I’m teaching a workshop this Sunday in Pranayama.  It’s the first time I’m teaching a whole workshop with breathwork as the focus, which I’m really excited about!  As a result, I’m finding that I’m practicing more Pranayama myself.  I have a “formula” of the pranayama that I use that are really helpful for me.  It’s just what I’ve found works best over the years I’ve practiced. However, I’ve tried to expand my own practice this month in preparation for the workshop this weekend.   I’m telling you, Pranayama is such a key to an ongoing yoga practice!  I have really felt energized this month!   Also, I’ve managed to travel and not get sick even though it’s become cold season.  Finally, I’ve felt a few things freeing up physically over the past month that had felt a little stuck (one of my hamstrings has been a little unhappy).  Though there are other factors to all of these things (just general self-care), I really have felt the difference because of a more dedicated pranayama practice. 

I’ve been reading up on Pranayama as well, particularly enjoying Richard Rosen’s Pranayama: Beyond the Fundamentals, and my all-time favorite, Donna Farhi’s The Breathing Book.  In her book, Farhi writes:

 

“Breathing is the most readily accessible resource you have for creating and sustaining your vital energy…The process of breathing is the most accurate metaphor we have for the way that we personally approach life, how we live our lives, and how we react to the inevitable changes that life brings us.”

 

I think it’s true.  I’m feeling it in my practice every day.  Revisiting my experiences over the past year with scuba diving (see yesterday’s post) reminded me of how much my breath mirrors my life. 

 

If you’re interested in the workshop this weekend, it’s at Black Lotus in Cambridge, MA on Sunday November 2, from 1-3pm.  

 

Namaste,

 

Barrett