Saturday Morning Asana & Pranayama Class
starts Saturday 20 january 2024 at 09:00
Prana is often translated as "life force or energy" and Yama as "mastery or control of". With Pranayama, we can control, cultivate and modify the amount, quality and direction of life energy within us.
This 1-hour class will start with a simple sun salutation and asanas chosen to lubricate the joints and enable the body to remain seated with ease and stability for pranayama practice. We will then progress through different breathing techniques ending with a short meditation and relaxation.
The Pranayama practice has a direct impact on our nervous system and helps us to balance the two brain hemispheres. It nourishes our physical body by oxygenating our cells, promoting healing and boosting our immune system. It reduces anxiety and improves our sleep. Simultaneously, it calms our minds, quieting the incessant chatter and allowing us to tap into a state of deep relaxation and peace. It is a rejuvenating process that has a profound effect on our body and mind.
Style: Pranayama - Yogic Breathing
Mindful breathing requires full presence and concentration. The traditional breathing practices purify the energy channels of the body called “nadis” and have a direct influence on our physical, emotional and mental state. "Prana" means life force, and "ayama" means extending, controlling and directing. As the breath and mind are intimately connected, one can render an agitated mind serene and joyful by focusing on long, deep and steady breathing with and without breath retention and by applying energy seals called mudras and energy locks called bandhas. The regular practise of Pranayama gives strength, good health, vigour and vitality. It improves concentration and helps the mind to focus deeply on the essence and joy of one's deepest nature. Go to the Pranayama - Yogic Breathing page.
Teacher: Nathalie Colavitti Blay
Nathalie became interested in yoga through a documentary of a young girl who explained with lucidity and breathtaking calm how yoga helped her recover from a severe childhood trauma. That spark brought Nathalie to Iyengar yoga classes in 2006 before moving on to vinyasa and thereafter Ashtanga vinyasa whose energizing and soothing practices fascinated her. She also included into her personal practice the shat kriyas - purification techniques that are highly effective for digestive problems, stress and insomnia.
In 2016, she graduated La Source’s 300-hour teacher training program. At the request of her colleagues, she gives yoga classes at work. At the same time, she continues her own practice and has attended workshops by senior Ashtanga teachers like Mark Darby, Danny Paradise, Gregor Maehle, Laruga Glaser, Kathy Cooper and Doug Keller.
She wishes to share the knowledge acquired and to continue to explore that vast world called yoga.
Go to Nathalie's page.
Location: Walferdange
25, rue Josy Welter, Walferdange. This warm and cozy setting provides an intimate and wonderful atmosphere for the practice of yoga. Easy to get to, with a bus stop 100 meters away and parking in the Mairie and the cemetery. Entrance is to the left of the house. Go to the Walferdange page.