Pranayama is the yogic art of breath control, used to promote healing of the mind and body. For over a thousand years, yogis have used breath control to retain more Prana (life force energy) within the body for optimal health, and to remove the obstacles to clear perception, higher knowledge and self-realization.
From a modern perspective, when pranayama is approached properly, we build CO2 tolerance. This offers the benefits of increased oxygen absorption in the cells, reduced stress and anxiety, clarity of thought, and optimized breathing mechanics during exercise and everyday life activities.
In this two-part workshop you’ll be instructed in the Pranayamas taught in the Hatha Yoga Pradipika (Light on Yoga), in a careful systematic way that can be tailored to each individual’s current capacities. This is a breathing practice that will grow with you, and this workshop will empower you with the education and discernment to develop your practice in a profound, potentially life altering way.
Dates: June 18 and 25, 530pm-7pm (EST)
Register for In Studio Workshops
> $80 for both (register by June 11), $90 after
Register for Online Workshops (zoom + replay)
> $65 for both Online + Replay (register by June 11); $80 after
Recommended Prerequisites:
– Ability to slow the breath in 6 seconds, hold in 6, and exhale 6 seconds
– Ability to hold the breath in for 30 seconds comfortably, without strain
* If you have concerns this is not possible for you at this time, please reach out to Michael directly for a simpler plan you can begin right away — [email protected]
Part 1: Foundations of Pranayama and Smooth flow
- Tantric perspectives on Energy Flows
- Modern Insights into Respiratory Science
- Applying Bandhas in Pranayama
- Short Routine: Manipulating the breath in Yoga asanas for a deeper Pranayama practice
- Energy Channels (Nadis) and Alternate Nostril Breathing
- Pranayamas with Breath Retentions (Kumbhaka)
Part 2: Honouring the Prana: Sweet Surrender
- Classical Yoga and Tantric discourse on Pranayamas uses
- Tantric Vinyasa: simple asanas to develop the Kriyas of Hatha Yoga (Uddiyana, Nauli)
- Ujjayi Pranayama — listening to the inner sounds
- Fine-tuning alternate nostril breath (Nadi Shodhana)
- Exploring the exhale retention for deeper states of self-transcendent yoga (Kevalyla Kumbhaka)
- Seated Meditation, Integration and Discussion