Pranayama Classes

Our state of mind is closely linked to the quality of our breathing. Everything that happens in the mind influences the breath; breathing becomes faster when we are excited and deeper and calmer when we are relaxing. In order to influence our prana, we must be able to influence the mind. Our actions often disturb the mind, causing prana to leak out of the body. Through the daily practice of pranayama we reverse this process, as a change in the breathing pattern influences the mind.

 

This principle underlies all of Krishnamacharya's teaching:

"In recommending yoga practices, teachers should always consider an individual's particular circumstances. Just as other activities and practices should be adapted to changes in a person's life, such as age, practices of yoga must be adapted as the practitioner changes." - T Krishnamacharya on Yoga Sūtra chapter one verse 34

 

Our intention is to gradually design a method of practice that suits the individual according to their needs. The student can easily memorize the sequence with both confidence and comfort, eventually developing the skills needed to move through the practice, establishing autonomy, stability and calm.

 

In pranayama practice, a very important question is how to find an appropriate breath ratio for our individual needs. We cannot always breathe in the same breath ratio - we may need a new ratio in order to maintain our focus on the practice, or because we need to take care of another immediate need. If the breath ratio is too easy, our pranayama practice will become mechanical. If it is too complicated, there may be resistance which, in turn, will cause problems.

 

Pranayama can and should be practiced in the early days of discovering yoga, and should absolutely only be undertaken under the guidance of a patient and attentive instructor. Appropriate adaptation is essential.

 

Course content will include:

● Exercises of yoga postures for the preparation of pranayama.

● Learn to observe the flow of the breath internally.

● Pranayama

● Yoga Nidra (a deep relaxation technique and a form of meditation).

● Songs of the 7 chakras (meditation of bija mantras).

● Tratak (concentration on a point or a candle flame).

 

After each class, participants can practice at home to improve their physical and mental stability, as well as to develop the sensitivity needed to observe their own transformations.