Description
This will be a 2.5 hour workshop exploring the world of yoga through the lens of pranayama – ancient yogic breathing techniques handed down over the ages. “Prana” means “breath” or “life force”. “Yama” means “control”. Therefore pranayama means “controlling the breath or life force”.
Pranayama is the fourth stage of Patanjali’s 8-Limbed (or Ashtanga) approach to yoga. The full ladder being: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. Many people these days are already very familiar with the third stage: Asana, the physical practice. This workshop is a bridge to experiencing the next level, a world of yoga that is more subtle, more inward, more intuitive.
Throughout the course we will look at:
- a combination of 20 different kriyas (cleansing techniques) and pranayama breathing exercises.
- bandhas (locks) and how to apply them.
- how to apply these breathing techniques back into the physical asana practice.*
*1 hour will be dedicated to a special vinyasa class at the end focused on deep, conscious breathing throughout, followed by guided meditation and deep relaxation.
The aim is to leave students with the tools they need to begin cultivating a stronger feeling of bliss, intuition, and union with the self.
What to bring:
- An empty stomach! (Please try not to eat too soon to class. Have at least a 2hr break in between your last meal and class time. Or have something very light.)
- Wear comfortable/regular yoga clothes.
- Bring socks and a sweater to stay warm + a shawl/thin fleece/wool blanket to stay warm.
- Water
- Pen & Paper
