Getting Established in the Breath of Yoga (2 hr)

starts Sunday 28 january 2024 at 09:30

This 2-hour in-studio workshop is taught in English.

Breathing is an amazing physiological function: it happens mostly under the threshold of our awareness, yet it can partially be brought under our control. The conscious intervention on the breath is a cornerstone of many yogic breathing practices. Any such intervention requires skillfulness as it impacts many parameters of our organism: our nervous system, blood pressure, muscle tone, etc. Yet, many of us come to yoga with already strained, inefficient breathing and decreased sensitivity to what happens as we breathe. Before the formal practice of pranayama, we thus first need to rediscover the connection with our own breath.

This three-part series helps students develop breath qualities and skills which are fundamental for pranayama and will enhance asana practice as well. The overall program is layered and progressive, but each session stands as a complete whole and can be taken independently. In each session, the insights from specific techniques and practices are applied in the formal practice of foundational pranayama practices of nadi shodhana and ujjayi.

In the first session (January 28th), we shed more light on the purpose of interventions on breathing, as well as the qualities we seek within different techniques. Students will understand interconnection between different breath phases, and will work with techniques helpful in cultivating sensitivity to breath, developing breath regulation and gradually extending the breath without causing strain or unnecessary stress.

In the second session (March 3rd), we will work further on practices to develop more subtle awareness of breathing patterns, progressing towards fuller exhalation and deeper and effortless inhalation. We will also discuss and observe the pattern of prana and apana within the breath cycle.

In the third session (March 17th), we will focus on the purpose and gradual practice of breath retention and bandhas. The use of breath counting, ratios, and mantra in pranayama will be discussed.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have elevated blood pressure, glaucoma, hernia, acid reflux, or are pregnant, please consult before registering.

Cancellation Policy

Payment for the first session is refundable if cancellation is done no later than January 21st. If you cancel after January 21st, you may only be refunded if you are able to find a replacement for your place.

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: Marija Bjekovic

Marija's teaching path started after the completion of 200 hours Ashtanga yoga teacher training with John Scott and Lucy Crawford Scott in 2015. Over the years, she found the grounding for both her studies and teaching in the legacy of Sri T. Krishnamcharya, the father of modern yoga and a pioneer in yoga therapy. She has been studying his legacy through the lens of his two long-term students, Srivatsa Ramaswami and A.G. Mohan. She is currently completing a 300 hours Svastha Yoga Therapy Foundations program with A.G. Mohan and his family. The practice has shown her that strength, stability and flexibility are qualities to be found at other levels than purely physical. The physical form is paradoxically merely the background for contemplation of constant interplay and alignment of energies within. When she teaches in Ashtanga vinyasa context, she does so from an understanding that such a layered practice is primarily meant as a framework to start cultivating subtle breath and calm mind. The physical aspect of practice can and should be individualized, without compromising the more profound nature of the practice. She loves to encourage students to explore the practice from such a perspective, and to support them in growing a sustainable and nourishing yoga practice through different fluctuations of life. Go to Marija's page.

Location: Walferdange

Our Walferdange center on rue Josy Welter offers hatha yoga ("Sivananda Yoga"), yoga for lower back issues, hormone yoga for women, a Wednesday morning course for those 50+, and an Ashtanga Mysore course. Its warm, cozy setting provides an intimate and wonderful atmosphere and is the home center where La Source began. Go to the Walferdange page.