Day 1 :
Keynote Forum
James E. Smith
Washburn University, USA
Keynote: Physical/Mental illness and Well-Being, Emotions and Meaning: Re-conceptualizing the Medical Healing Relationship Model for Holistic Health and Wellness
Time : 09:30
Biography:
Dr Smith, 41 years of social work practice, administration, and teaching; Wyoming Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Kansas Licensed Specialist Clinical Social Worker; Member - Council on Social Work Education, National Association of Social Workers, Academy of Certified Social Workers.
Publications - Race, Gender & Class, Journals of Social Work Values and Ethics, Nursing Scholarship, International Journal of the Humanities, International Journal of Learning; Forum on Public Policy: Journal of the Oxford Round Table, International Journal of Diversity in Communities, Organizations and Nations. Presentations - Universities of Granada and Barcelona-Spain; Cambridge and Oxford Universities-England, University of Waterloo-Canada, & Queen’s College-Belfast/Northern Ireland.
Abstract:
By nature, humans are "sentient" beings translating emotional needs and desires through social interaction into ways of meeting those needs and desires. Human experience is physical and psychological, which includes emotions and meaning. An existential perspective of health care embraces how illness/health are conceptualized, experienced, what it “means”, and how it shapes the sense of self. Existential refers to existence, the specific mode of “being”, such as illness/health. When illness occurs, people want to know why this is happening, what it means to their existence. Camus (1951) suggest “suffering“ has to have meaning, “It is not the suffering of the child that is repugnant in itself, but the fact that the suffering is not justified…. In the eyes of the rebel, what is missing from the misery of the world, as well as from its moment of happiness, is some principle by which they can be explained.” Affliction must have meaning for healing and wholeness. It is this pursuit of meaning in one’s life, directly influencing life, living, suffering, and death, which is missing in the medical model. While the “medical” model heals the body, “restorative” holistic health care must be reframed to include emotions and meaning. An exploratory study found “cyclical patients” in physical therapy attributed some “meaning” to their illness. The results suggest the cyclical pattern presented in 33% of the participants has an emotional connection to their illness. The implications maybe that the “medical model” is not enough to treat the psychological framework of health and meaning.
Keynote Forum
Stephanie Spence
Arizona State University, USA
Keynote: Western Yoga’s Abandonment of Pranayama
Time : 10:15
Biography:
Stephanie Spence, internationally acclaimed certified yoga instructor, activist, published author, mother, and entrepreneur has been practicing yoga for almost forty years. Stephanie is the former CEO of Spence Communications and has been featured on TV and editorially in publications around the world including Mantra Yoga and Health. From literary journals to online global communities, Stephanie is published in numerous sources including online and in print magazines OM Lifestyle and Yoga and Yoga Guide. Her blog, one-with-life.com, has wonman awards and is regarded as a top yoga blog. Stephanie is currently working on her second book, traveling and writing screenplays.
Abstract:
The most critical aspect in the practice of Yoga is being systematically erased from its teachings. Specifically, the focus and importance of Pranayama or Breath Work as part of a balanced Yoga practice is being diminished to the point of extinction. With over 36 million US practitioners and a projected growth rate of 15% per year, the practice of Yoga is ingrained in our everyday reality. With the growing trend in the west of reducing this ancient science to a physical practice only, a disturbing lack of the most important aspects of (and dissemination of information of) Yoga Breath work is not being taught and emphasized. And it’s the breathing side of the practice “real work” of yoga. The causes for this disturbing trend are systemic. Left unchecked, this could potentially drive Yoga to the already piled high heap of fitness fads that litter the self-help road of years gone by. Ultimately pushing yogis’, studios and product manufacturers on to the next fitness trend. Supported by near 40 years of yoga practice, a deep practical understanding of the teachings of yoga from an instructor perspective, the author explores why this is happening, it’s ramifications and what if anything can be done to stem the dismantling of the most critical aspect of practicing yoga.
Keynote Forum
William H. Andrews
American Molecular Biologist & President of Sierra Sciences, USA
Keynote: I Think, Therefore I am Young
Time : 11:20
Biography:
William Henry Andrews, Ph.D. (born December 10, 1951) is an American molecular biologist and gerontologist whose career has centered on searching for a cure for human aging. Andrews is the founder and president of the biotechnology company Sierra Sciences.
Abstract:
Abstract: Telomere lengths are rapidly becoming the best measure of aging that the field has ever seen. Telomeres are found at the tips of our chromosomes and have been shown to shorten as we age. Recent studies by my lab and others have shown that lengthening telomeres reverses aging and declining health in human cells grown in culture as well as in engineered mice. Treatments to lengthen telomeres in humans do not exist yet. In the meantime, studies suggest that slowing down the rate of telomere shortening slows down the rate of aging and extends human health span and life span. One of the most powerful ways to slow down the rate of telomere shortening has been shown in scientific peer reviewed studies to be through yoga and meditation. The mechanism of action of Mindfulness on the rate of telomere shortening is still being investigated, but I plan to describe the studies that have already been done and those that are in progress to show the strong correlation that exists. Mindfulness through yoga and meditation may be one of the best things we can do to stay young and healthy for as long as possible.
- Yoga Workshops
Location: San Diego
Session Introduction
Koko Hayashi
Founder and Face Yoga Instructor at Skin Fit Gym, USA
Title: Face Yoga, Natural Alternative to Botox or Plastic Surgery
Biography:
Koko Hayashi, founder and Face Yoga Instructor at Skin Fit Gym was born and raised in Japan. Having practiced face yoga for over a decade and experiencing the benefits both physically and mentally, she decided to bring the practice to the United States in 2016. Skin Fit Gym offers classes in-person and online to provide access to clients all over the world. CIDESCO License Holder (most internationally respected aesthetic license) and author of Less is More, Japanese Anti-Aging Secrets
Abstract:
It's been popular in Japan more than 10 years and finally being introduced in the States. You will learn how to control your facial muscles for wrinkle reduction and anti-sagging. When face changes, your mind changes too. (video: 3 reasons why you should do Face Yoga)
How I teach:
Usually people can sit on chairs or yoga mat as below. They use phones as mirrors to check their faces.
Biography:
Saldin has completed his graduation from Leading University of Bangladesh called Jahangirnagar. He is the founder of Saldin Yoga, a famous yoga organization in Bangladesh. He has published more than 52 episode of Yoga shows at Massranga Television, which are in progress. He conducted yoga seminars in Universities, Colleges, Schools and public places. Though Bangladesh is a Muslim Country, he created a yoga field with his diligence. He has a muscular body which help to make a revolution in the health sector in Bangladesh. Not only the general people but also the top officers of national and multinational companies, personnel of international organizations and travelling foreigners are learning yoga with
Abstract:
Life quality is depend on breath quality. Maximum people are use to taking a short breath, they cannot use their lung’s full capacity. The most significant factor in health and long life is how well our breath. Proper breathing technique is central to the ancient practices of Yoga is called Pranayama, means “the life force”. By controlling the act of breathing we can efficiently control all the various motion in the body and the different nerve currents that are running through the body. We can easily develop body, mind and soul through breath control. By Pranayama we can control our circumstances and character and can consciously harmonies the individual life with the cosmic life. The breath, directed by though under the control of the will, is regenerating force which we can utilize consciously for self-development, for healing many incurable disease in our system. It is easy to develop good breathing habits, but it need to practice Pranayama. Mainly the respiratory system is the one system of the ANS (Autonomic Nervous System) over which we have conscious control, and because air intake is essential for life, the brain responds to the respiratory system with urgency. That’s why yogic breathing can make such an impact on overall health. It’s a place where we can begin to plug into our nervous system and support its overall function and balance. Disease means imbalance of action in our inner health. Overall, with Pranayama we can balance our inner health activity and cure all kind of diseases and can survive easily.
Rukmani Kaur
Reiki Master, Las Vegas, USA
Title: Beyond The Asana: 3 Mindful Methods to awaken the energy in ME
Biography:
Claudia is a Twinflame reincarnated into this world to show humanity the meaning of unconditional love. A Reiki Master with multiple Yoga Certifications, she guides her students to understand that love starts within; accepting oneself, loving oneself and being truthful to one's experience.
"Love is what unite us all; not just human beings but every single living being on our Mother Earth. Love starts with YOU; loving yourself, accepting yourself and being yourself. It was the practice of Yoga that showed me the way to my truth, to my core, to my light."
Abstract:
So many believe Yoga is just about the physical Asana and try so hard to get a pose because “It looks so cool and can get so many likes on Social Media.”
However, Yoga begins the moment the awareness shifts from getting a pose right into just being. Through the conscious practice of Pranayama, Stillness and Being, we will tap into the unlimited power that we all have within.
Biography:
Mangalananda is an American direct disciple of the great woman Saint Anandamayi Ma (1896-1982), mentioned in Yogananda’s “Autobiography of a Yogi”. He has been connected with India and the Yogic Tradition for over 40 years. He lived in Anandamayi Ma’s Ashram in India for twelve years, and has lived with and studied with several of her greatest disciples. Since 2007, he has been sent by Ma Sharanam Ashram to tour Europe and the US, teaching classes and giving kirtan (sacred chant) recitals. He currently runs a small branch of Ma Sharanam Ashram in the SF Bay Area.
Abstract:
Acharya Mangalananda of Ma Sharanam Ashrams will present a class on the science of sound in the Yogic Tradition, manifested through mantras and chanting. Real healing comes from the inside out, and mantras heal, balance and awaken our inner nature, granting us a vibrant well-being. We will experience using sound vibrations inwardly in a meditative state, and doing outward chanting. We will also learn a Kriya for tuning the chakras to the Elements of Nature, allowing us to feel more of the unity of life, and be in a state of balance and poise.
Biography:
Definition: gravity: the force that attracts the body toward the center (of the earth). Yoga has been in my life for over 25 years. Being a dancer, I thought it would come easy for me, but it did not. My first yoga class was in NYC at the well-known Jivamukti studio in the 1990’s when it was downtown on 2 nd Ave. I remember how challenging I thought it was. I was letting gravity win as I practically gave in and fell down, and I was holding my breath. In Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) when we were all lined up by the wall, I remember my floating ribs sticking way out, as I tried to execute a side bend trying to duplicate the shape of a triangle. At the end of class we were told to go into shoulder stand for 2 minutes but I could not get my hips in an upward position. I couldn’t support my body weight in that shape (salamba sarvangasana- supported all body), or in a downward dog. My body was shrinking and sinking, as I was not allowing myself to work with gravity. It was a wake-up call for me, since I have been a confident person with the ability to be physical all my life. Even as a kid when playing stickball, I knew how to hit and catch a ball with ease. When I returned to Las Vegas, after taking the NY class all I wanted to do was study and understand this amazing new path to fitness, strength, form, agility, and more. I did not know then the books and practice of T.K.V. Desikachar’s The Heart of yoga- Developing a Personal Practice” and B.K. and B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga, The Path To Holistic Health Iyengar’s, how they would influence my life.
Abstract:
Definition: gravity: the force that attracts the body toward the center (of the earth). Yoga has been in my life for over 25 years. Being a dancer, I thought it would come easy for me, but it did not. My first yoga class was in NYC at the well-known Jivamukti studio in the 1990’s when it was downtown on 2 nd Ave. I remember how challenging I thought it was. I was letting gravity win as I practically gave in and fell down, and I was holding my breath. In Trikonasana (Triangle Pose) when we were all lined up by the wall, I remember my floating ribs sticking way out, as I tried to execute a side bend trying to duplicate the shape of a triangle. At the end of class we were told to go into shoulder stand for 2 minutes but I could not get my hips in an upward position. I couldn’t support my body weight in that shape (salamba sarvangasana- supported all body), or in a downward dog. My body was shrinking and sinking, as I was not allowing myself to work with gravity. It was a wake-up call for me, since I have been a confident person with the ability to be physical all my life. Even as a kid when playing stickball, I knew how to hit and catch a ball with ease. When I returned to Las Vegas, after taking the NY class all I wanted to do was study and understand this amazing new path to fitness, strength, form, agility, and more. I did not know then the books and practice of T.K.V. Desikachar’s The Heart of yoga- Developing a Personal Practice” and B.K. and B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga, The Path To Holistic Health Iyengar’s, how they would influence my life.
Yogi Ramesh
International Laughing Yogi, Himalayan Yoga Master
Title: Healing Power of Laughing Yoga with Guru Yogi Ramesh
Biography:
Guru Yogi Ramesh is an international celebrity Guru and world famous Laughing Yogi. This workshops you will experience a renewed sense of balance for the heart, Body and mind through a never before revealed 5,000 years old science of self-healing through oxygen and laughter therapy.
Abstract:
Laughter induced mood enhancing endorphins into the blood stream, creating a feeling of happiness while suppressing stress-inducing chemicals in the body. The other benefits include: improved instant stress reduction, depression, anxiety, immune system and total inner fitness and sleeplessness. Be healthy and happy. Energize your body and mind.
- Yoga Workshops
Location: San Diego
Biography:
Making Peace with Anxiety is a fusion of yoga, neuroscience and deep personal insight, brought together by a yogini who lived with severe anxiety for a couple of decades of life.
This workshop is a hands-on experience of self-exploration, where, by using our divine gift - our BREATHING we will:
- change oxygen levels and chemistry of the blood;
- modify our cardiac rhythm;
- manage our mental and emotional state;
- adjust the temperature and energy flow in the body.
Join me for a journey around The Wheel of Healing - a 12 steps we go through on our way toward healing. The story shared and exercises presented in it will help you gain confidence and faith in your inner transformation.
Abstract:
My name is Yana Kazbekova, I am a multicultural yogini and a registered E-RYT500 teacher who also holds a university degree in Spanish Linguistic.
At the age of 13 I was diagnosed with advanced scoliosis. That brought me to the corrective gymnastics and autogenic training, which is how yoga and meditation were called in my country back then. I was lucky to have a knowledgeable teacher, who walked me into yoga so wisely that it became my way of life. Yoga inhabited me forever, it matched my temperament and worked the best for my health condition.
Since young adult, I've traveled and lived in different parts of my country and the world, learning yoga with teachers from Russia, Ukraine, Mexico, India and USA.
My formal methodical practice of this discipline commenced in Mexico, where during my years of severe anxiety, I discovered the healing side of yoga.
I received my Teacher Training with a Master from Kerala (India), whose unique approach showed me the science and art of yoga.
Biography:
Abstract:
Nisarga Yoga is not something that has come up recently but has been around for ages. Literally Nisarga means ‘natural’ and yoga means ‘union’, thus, Nisarga Yoga means a union of one with his True natural Self. This clearly points to the fact that we are not what we presently believe ourselves to be. Now, by conventional standards, this is something that is usually unacceptable, hence Nisarga Yoga has not been very popular. I am the body, I am so-and-so, I belong to this cast, creed or nation are some common beliefs that have been so strongly hammered into us that to accept it all as false appears impossible. Unfortunately very few have come to understand that these very notions are cause of all the miseries in the entire world. Nisarga Yoga offers us a way out of all the miseries and hence is The Ultimate Medicine.
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj (1897-1981) has been known all over the world as a vehement proponent of Nisarga Yoga which rightly befits his name. Let us try to understand the basics of the Nisarga Yoga and then we can attempt to actually follow it. You have to understand your sense of ‘being’, ‘presence’ or the feeling ‘I am’ which you may also call consciousness or awareness in its absolute purity. The best way to do it is to go back in time and try to recollect when for the first time you came to know that ‘you are’ or ‘I am’, which is usually around the age of three or so. This phase of living with the pure sense of ‘just being’ or the ‘I am’ without words continues for some time and then gradually the contamination begins. This sets in the process we call ‘conditioning’ which carves you out into an individual living in the world under a certain set of circumstances. If you are unable to recollect the moment when for the first time you came to know that ‘you are’ or ‘I am’, then you can try to observe it when you just wake up. This will require some effort, because when you just wake up, the movement ‘I am this body called so-and-so in the world, I have to do this or that…’ is so fast that you fail to pay attention to the pure ‘I am’. The first may be called the ‘childhood recollection’ approach while the second may be called the ‘waking up’ approach. You may use whichever suits you best or you may also use a combination of both, the idea is to approach the ‘I am’ in its absolute purity.
After having understood the ‘I am’, next comes the abiding in it, which is the Sadhana or the practice. Many understand but very few actually undertake the practice and waste a lot of time in reading and never do the practice. If you can straightaway understand the ‘I am’ and abide it, great! But if you cannot then I can share what methods I explored and found effective. The first is through the Chakras, the second through the Ashtang Yoga and the third through Namasmarana or remembering God’s Name or a statement of Truth.
The clue to the first, which is, through the Chakras came from Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj itself when he tells us that the wordless ‘I am’ is first felt in the Brahma Randhra (The Brahma aperture). This is in the mid-scalp or in the Sahasrara Chakra, the seventh primary chakra. Then as we get conditioned the ‘I am’ moves downwards and takes firms hold in the first Muladhara Chakra. Thus holding to the ‘I am’ beginning from the Muladhara we move it upwards through the frontal path traversing Svadhisthana, Manipura, Anahata, Vishuddha, Agya, Sahasrara to the Brahma Randhra and stay there.
The second method, that of Ashtanga Yoga begins by holding onto only one control(Yama) ‘I am’, only one observance( Niyama) ‘I am’, holding onto the ‘I am’ in sitting(Sukhasana) or Lying(Shavasana) postures(Asanas), while breathing(Pranayama) inhale ‘I am’(Purak), and exhale ‘I am’(Rechak). The next comes withdrawing all senses (Pratyahara) into to the ‘I am’ and holding onto (Dharana) the ‘I am’ and finally meditating (Dhyana) on the ‘I am’. An ‘I am’ Samadhi would automatically ensue if you follow this.
A clue to the third method has also been given by Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj as he has often said that the ‘I am’ and God’s Name are one and the same. Thus one can use remembering God’s Name (Namasmarana) as a practice to abide in the ‘I am’. If one is not familiar or comfortable with God’s Name, a statement of Truth like ‘I am The Self’, ‘I am not the body’ or ‘I am Unborn’ may also be used. This method can also be done while working, it appears simple and easy but not so in actual practice.
What is the ultimate purpose behind a Sadhana or practice? Or for that matter behind Yoga? As stated earlier it’s a journey or quest into one’s True Self or to the question ‘Who Am I?’ Through the methods described above you get established in the ‘I am’ in its absolute purity which is nothing else but the Fourth (Turiya) background state of consciousness that underlies the other three (Waking, Dream and Deep Sleep). In the process of doing so over a prolonged period and depending upon one’s earnestness and intensity, the ‘I am’ is transcended (Turiyatita) and then…well, I leave it there.
Leave aside transcending the ‘I am’, but to even get the slightest of a glimpse of the ‘I am’ in its absolute purity (Turiya), I can recommend a certain length of time for the practice. It maybe any type of person, he must close his eyes and regularly follow any one of the above practices for three Ghatikas (72 minutes) and one Mandala (40 days). This, if done sincerely, I can say from my own experience, will definitely give positive results.
Biography:
Paul Wellin,California-State Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Chi Gong Teacher, Apprenticed Yoga Teacher, Counselor/ Health Coach, and Educator. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, from the University of Maryland (1981). I received my Master of Arts in Counseling from USIU/ Alliant University, San Diego (1985). I currently teach Psychology at Argosy University, San Diego.
Abstract:
I have worked with my client’s life force for twenty-four years. These healing sessions have revealed hidden mysteries about our body physiology. Our material reality -- brain and body -- is connected to a larger field of influence that includes our Chakras and our Energy Fields. Yoga is a 5,000 year-old science that teaches mindfulness and how to connect to our Higher Self.
In this workshop, Paul Wellin (Vitality Seminars), will describe the interaction between our Chakras and our Qi energy, to improve your health and happiness. Many of us understand our Chakras as energy centers (“wheels”) around our body. However, Chakras also shape our personality. Balancing each of our Chakras develops personal and interpersonal strengths and skills. Open Chakras can relax and empower, enhance our ability to love and to communicate, plus reveal our life purpose.
- The workshop will activate Life Force (“Qi”) in your body’s health symptoms, your brain chemistry, and your emotional moods.
- Your Chakra personalities will express with sound, breath, visualizations, and compassion.
- Participants will learn about Yoga philosophy, Yoga Therapy, the science of Life Force, body physiology, spiritual anatomy, Soul Psychology, meditation, integrative healing, and super-consciousness. Paul will answer questions about your specific health or stress challenges, from the life force perspective (time permitting).
- Bring your “cosmic questions,” about your life lessons, your life purpose, and the patterns that show up in your life.
- General sessions
Location: San Diego
Session Introduction
Rohini Priya. R
Velumailu Siddha Medical College & Hospital, INDIA
Title: A Review on Integrative Psychiatry in Siddha System
Biography:
Rohini Priya. R is presently graduating her UG degree Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) final year from Velumailu Siddha Medical College, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, India. She has published a paper during the year 2017 in a journal called Siddha papers. She has also performed a poster presentation at ‘National Conference on Pura Maruthuvam- External therapies in Siddha System of Medicine’ (NCPM-2017) and oral presentation at ‘World Congress on Holistic Health’-2018.
Abstract:
Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient systems of medicine practised in southern part of India. The state of complete physical, mental and social well being of a person is defined as health. Impairment of personal functioning, disordered behavioural and mental pattern is termed as psychiatric disorders which occur due to bio psychosocial illness. Globally an estimation of about 322 million people is reported to be affected by mental illness. It is a major public health problem contributing to significant morbidity as well as mortality along with significant socioeconomic losses. The Siddha psychiatry is based on mind (manam), thought (buththi), mood (ahangaram) and physical behaviour (siddham). According to Siddha system, psychiatric diseases are treated by enhancing the power of brain by external therapeutic measures like Thuvalai (herbal powder with oil applied all over the body), Pugai (fumigation), Nasiyam (Nasal drops), and Kalikam (external medicines of eye) unlike conventional system of medicine which depresses the brain activity. The therapeutic application of these methods and certain yoga procedures opens up an innovative window for the treatment of psychiatric disorders via therapy involving Central Nervous System. Upon analysing this procedure it has been found that these siddha external therapies are formulated in such a way to alleviate the altered humors (mukkutram) and to strengthen the saptha thadhus (Physical constituents). Hence the review about these traditional methods can contribute better quality of life to Psychiatric patients and can provide a way out towards the prevention and management of Psychiatric diseases
Aathifa Anjum. K
Velumailu Siddha Medical College & Hospital, INDIA
Title: Holistic Management of Cardiovascular Diseases, a Lifestyle Disorder- A Review
Biography:
Aathifa Anjum. K is presently graduating her UG degree Bachelor of Siddha Medicine and Surgery (BSMS) final year from Velumailu Siddha Medical College, The Tamilnadu Dr. MGR Medical University, India. She has published a paper during the year 2017 in a journal called Siddha papers. She has also performed an oral presentation at ‘National Conference on Pura Maruthuvam- External therapies in Siddha System of Medicine’ (NCPM-2017) and oral presentation at ‘World Congress on Holistic Health’-2018.
Abstract:
About thousands of years ago, an ancient traditional system of medicine emerged in the southern parts of India called Siddha system of medicine which treats not only the symptoms of a disease, but also brings the causative, mental, physical and social factors into account thus maintaining the mind-soul relationship. As per WHO, more than 17.7 million people died due to the catastrophic cardiovascular disease around the globe annually exemplifying 31% of all global deaths. Rather than much advancement in science and technology, the deaths are increasing day by day because of the sedentary lifestyle employed by human beings. The father of the Siddha medicine, sage Agasthiyar has indicated a medicinal formulation named SAARTHOOLATHI KULIGAI (based on Tamil literature) made from thirteen herbal drugs is found to have a stupendous effect on a CVD patient, as each of the herbal drug used in this combination has similar medicinal properties like anti-atherosclerotic activity, cardio-protective activity, anti-hypertensive activity, etc., that are necessarily required for the treatment of this disease. This work also compiled information from various literatures in Siddha system like yoga, pranayama, classical text of sage Thirumoolar and from various research articles to excavate the scientific correlation behind them. The goal of this literature review is to bring out a holistic approach for CVD patient by implementing the overall regimen used in Siddha system which will pave a better way for preventing and managing cardiovascular diseases.
Biography:
James has been actively exploring the breath most of his life. In 1992 he was introduced to Breathwork which has led him deeper into the world of healing, yoga and massage. In 2011 he wrote, ‘Thirteen Breaths to Freedom, An Introduction to Breathwork’ and in 2017‘ Pranayama and Breathwork, a journey with breath’.
James enjoys encouraging students to be open as the healing path unfolds in Breathwork. He focuses strongly on the heart in his workshops, incorporating the individual needs of each student in an effort to cultivate an environment that is welcoming and free.
Abstract:
In this corner, we have the western light weight on the average two-minute pranayama verses the one to three-hour conscious connected breathing heavy weight Breathwork.
In my five hundred plus hours of yoga training only a very small percentage of it was devoted to pranayama. So, I personally dove into pranayama, the fourth limb of yoga, and disciplined myself with a daily practice and I changed. Forty-five minutes of any one of the pranayamas changed my ignorant attitude and I softened my approach with a new understanding, experience and appreciation of the ancient art of pranayama.
I love my breath. It has been one of my main entertainments since I was a small child. Even in the mid years of my life conscious breathing exercises are still revealing sub or super conscious pieces of my total self.
As I breathed each of the pranayamas without much expectation my ego was caught off guard. It had learned how to defend itself against my regular Breathwork practices keeping its-small-self intact. The extended pranayama practice was surprisingly pleasant and gave me a new appreciation and respect for the power of our breath.
It is my hope that this workshop/talk shines a loving light on the wonderful practice of conscious breathing and the healthy benefits pranayama and Breathwork have to offer.
Enjoy the journey.
Life is an adventure.