Fundamental to the practice of yoga are conscious breath practices called Pranayama. Pranayama means “expansion of breath” and refers to the means by which we exercise the breath in same way we exercise our bodies through postures. Conscious breathing delivers oxygen to the blood more efficiently, and helps to entrain the mind to the physical movements of the body creating a more balanced experience in yoga.

Prana is a word that means both breath – the air we breathe and, “vital life force” – that which holds all things together to make anything alive and grow. Prana is key to every form of health and well being. A smooth, free and undisturbed flow of prana produces health and ease in the body and mind, for prana is the power behind the functioning of your body and the movements of your mind. Cultivating a direct relationship to the movement of breath during the asana practice is key to creating the steadiness of mind and body that yoga is designed to encourage, and can help you recognize strain and over-effort versus smooth, steady action during vinyasa.

Julie will teach you simple techniques to locate ujjayi breath, maintain its rhythm, and open awareness to how to use it economically and powerfully through asana.

In addition you will learn:

• The benefits of conscious breath, versus natural breath
• Varied pranayama practices for different postures, times of day and shifts in energy.
• Mudras (hand gestures) that when partnered with pranayama can create a more direct experience into parts of the body
• How to use pranayama as a gateway for deeper meditation.

This workshop is open to everyone: whether new to yoga, returning to yoga, or experienced in yoga seeking refinement and review, learning more about pranayama can generate greater awareness during your yoga practice.

Wear comfortable clothing for asana, sitting, and meditation. Register with Bend and Bloom Yoga