In this short course, we will explore the opening preparations for a solid pranayama and meditation practices working on silent mantra, nadi cleansing and bandhas as a method to activate and manipulate the prana (life force within us). We will combine this work with a more detailed look some techniques for concentration which ultimately leads to a meditative state. Meditation is an invaluable tool for deepening our yoga, and quickly and effectively improving our mental and physical health.

The course consists of 8hrs practice, study, and theory. This is highly effective learning to deepen your yoga. A proper sitting practice is essential to the development of a complete yoga practice.

The correct method for the inhale and exhale breath. In pranayama practice we "exhale reluctantly and under control",... keeping the breath in the body for longer periods of time to balance the parasympathetic nervous system. Learn proper technique and refine your bandha work during the inhale and exhale.

Refining and stablizing the kumbhaka (the retention of the breath, or the pause between breaths). This is an important technique to learn in the yoga practices. Done correctly and practiced over a long period of time, the kumbhaka provides a gateway into the subconscious where negative patterns (samskaras) and trauma can be released and consumed by the fire element (agni). In addition, the proper application of kumbhaka is an essential technique in hatha yoga for cleansing the nadis and preparing the system for the kundalini shakti. The use of the kumbhaka with the proper use of the bandhas is also the gateway for the prana to enter the central channel (susumna).

Pranayama is the gateway into more stable meditation. In Tantric pranayama we use a more subtle breath and silent mantra. In addition to the traditional Hatha Yoga Pranayamas, we will explore some of these powerful subtle techniques. Here we will also explore dharana (concentration) kriyas and mantra. This is where some of the magic begins to happen!