promote art as an accessible medium for self-expression, regardless of financial circumstances. In addition to participating in various art exhibitions and fashion-related events, she has delivered a wide range of art and craft workshops to diverse communities across Edinburgh. This FREE workshop is for Adults women only and is sponsored by CORRA and HENRY DUNCAN GRANTS By attending this class you release Anna Baran, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.

This class focuses on the areas of the body that are overworked and hold tension/ trauma. By using breathwork and meditation, we are able to become more mindful of the signals our body sends us and target that area with deep stretch holds and activating the cardiovascular system to release the tension of tight muscles. An inclusive class for everyone that wants to rid the body of tightness or perhaps just to relax, focus on meditation and the breath. Benefits: detoxify the body improve flexibility strengthen digestive system oxygenates the body increase internal organ function strengthen the nervous system increase immune system function cleanse and focus the mind This class is sponsored by Community Fund, Awards for All We prioritize the area of Gorgie-Dalry-Saughton where our studio is based.  By attending this class you release the teacher, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending.

Join us for a quiet and relaxing art doodling session, focusing on the present moment and the act of creating rather than the outcome. Inspired by Zentangles and mandalas, mindful doodling offers benefits including stress reduction, improved focus and increased creativity. The repetitive, structured patterns can be meditative, promoting relaxation and a sense of calm. It also provides a creative outlet, boosting self-esteem and artistic confidence. You do not need to be able to draw to create a beautiful, small piece of art. We will explore patterns and colours, learning step by step how to create intricate looking structured patterns which are simple and calming to draw. All materials for the session will be provided and you can take your work away on the day. Our course is delivered by a certified Art Practitioner.

Reclaiming Regulation is a series of individual, in-person workshops for women who are seeking to explore nervous system regulation, somatic awareness, and embodied wellbeing. These 90 minute workshops offer accessible, practical tools to support emotional balance, reduce overwhelm, manage nervous system regulation and develop a deeper connection with the body. Each session is a stand alone experience that blends nervous system theory with somatic practices, breathwork, and grounding practices. The workshops are inclusive, trauma informed, and accessible to all levels, including complete beginners. Who These Workshops Are For WOMEN ONLY These sessions are ideal for women: seeking body based tools for managing stress and supporting calm feeling disconnected, tense, or emotionally fatigued curious about nervous system regulation and somatic practices wanting to reconnect with the body in a safe, supportive space No previous experience is required Somatics & Nervous System Regulation: Benefits for Stress, Trauma, and Emotional Regulation: Reduces chronic stress → Helps shift the body from fight-or-flight into rest-and-digest (parasympathetic state) Supports trauma recovery → Allows stored tension, stress and trauma symptoms to be released safely through the body Improves emotional regulation → Builds capacity to experience emotions without overwhelm or emotional shutdown Enhances self-awareness → Encourages a deeper connection to bodily sensations and internal states Increases resilience → Strengthens the nervous system's ability to recover from stress more quickly Promotes grounding and presence → Helps you feel more centred, calm, and connected to the present moment Reduces anxiety symptoms → Calms overactive stress responses through breath, movement, and awareness Improves sleep and rest quality → Calming the nervous system supports better rest and recovery Empowers self-regulation skills → Teaches tools to manage emotional ups and downs independently Strengthens mind-body connection → Enhances the ability to listen to and trust bodily signals Workshop Format Schedule: One in person workshop each month (October–July) Duration: 90 minutes per workshop Structure: Each workshop is a stand alone experience, attend one or as many as you choose Location: Art & Spirituality Facilitator: Led by a trauma informed integrative somatic therapist Provided: Comfort props, optional reflection prompts, and follow-up resources Each session includes: Accessible nervous system education Guided breathwork and somatic practices Restorative and grounding practices Optional moments for reflection or group connection Take home practices for integration Monthly Workshop Themes October: Understanding the Nervous System Learn how the autonomic nervous system works (fight, flight, freeze, rest) How our nervous system navigates stress and trauma symptoms Explore the window of tolerance and what it means to feel regulated Practice breath and grounding techniques to support balance An introduction to somatic practices Workshop Outcomes By attending one or more of these workshops, participants will: Understand key nervous system principles that support emotional balance Build body awareness and confidence in reading internal cues and sensations Gain practical breath and movement tools for everyday regulation Reconnect with the body as a resource for rest, presence, and wellbeing Cultivate more compassion and awareness of widening their your window of tolerance Why This Work Matters In a fast paced and often dysregulated world, many women are seeking grounded, body based tools to support their wellbeing. These workshops offer a gentle, empowering, and science informed space to reconnect with the body’s organic intelligence. Through movement, breath, and embodied awareness, participants can cultivate more resilience, rest, and a renewed sense of aliveness, one moment, one step at a time. This FREE workshop is for Adults women only and is sponsored by CORRA and HENRY DUNCAN GRANTS By attending this class you release Cori from Koa, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.

"Motanka" is a traditional Slavic doll, which was not only a toy, but had many spiritual functions like protecting the household from evil spirits and ensuring fertility. Historically, it was made from old fabric scraps, even baby clothes that had some sentimental valueDuring the 2 hour workshop, we will learn basic principles of making such doll. You are more than welcome to bring your own scraps of fabrics, we will be working entirely with upcycled materials and no sewing skills are required as this project only involves very minimal or no stitching.The doll could be used both as a toy or as an ornament. It may be the beginning of exploring your spirituality, roots and folk art and craft linked to fertility and protection, which is a vital element of all native cultures. This workshop is led by Anna Baran, a trauma informed designer, artist, and maker based in the north of Edinburgh. She has always drawn inspiration from the sea, with her walks to local beaches, particularly Wardie Bay during the lockdown, becoming not only a source of new ideas for her artistic practice but also a way to gather materials such as driftwood, pieces of plastic ropes, and seashells. Anna has consistently sought to incorporate upcycled materials into her art, using her work to raise environmental awareness and promote art as an accessible medium for self-expression, regardless of financial circumstances. In addition to participating in various art exhibitions and fashion-related events, she has delivered a wide range of art and craft workshops to diverse communities across Edinburgh. This FREE workshop is for Adults women only and is sponsored by CORRA and HENRY DUNCAN GRANTS By attending this class you release Anna Baran, Giada Gaslini and Art and Spirituality Cic, from any liability arising out of any personal injuries, emotional or physical release, death, physical reaction, expectations of results, theft in the venue or damages that may happen to people and objects while attending. Pictures will be taken during the workshop, if you prefer not to be in them, please inform the teacher.