Kirtan
My journey with Kirtan began through grief.
After the death of my father, I found myself turning more deeply towards mantra, meditation and devotional practice as a way of navigating a time when words often felt inadequate.
My dear friend and teacher Jayne Ellis introduced me to Kundalini mantras such as Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo, Ra Ma Da Sa and Sat Narayan, and I began chanting them as part of my daily practice.
Something within mantra touched me very deeply. What began as a personal source of comfort gradually opened the doorway into Bhakti the path of devotion and a growing desire to understand the traditions, philosophy and practices behind the mantras I was chanting.
I never set out with the intention of becoming a Kirtan leader; it unfolded naturally through my own experience of grief, healing and devotion.
Over the years, I have continued to learn directly from teachers, including Gratia Churchill, Sasha Amonvatana, Ellen Arthur and Claire Missingham, exploring mantra, voice, harmonium and the deeper teachings of Bhakti.
A particularly meaningful part of my journey was a two-week pilgrimage to Vrindavan, India, where I immersed myself in daily chanting and devotional practice and studied with my teacher Gopal.
These experiences have deeply shaped the way I now hold Kirtan.
Today, I lead regular Kirtans in Brighton, sharing these gatherings with large groups and playing alongside wonderful live musicians.
I also weave Kirtan, mantra and Bhakti philosophy throughout my yoga classes, retreats, workshops and trainings, including my Bhakti Immersion, where I support others to explore their own voice, learn harmonium, understand mantra and develop the confidence to share Kirtan themselves.
For me, Kirtan has never been about performance or having the perfect voice.
It is about participation, connection and devotion. It is a practice that invites us out of the thinking mind and into the heart, allowing us to come together through repetition, sound and shared intention.
Kirtan has accompanied me through some of the most difficult and transformative chapters of my life, and it continues to remind me that we do not have to have all the answers in order to practise devotion.
Sometimes we simply sing, listen, breathe and offer what is present. When I lead Kirtan, my intention is to create a space where people feel welcome exactly as they are — whether they have been chanting for years or have never sung a mantra before — and where the practice can be experienced not simply as music, but as prayer, community and a return to the heart.
Client love
Have known Kelly for years a brilliant yoga teacher, my first love is Mantra and eagerly purchased her Mantra Medicine course. Was not disappointed loved it. Videos of Kelly performing various Mantras, audio downloads, Pdfs explaining each one and journaling prompts. If like me you love Mantra and the passion Kelly gives while performing Mantra do not hesitate to purchase. I am so glad I did and viewed it many times.
Client love
I've been to three of Kelly's Kirtan events now, and have loved every single one of them!
Kirtan is beautiful opportunity to connect to the heart through our voices, and Kelly is such a beautiful facilitator and incredibly talented singer! She stays true to the bhakti yoga tradition, yet brings her own energy and unique style to her Kirtan. She's also incredibly warm and welcoming, and you really feel the love that she has for the practice. She also donates all the proceeds to Justlife charity.
I will definitely be a regular at her future events!
Client love
Kelly's Kirtan sessions offer an opportunity to access a deep connection to yourself, as well as to feel part of a community of others. Kelly is warm, open and kind, and creates a supportive and non-judgemental atmosphere where you can feel as empowered to share your voice as you can to sit in silence; whichever feels right. I had experienced Kirtan in the past and enjoyed it, but since joining Kelly's sessions I have become a regular! The heart-opening power of Kirtan with Kelly is like nothing else! I highly recommend you join a session, especially if it feels scary. Kelly will make you feel as though you belong.
Upcoming Kirtans
