Roots of Pranayama - Phase 1

This course is designed to progressively deepen your Pranayama practice through guided

instruction, self-exploration, personal growth & consistency.

But, why Do We Need to Learn Pranayama?

Humans are a unique species, endowed by nature with incredible techniques and knowledge that no other animal possesses. At birth, nature provides us with an innate “software” to ensure the proper functioning of our systems—respiratory, muscular, endocrine, nervous, and more. Additionally, we have the remarkable ability to reprogram this software to suit our needs. However, we often fail to utilize this ability, leading to malfunctions in our systems.

From childhood, we are influenced by numerous factors that create stories in our memories. These memories form at different levels of consciousness—conscious, subconscious, and unconscious—each with its own voice. When our emotions become overwhelming, such as feeling sad for a particular reason, it is not the sadness itself that is problematic, but our inability to control and recognize it. Unchecked emotions can create negative stories, destabilizing our systems and leading to an unhealthy lifestyle.

Pranayama, or breath control exercises, can help us recognize and correct these malfunctions. By practicing Pranayama, we can erase errors in our “software” and return to a stable, original state. Eventually, you will learn how to create your own personalized “software,” a deeply individual journey.

Before embarking on this journey, we need to achieve Sthiram (stability) to understand and correct our malfunctions. This requires Sankalpa (intention), Sadhana (practice), and Sthiram (stability).

Meditation

Meditation is a deeply personal journey for each individual and cannot be generalized.

Why Should We Meditate?

Meditation is the process of moving from a stable position to a thoughtless journey.

How to Meditate:

1. Sit in a stable position.

2. Close your eyes.

3. Normalize your breath.

4. Get your body into a Sthiram position.

What Exactly Happens in Meditation?

Nothing will happen, and that is true. You might have heard different stories, but as we mentioned before, meditation is a very individual journey.

Is It Possible to Be Without Thoughts?

Thoughts can manufacture and manipulate our emotions, whether they are sad, happy, angry, or any other kind. When emotions overwhelm us, our natural systems can malfunction.

How to Reach a Thoughtless Stage?

To reach this stage, certain practices are necessary, primarily Pranayama. Pranayama practice helps you achieve a stable, Sthiram position. We should not control thoughts, nor should thoughts control us; instead, we must let them be free. From childhood, we are influenced by both positive and negative factors. When you close your eyes, you revisit these stories. These stories can originate from various sources like muscle memory, nervous memory, and respiratory memory, and are recreated in your imagination. These stories can create more stories and memories, which are stored in different “data packs.”

To concentrate, observe your breath—inhale and exhale. Simply close your eyes and listen to and observe your breathing. This is called the Sthiram position. You will experience your heartbeat and breathing. With practice, one day you will reach a stage where thoughts do not control you. Reaching a thoughtless stage mean you are not a human.

Pranayama Course Structure:

● Weeks 1-3: Structured, teacher-led sessions with guided instruction and regular

feedback.

● Week 4: Independent self-practice to internalize lessons, assess personal progress,

and deepen your understanding.

Detailed Structure of the Training:

Week 1: Identifying Malfunctions

During the first week of our Pranayama and Meditation course, we will focus on assessment

and self-awareness. This week is designed to help you understand your unique patterns and

prepare for your journey ahead.

Morning Practices:

● Assessment of Individual Factors:

• Evaluate food habits

• Explore childhood influences

• Identify natural limitations within your system

● Identification of Breathing Malfunctions:

• Assess for common issues such as:

  • Mouth breathing

  • Paradoxical breathing

  • Short, shallow breaths

  • Round shoulders

  • Forward head posture

● Practice Structure:

• Extensive observations and experiments related to your breathing patterns

• Basic breathing techniques to establish a solid foundation

• Introduction to the concept and philosophy of Pranayama, as outlined in key

  texts such as the Hatha Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita, and

  Patanjali's Yoga Sutras to deepen your understanding

● Kriya Practice:

• Participation in one Kriya to enhance your physical and mental connection

● Chanting:

• Mantra chanting to foster a sense of community and focus

Evening Session:

● A serene session of Yoga Nidra for deep relaxation and self-awareness.

This week is pivotal in setting the stage for your personal growth. You will gain valuable

insights into your habits and begin your journey toward improved breath awareness and

overall well-being.

Week 2: Sorting and Categorizing Inabilities

In the second week, we will work in phases to systematically address the issues identified in

Week 1. This week focuses on introducing specific Pranayama techniques and their

implications.

Morning Practices:

● Phase-Based Approach:

• Target and address individual issues identified during the assessment phase.

● Pranayama Techniques:

• Introduction of specific Pranayama techniques.

• Discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of each technique.

• Guidance on who should practice and who should refrain from specific

  techniques.

• Addition of one more Kriya to deepen the practice.

• Continuation of mantra chanting to reinforce focus and energy.

Evening Session:

● A calming session of Yoga Nidra to promote deep relaxation and internal exploration.\

Week 3: Focusing on Advantages and Disadvantages

Week 3 will blend the practices and learnings from Weeks 1 and 2. The focus will shift

toward understanding both the strengths and weaknesses of your system through the

techniques introduced so far.

Morning Practices:

● Combination of Week 1 and 2:

• Continue to refine practices from the previous weeks.

• Work on understanding personal strengths and areas for improvement using

  various techniques.

● New Additions:

• Introduction of one more Kriya to further deepen the practice.

• Ongoing mantra chanting to maintain focus and cultivate inner awareness.

  
  

Evening Session:

● A calming session of Yoga Nidra to promote deep relaxation and internal exploration.