Introducing Pranayama: A Journey to Inner Peace and Well-Being
When I first started yoga I recall several teachers warning me about the “dangers of pranayama.”
Almost no one was teaching any kind of breathing practice outside of the “Ujjayi” breath used during the Ashtanga asana practice (and yes, it was called "Ujjayi" and Pattabhi Jois himself (the Guru of Ashtanga) called it "Ujjayi") or the “fire breathing” technique (a fast paced rhythmic exhale) used at the end of the practice while lifting up off the floor in lotus pose (utplutih).
The term “breathwork” was non-existent in popular culture. There were barely any books published on pranayama (let alone something called breathwork) and there was little research on the power of breathing, or studies on how the breath is intimately connected to the stress response in both our body and mind!
Boy… Things have sure changed!
Now, more and more teachers are offering pranayama. Most have learned through reading books, or perhaps picked up a few things here and there on a weekend workshop, but not many have established their own regular practice, let alone spent years studying with a qualified teacher.
And more students are becoming “breathwork facilitators” by the day! Just as yoga-asana exploded in the early 2000s, breathing exercises have become the new frontier in the wild-west of wellness!
This week, on the Finding Harmony Podcast, you'll hear Adam Keen and I explore why it's so important to develop a consistent pranayama practice and spend time studying with a truly qualified teacher.
The ancient art of pranayama has profound effects on your nervous system and has both the power to heal or harm you! Find out why inside this episode…
Incorporating pranayama into your daily routine doesn't have to be difficult and you don't need to be an advanced yoga practitioner! It can be as simple as dedicating a few minutes each day to conscious breathing.
Your breath and your mind are intimately connected. Yoga is about cultivating supreme control over your thoughts and emotions and the most direct way to do this is by controlling your breath!
(This conversation was originally recorded back in 2021, but it's been remastered, we did our best to adjust the quality of the the recording, so you could enjoy it once again!)
To go deeper with me in learning to use your breath to calm your mind, come jump into my 5 day challenge! We're just starting and you'll get the replays when you sign up! So, even if you can't attend live, you can still participate. Classes are short (only around 20 minutes). Each day you'll learn a new breathing practice to help reduce anxiety and stress!
>>> 5 Day Breathwork (Pranayama) Challenge where you can explore simple breathing practices to calm your mind and regulate your nervous system!
>>> And if you want to skip the challenge and head straight into a Masterclass with me, then sign up to join me on Sunday to learn: 3 BREATHWORK PRACTICES TO REGULATE YOUR NERVOUS SYSTEM
I can't wait to share these powerful teachings + work with you this week Harmony!
I know this practice of pranayama will transform your life. I've seen it. I've experienced it myself.
Join a Workshop or Retreat
✨ May 24 - 28, 2024 - Lisbon, Portugal
✨ May 30 - June 3, 2024 - Nosen Retreat Center, Norway
✨ June 26-30, 2024 - Munich, Germany
✨ July 1 -10, 2024 - Alacati, Turkey
Share your thoughts! Leave a review and spark a conversation about your biggest takeaways from this episode.
I'm so excited to announce my new Finding Harmony Community!
To kick things off… I'll be hosting a FREE 5-day Breathwork Challenge inside our NEW Community Space (Starting April 1st)… and you're gonna get so much goodness inside!
What you'll find inside:
The opportunity to kick start your pranayama practice: whether you join live or watch the replay, you'll have access to this 5-Day Challenge whenever it works best for you!
Get personalized support: receive guidance from me and join the conversations happening inside a diverse and expansive yoga community.
Community & Connection: build relationships with like-minded yoga students and teachers, so you can feel supported + connected, even when practising alone in your home!
I hope you'll come along on this exciting new journey!
Join the Finding Harmony Community!
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Two Minute Breathwork Session
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The Finding Harmony Podcast is hosted and produced by Harmony Slater and co-hosted by Russell Case.
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