Pranayama

Sundays: 6.00 - 7.30 pm

runs 8 September - 20 October 2024

Pranayama practice begins by paying close attention to the nuances of the movements of the breath in the body. Prana is clumsily translated as “life force” - iyam means regulation. This is a tall order - but we can start by becoming really intimate with the qualities of the breath.

A crucial part of this course will be the opportunity to embark on an understanding of the role that sound plays in the practice of yoga.

Prashant Iyengar, BKS Iyengar’s son, has investigated the energetic qualities of vibration and resonance within both asana and pranayama practice - he suggests that, in fact, pranayama can only really happen through the practice of sound forms.

In diving in to an experience of how sound can bring another level of perception to our asana and pranayama practice we also need to begin to understand the role of the five elements of nature - space, air, fire, water & earth. So this course will also address how the elements manifest in our practice - and why that’s important!

Sound is not singing - we will be vocalising the sounds out loud, investigating where and how the sound is made in the mouth and the body, but then most of our experiments will be with silent sound. Maybe we should really talk about it as LISTENING.

It requires some experience in asana - so familiarity with and comfort in asana is a necessary condition to start this work.

We’ll rest in restorative asanas so that the body quietens and we can listen to the breath.

This class will be taught online and in person - and if you’re at the beginning of discovering a pranayama practice then it is strongly suggested that you come in to the studio.

With a sense of humilty and profound gratitude to her teachers Zoë hopes to be able to share some of this work.

This is a seven week course: 8 September - 20 October 6.00 - 7.30 pm

It will be possible to drop in - however, if this is the beginning of your pranayama practice then it will make much more sense to you to come to this class regularly.

The seven week block is £70. If you’ve already booked for another block then the price is £50.

If you have any questions then please email Zoë: zoereason@icloud.com