BREATHWORK for MOOD, ENERGY & FEELING BETTER (30 min)
These practices are mostly intermediate range breath work practices designed from the practice of pranayama (in yoga prana = energy / ayama = to extend or stop the breath. They range from vigorous Kundalini practices to calmer Iyengar breath practices. Breath-work is an effective tool to expediting the end goal of most practices: a change in mood, a lift in spirits and a feeling of expansiveness. Please be mindful so to not push yourself or force anything that doesn't feel good. Beginners, pregnant students, injuries etc. please be cautious and search for the beginners classes and speak with your doctor first.
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Dec 1: What are the Nadis? Breath Practice
A brief lesson on, what are the nadis are + visual aid. We then practice Nadi Shodana, with this lesson in mind.
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Nov 30: Neuroplasticity & Pranayama
Brief chat + we work with the breath: The Kriya for Elevation in partnership with the concept of re-wiring the brain toward new beginnings and positivity.
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Nov 27: Quiet Iyengar-Style Breath Set
This is a 30 min breath-only practice with emphasis of deep breathing using "digital" pranayama: using our fingertips to direct the breath in certain ways through the nostrils.
It is a quieter pranayama practice vs Kundalini or intense breath.
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Nov 26: Grounding Breath
This is an excellent set for a deep, delicious grounding effect in your body.
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Nov 25: Super Detox Breath Set
This breath practice implements several short bouts of shining skull breath in neck releases, twists and spinal extensions in order to go deeper.
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Nov 24: Be like a Neuron, Breath Practice
This breath practice focuses on how we can truly embody the wisdom of our biology and our neurovascular system and arteries.
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Nov 23: Breath to Brain Health + Intermediate Timed Holds
I share a bit of information as I'm currently studying the gross anatomy of the brain and one way yoga can the brain.
I also give an option to hold your breath up to 60 seconds (and give you markers to exit).
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Nov 20: Transmute Confusion to Clarity
This is fusion of two kriyas: Crystal Clear + Surya Kriya. I find both help to move otherwise stagnant energy into productivity. Get weird to feel normal.
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Nov 19: Breathwork for the CNS, CSF and Pineal Gland
Today there is a five minute lesson on brain anatomy - and some posited theories of how pranayama can encourage good health and homeostasis for our brain's health.
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Nov 18: Pranayama: Extra-twisty cleansing breaths
This is a twisty-breath set. There are some hip openers and obscure positions with shining-skull breath. There may be catharsis/release within the obscurity.
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Nov 16: Pranayama Blend: Sudarshan + Extra
A blended breath practice (a variation of Sudarshan Kriya) + more - all helpful for reducing anxiety.
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Nov 12: My new fave kriya
30 min Kriya for Elevation.... enjoy! Uplifting, activating and energizing.
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Nov 11: Forever Favourite Breath Practice (Surya Kriya)
This is a highly stimulating and cleansing breath practice that will leave you feel high from your breath! Surya means sun - it's a helpful one to burn away morning fog, the end of a cold or a headache.
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Nov 10: Pranayama for All! (Laughing Fits Warning)
(Full warning: I'm in a wacky mood while teaching this practice, day 10, third quarantine ha). Today is a basic set: a) right nostril breathing b) shining skull breath into hips c) bellows breath d) alternate nostril breathing
Enjoy!
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Beginners Pranayama: 101 for Newcomers
This is great for those of you arriving who have never done pranayama before. I explain in brief what pranayama means, why we do it, basic contraindications and four basic breath types that I commonly reference as you proceed with this studio. Some basic tips as well.
- Nadi Shodana
- Kaphalabh... -
Nov 6: Feel Yourself Again; Breath Prep for the Restorative Practice
This is a 30 min practice of breath to prepare for the 60 min class of the same name. It is cleansing and will help to open your respiratory system before heading into the restorative practice, if you so choose.
Enjoy!
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Nov 5: Kriya for Elevation: Highly Activating
This is a Kundalinii Kriya set that is quickly becoming one of my favourites. It's incredibly activating as it uses shining skull breath and bellows breath in various shapes and postures. It is designed to lift and elevate your mood. Typically it takes 45 minutes - so this sequence is compressed.
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Nov 4: Sudarshan Kriya "Beautiful/Proper Vision" Calming
This kriya is designed with mainly ujjayi, counted-elongated breaths with pauses bringing attention to different parts of the lungs and creating calm.
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Nov 3: Kriya for Removing Negativity
This sequence is mainly ujjayi (deeper breathing) while taking a) seated forward fold b) wide legged pose c) triangle pose d) flexion and extension with breath holds.
Designed to unblock negativity in the body and mind.
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Nov 2: Old Faithful Breath Set
My usual three sets "shining skull" breath, bellows breath, toe stretch, hip openers with the breath - ending with "sa,ta,na, ma" - a mantra that encourages calm and prepares for meditation.
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1. Surya Kriya: A Remedy for end of a Cold/Flu, Break-Up or the Blues!
This is my favourite for when I'm feeling low in energy because it works! This can be done from your bed if you're at the end of a cold/flu or down and out. It is also helpful for jet lag and any depressive energy as it builds mental fortitude and preps for meditation.
The "Sat Nam" mantra is i...
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2. Kriya for Releasing Fear (Breath) + Full Spectrum Practice
The first 30 minutes is a Kundalini Kriya - a breath set that is quite vigorous and designed for releasing the energy around fear. Around the 33min mark the asana practice begins with an opening mantra/invocation and full spectrum practice. Expect stronger holds in warrior poses, hip openers and ...
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Endocrine Set: Thymus Thump + Kidney Twist + Pineal Meditation
We breathe with the intelligence of the endocrine system, beginning with the thymus gland. The thymus gland is in association with t-cells, immunity and the energy of the heart. It is the most robust when we are children. We also do a kidney twist breath - to help balance the hormones of the adre...
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4. Three Favourite Pranayamas
Classic Breath work + bhramari buzzing bee breath + alternate nostril breathing. Simple, feel good practice helpful for meditators.