Yoga breathing, or Pranayama, is the science of Prana (vital energy) which is the source of all life in all living beings in this universe. It consists of a series of breathing exercises especially intended to meet the body’s needs and keep it in vibrant health. Other than for increasing vital reserves in the body, Pranayamas are mainly practiced for stilling the mind and thought process – as the prana and thoughts are no different. According to Yogis, we can control the thoughts by the breath, and breathing is a tool to harmonize the body, mind and consciousness.

Mechanics of Breathing

In our respiration process, we inhale oxygen into our bodies. The air goes through our body systems as a form of energy to charge our different body parts. Then we exhale carbon dioxide and throw away all toxic wastes from our bodies. However, our lives are full of stress and our minds are a mad house of non-stop thoughts which stop us from breathing properly. Eventually our breath becomes fast and shallow – thereby using only a fraction of our lung capacity. Thus, the lack of oxygen and not being able to completely rid our bodies of the carbon dioxide, may lead to health problems. Heart disease, sleep disorders and fatigue are just a few of the effects of a lack of oxygen and prana to the body. The mind becomes like a restless monkey with non-stop thoughts complicating our lives. We can enhance the oxygen intake and also exhale carbon dioxide fully by practicing deep and systematic breathing through Pranayama, which can energize the body with fresh prana. Vitality, calmness, alertness of mind, concentration and glow of the skin are some of the many benefits of Pranayama.

Benefits of Pranayama

Breathing is a normal part of our lives, though we fail to pay attention to it. It is a voluntary function of the body that we perform without thinking. Why then do we have to learn yoga breathing? Here are some reasons why Pranayama is important:

Pranayama teaches us the proper way to breathe. We have become accustomed to breathing from our chests, using only a fraction ofour lungs, not knowing that this is an unhealthy and unnatural way of inhaling and may lead to complications. With yoga breathing, we increase the capacity of our lungs, bringing more oxygen supply to the body to function well. We learn how to breathe slowly and deeply – the right way.

Precautions

This retreat is intended for all levels of yoga experience. Please consult a medical professional before registering, if you have any respiratory or circulatory conditions.

Accommodations & Meals

Participants will enjoy simple and comfortable lodging in private cabins on the grounds of the retreat center.

Three Ayurvedic vegetarian meals will be provided daily, as well as water and herbal teas. Feel free to bring your own snacks.

The Itinerary

Friday:

Arrive on Friday between 4 and 6pm
6:00 pm Check-in
6:30 pm Tour of the facilities and grounds
7:00 pm Dinner in the Great Hall
8:00 pm Kirtan in the Auditorium
9:30 pm Personal time

Saturday:

7:00 am: Herbal Tea
7:30 am: Yoga & Pranayamas & short meditation
9:00 am: Breakfast with Fruit Salad/Juice
1:00 pm: Lunch (Ayurvedic Diet)
4:00 pm: Yoga & Pranayama
5:30 pm: Meditation
6:00 pm: Nature Walk / Swim in the river
7:00 pm: Dinner (Ayurvedic Diet)

Sunday:

6:00 am: Contemplative walk or Meditation
7:00 am: Herbal Tea
7:30 am: Yoga and Pranayamas
9:00 am: Breakfast with Fruit Salad/Juice
1.00 pm: Lunch (Ayurvedic Diet)
4:00 pm: Yoga & Pranayama
5:30 pm: Meditation

What to Bring

comfortable indoor and outdoor clothing
sleeping bag
water bottle
journal/notebook
flashlight

Questions

For any further questions, please contact the instructors.

To see photos from our previous events, check out our posts here on Twitter.

Ayurveda & Pranayama Healing Retreat