The Secret Life of Prana: A Beginner’s Guide to Energy in Yoga

Are you an Ashtanga yoga practitioner looking to deepen your knowledge of energy in yoga? Look no further! In this post, we’ll cover the basics of prana, prana vayus, nadis, and how they relate to Hatha yoga. Let’s get started! What is Prana? Prana is the life force energy that flows within us. Think of it as the gas that fuels your car. We extract prana from various sources, including food, light, and love. According to yoga teacher Gregor Maehle, although there is only one prana, it is in different locations, flows in different nadis, and has different functions. These various types of prana are called by different names.  Prana Vayus Prana vayus are the movements or functions of prana. There are five prana vayus,…

Layers of Being: Understanding the Koshas for Ashtanga Yoga Practitioners

Introduction: As Ashtanga yogis, we are familiar with the physical practice of yoga. We flow through the series, sweat, and challenge ourselves to new postures. But have you ever considered that there may be more to us than just our physical bodies? In this article, we will explore the koshas, the “layers” or “sheaths” that make up our being and how understanding them can deepen our practice and connection to ourselves. What are the Koshas? The koshas are a model described in the Vedic text, the Taittiriya Upanishad. There are five koshas, each representing a different aspect of our being. They are: These layers are not separate entities, but rather interrelated and interconnected parts of our whole being. Understanding and working with them can help…

The Chakras: Spinning Wheels of Life Force Energy

Attention all Ashtanga yogis! It’s time to dive into the world of chakras. Don’t know what they are? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to the spinning wheels of life force energy that are believed to be found in the subtle body. Get ready to become familiar with the philosophy, function, and symbolism of the chakras. Let’s begin! What are Chakras? Chakras, derived from the Sanskrit word meaning “wheel,” are spinning centers of life force energy found in the subtle body. They are believed to be a “spinning sphere of bioenergetic activity emanating from the major nerve ganglia branching from the spinal column,” according to Anodea Judith in her book, Eastern Body, Western Mind. While some…

Breathe in, Breathe out: Understanding Pranayama in Ashtanga Yoga

Introduction: Breathing is an integral part of our lives, but we often take it for granted. In Ashtanga yoga, we focus on the breath through the practice of pranayama. Pranayama is the fourth limb of the Eight Limbs of Yoga, and it’s all about breath practices. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at what pranayama is, its purpose, and how it can enhance your Ashtanga yoga practice. What is Pranayama? Pranayama is a Sanskrit word that means “life force extension,” and it refers to breath practices designed to enhance one’s life force energy or prana. Pranayama is presented as the fourth limb in the Eight Limbs of Yoga, and it’s all about controlling your breath to control your prana. By regulating the…

Flexibility and Stretching: The Hidden Secrets of Ashtanga Yoga

Ashtanga yoga is a dynamic and challenging practice that demands strength, flexibility and endurance. As Ashtanga practitioners, we are often obsessed with achieving the perfect posture, but sometimes we forget the importance of flexibility and the role it plays in our practice. In this article, we will delve into the complex world of anatomy and physiology, and explore the hidden secrets of flexibility and stretching in Ashtanga yoga. We will cover what limits flexibility, the benefits of stretching, and the different types of stretching techniques that can be used to improve flexibility. What is Flexibility and What Limits It? Flexibility refers to the ability to move (without pain or restriction) through a joint’s range of motion. It is specific to a particular joint or set…

What is Pranayama?

What is Pranayama?

What is Pranayama? Pranayama, or breath control, is an ancient practice that is a cornerstone of many forms of yoga. The practice of pranayama is said to improve overall health through deep, mindful breathing exercises and techniques. Through its ability to strengthen the connection between the mind and body, pranayama can be used to reduce stress and tension, increase focus, increase energy, and improve general wellbeing. Though it has been practiced for thousands of years, in recent times pranayama has become more popular and accessible to the public. In this blog post, we will explore what pranayama is and how individuals can benefit from its practice. 1. Pranayama is a yogic practice that involves controlling the breath If you’ve ever heard of pranayama and wanted…

What Is the Yoga of Synthesis?

What Is the Yoga of Synthesis?

If you’ve made it this far, you already know that yoga is an ancient practice that has been around for centuries and is beloved by many for its physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. But did you know that there is a special type of yoga that is even more advanced and powerful? It’s called the yoga of synthesis and it is a unique approach that combines a variety of yogic traditions to provide a holistic experience. In this blog post, we’ll take a look at what the yoga of synthesis is, as well as how it differs from other types of yoga. We’ll explore how this approach can help to bring peace, balance, and well-being into your life. Lastly, we’ll provide some tips on how…

https://yogateachercentral.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/meditation-nature-serene-peace-ocean-beach-shutterstock_249383920.jpg

What is Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga?

Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is a powerful practice that has been gaining in popularity in the yoga world for many years now. Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga is a dynamic, flowing and meditative practice that cultivates strength, flexibility and concentration. In fact, it is an excellent way to build strength and increase flexibility, while also calming the mind and the body.  In this blog post, we will take a look at the basics of Mysore Style Ashtanga Yoga, to help you get a better understanding of what this type of practice entails. We’ll also explore how it differs from other types of yoga, and how it can be beneficial to anyone looking to improve their physical and mental health. So, without further ado, let’s dive into…