The word pranayama consists of two parts, prana which is energy and ayama which means stretch, extension, expansion, regulation, restraint and control. Pranayama therefore means the regulation of the breath through certain techniques and exercises and is one of the eight limbs of yoga.
Fortunately our breath can be on auto pilot while we are doing other things. But we can also control our breath. For example, when we are stressed, we can slow down and take a few conscious rounds of breath to calm us down. If we are feeling sluggish and heavy, we can invigorate ourselves with a few deep breaths.
Our breath is an indicator of how we feel and therefore we can influence how we feel with our breath – its magic!
The ancient yogis believed that we are given a certain number of breaths and when we use them all up, we use up our life energy (prana) and we die. Through the consistent practice of pranayama, we learn to harness our energy through controlling the breath, slowing it down, and lengthening it to help us turn inwards. In this way we are able to rest more easily into meditation.
There are also many other benefits of a regular pranayama practice, not least enriching our blood with oxygen, but improving the functions of all bodily systems. The nervous system, for example, is deeply nourished and the mind and emotions are stabilised and balanced. It can create freedom from old habits and opens us to new ways of being, and is key to managing stress and calming anxieties.
Essentially, pranayama is a spiritual practice, and regular practice inspires us to radiate with vitality and joy, lifting our spirits, strengthening our immune system and improving our general wellbeing in the process.
Join Emma for the 4-week online pranayama course where you will get to practice various breathing techniques and discover for yourself the magic of the breath. Each session will allow time for silent meditation/relaxation which you can continue after the session has finished.
WHEN: Sunday evenings, 29th January, 5th February, 12th February, 19th February
TIME: 7:00pm - 7:30pm
COST: £24 per person, booking required
Online via Zoom - link will be provided via email