Session 8
Contemplation:
“Repetition is applied to our practice with respect, reverence, effort and enthusiasm. Guiding each of us on our path, towards and through our purpose. ” - Kaya Mindlin
Reflection:
Session 7
Contemplation:
“In the quiet space between your inhale and exhale lies the blueprint for a world we’ve yet to build.” - Octavia Raheem
Reflection:
What practices, rituals, and beyond help support your inner listening and a quietude within?
Create seqeunce of 5 minutes of asana and 20 minutes of pranayama (leave time for quiet absorption at the end!) to bring to our final session of PPG.
Session 6
Contemplation:
“The pause is a place of possibility. The pause is a place of power. The pause is a place of purpose.” - Octavia Raheem
Reflection:
Where in your day to day routine can you identify the natural pauses? When and where can you linger a little longer into the pauses?
Session 5
Contemplation:
“The breath is always in the present moment” - Unknown (Some wise person on a plant-related podcast)
Reflection:
What are some of your internal or external indicators for checking in with yourself in the present moment?
How does your breath and prana connect you to the present?
Session 4
Contemplation:
“The suṣumna nādi is the door to the supreme reality, the Self.”
- Adi Śankarācarya
Reflection:
Create your own 5-7 minute asana sequence for you to warm up for pranayama practice. You can refer to the Asana for Pranayama page in this Guidebook.
How does your connection to prana/pranayama open the door to connection to something greater than yourself?
Session 3 - Participating with Prāṇa + Polarities
Contemplation:
“Prāṇa is Prāṇaśakti – the animating POWER of the cosmic creation! She creates & sustains the ALIVENESS & MOVEMENT of everything in the universe. She is the ENTHUSIASM that pervades every plane of existence. Prānashakti emanates from the absolute supreme formless reality lowers herself down to become the life force in everything. To create your life, she pours down your spine and comes to rest in the mālādhāra cakra. When prāna is pure and flowing with ease through its channels, you have more vitality and health, more attention and attentiveness, more ability to be still and allow for more inner subtle movement. With an easeful harmonious flow of prāṇa your mind naturally flows toward SOURCE.
When you breathe, you are participating with nature, you are partaking of the blessing of the prāṇa in nature. Nature is supporting you with every breath you take. This cosmic spirit is pulsing in everything, pulsing in you.” - Kaya Mindlin
Reflection:
How does your pranayama practice nourish your connection to and as nature?
As you move through your week, take note of the qualities of Ida and Pingala your environment. After a week, reflect: what have you noticed?
Session 2 - Breath as Reciprocity
Contemplation:
“To breathe is to absorb ourselves in what surrounds us, to take in little bits of life, understand them, and give pieces of ourselves back out. Respiration is, at its core, reciprocation.” - James Nestor
Reflection:
What does your breath and/or pranayama practice give to you?
What you would you like to give your breath and/or pranayama practice over the next week? And over the rest of this series?
Session 1 - A Simple Start
Contemplation:
"Start in a simple way, it will take you all the way." - Swami Tattvavidānanda
Reflection:
Where in your daily routine could you add or expand or appreciate a short and simple moment of checking in with your breath, body, and prana?
Think 3 breaths upon waking or after a meal or before you tidy or sit for couch time. Connecting this to a current habit or routing can make it easier.
Especially, if you’ve answered this question before on your in PPG, reflect on what has shifted in and what has remained constant in your “answer” and within yourself since then and now.
Lil’ Extras
Q+A: Blocked Nostrils.
Here’s a quick demo of how one could gently widen their nasal passage during Nadi Shodhana. Some folks in the yogic tradition suggest a practice known as Jala Neti. Here is helpful video from my teacher Arundhati from Aham Yoga explaning the process. Do use distilled or recently boiled, but cooled water. Please know this is not medical advise.
