Pranayama och Meditation: höst 2021

Pranayama and Meditation

The connection with the inside of oneself is an important part of the overall understanding of what yoga is. The old yogic texts highlights the importance of the seated practices and there are many examples of how “pranayama”, the classical breath practice within Hatha yoga, is presented as the most important practice for personal transformation and self realization. During this Continuing Education Course in pranayama we will study the still and meditative part of the yoga practice as well as give space for moments of observation and being. The practical techniques will be the foundation for the more theoretical sessions where we for instance discuss what is the best support and the biggest challenge in the breath practice and other meditative forms of yoga practice.

Please note!  This course will be taught in English.

FOR WHO? The course is designed for people who would like to develop their understanding of pranayama, the traditional breath practice and how the breath is connected to our life force.

CONTENT:

Developing and deepening basic preparatory exercises (kriyas) such as Uddiyana Bandha Kriya, Nauli, Agni Sara and Kapalabhati

Developing and deepening basic pranayama practices such as Nadi Shodana, Ujjayi Pranayama, Shitali, Surya Bhedana, Chandra Bhedana and Bhramari

Development and deepening of the techniques and theories around ”kumbhaka” (retention – to hold your breath).

Discussion around what this aspect of the breath practice means and is designed for.

Review of the tradition of pranayama and the purpose of Hatha yoga.

Going deeper with the anatomy of the breath and it’s link to the sympathetic, parasympathetic nervous system and the brain.

To guide others in breath work and simple pranayama.

To create space for the personal practice.

Discussion around the challenges and how we can work with them.

Daily morning practice of: pranayama, chanting, meditation and asana Associated homework

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE

The course is put together for yogis who already have a regular practice of pranayama and are familiar with common pranayama techniques such as Kapalabhati, Nadi Shodana, Shitali, Brahmari and Ujjayi.

AFTER COMPLETING THE COURSE

After the course you as a participant have a greater understanding of common and fundamental techniques within classical pranayama as well as how the breath affects us on a physiological and psychological level. You have also developed your personal routine and taken a step further towards establishing a solid pranayama and meditation practice. As part of the course you are being given a personal pranayama practice to work with at home based on pulse reading and the time devoted to the morning practice.

TEACHERS

Sara Granström Powiecki has since 2005 studied regularly for Sri O. P. Tiwari, one of few living masters within classical pranayama and student of Swami Kuvalayananda that founded the Kaivalyadhama Ashram, in India. Sara is now senior student of O.P Tiwari and have been authorized to teach by her teacher. The Kaivalyadhama institute is today world leading in both scientific research and practice within the field of Hatha yoga. Alongside an asana practice from Hatha yoga and Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga Sara has with pranayama as a method, deepened her understanding of the importance of a balanced breath in both yoga practice and in life. In her classes she highlights the deep meaning of the inner attitude in practice, often using chanting, meditation and gratitude. Read more about Sara here: www.saragranstrom.se

Guy Powiecki Guy first encountered yoga in an academic setting, specialising in Indian religions and Buddhism, while studying for a theology degree. Before working with yoga Guy also studied and worked as a personal trainer and nutritional adviser. As a practitioner he sees the importance of practicing asana, pranayama and meditation as mutually supporting forms for spiritual growth. Guy discovered pranayama through Paul Dallaghan and is now a dedicated and senior student of, classical pranayama master, Sri O.P. Tiwari having been authorized to teach pranayama by him. Guy has studied Ashtanga Vinyasa with Richard Freeman, David Swenson and Chuck Miller. In learning meditation he spent time with a number of Buddhist teachers, from both Tibetan and Theravadan traditions, but more recently with a focus on Vipassana practice in the Mahasi Sayadaw lineage. Guy’s knowledge of the breath has been broadened by his interest in free diving.

DATE: 13 – 16 september 2018

TIME: 08.30 – 16.30 Thursday; 07.30 – 16.30 Friday – Sunday

PLACE: Yogayama Jungfrugatan

PRICE: 7300 SEK

PLEASE NOTE! This course is a mandatory course for yogis that are aiming for the Yogayama 500 hour certification according to Yoga Alliance.