Pranayama: The Air We Share

In yoga philosophy, the breath is synonymous with the body's life force, which takes the form of prana, the energy that flows through the universe. While we experience prana in the food we eat and the sunshine we absorb, we are constantly connected to this life force by the air that cycles through our body. Both literally and metaphorically, our breath powers our life and brings us together. Since every organism on the planet shares the same air, the breath that sustains us also unites us with every living creature on Earth. 

While asana practice comprises the third limb of yoga, as outlined in Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras, pranayama makes up the fourth. Derived from the sanskrit words prana, which means breath and life force, and ayama, which means extension, pranayama offers exercises in extending the reach of the breath. Pranayama uses conscious breathing to explore the spiritual and physiological connection between breath and prana. Its exercises are designed to boost the body's vital energy and project it into the world as an extension of the life force that all living things share.

Pranayama exercises are gentle and simple to practice. While they complement the asanas, they also offer an alternative way to find peace when the body is recovering from illness or injury.

Midweek Pranayama and Meditation

TogetherYoga's Wednesday night pranayama and meditation sessions are open to everyone and offer a chance to explore the mind-body connection that the breath forges both within and between the self and others. Sessions will open with pranayama exercises designed to focus the attention on the breath in preparation for a meditation practice that clears the mind and encourages the body to release any tension that has accumulated over time.

While pranayama and meditation are easy to understand and perfect for independent exploration, both can take time to develop into a regular practice. TogetherYoga's 90-minute Midweek Pranayama and Meditation sessions offer explanation, technique, guidance, discussion, and support. The workshops will begin with an introduction to an image, technique, or theme that the group will explore through pranayama exercises and a guided meditation. The evening will conclude with an open discussion of any questions and insights that arise from the experience.

Suggested donation for this session is $10 per person. No one will be turned away, but everyone is asked to consider the personal and communal value of the program in determining their contribution.