Pranayama: Principles and Practices An Online Series with Richard Miller, PhD
Dates: Wednesdays 4:00pm - 5:30pm PDT - November 6 - December 11 ( 6 Sessions)
Knowledge more secret than the science of breath, wealth more useful than the science of breath,
a friend truer than the science of breath, has never been seen or heard of. – Śivagama
When you really look for me, you will see me instantly. I am the breath inside the breath. – Kabir
Embark on a journey of self-discovery and wellness through the transformative practices of prāṇāyāma. This ancient discipline unlocks the inherent resilience of your body, mind, emotions, and energy, and serves as direct pointer to your underlying nondual essential nature that enables you to feel deeply connected within yourself, and intimately interconnected with all of life.
This comprehensive 9-hour immersive course explores the art and science of prāṇāyāma through a blend of live online talks, guided practices, and interactive Q&A sessions. Each session delves into the philosophical underpinnings, theoretical frameworks, structural insights, and energetic aspects of prāṇāyāma that provide you the opportunity for clarifying doubts and ensuring your deep understanding of prāṇāyāma's role in fostering health and healing and its use in yoga therapy applications and meditation.
The course is designed to empower you to cultivate a regular and informed prāṇāyāma practice, tailored to your unique needs and aspirations. By offering a blend of live sessions and self-paced at-home learning modules, it provides you with a flexible and sustainable approach to skill development and personal growth.
This course caters to a diverse audience, including students, yoga and meditation teachers, and healthcare professionals seeking to expand their knowledge and integrate prāṇāyāma into their personal and professional lives. Whether you're a novice or an experienced practitioner, you'll gain profound insights into the philosophy, anatomy, psycho-physiology, and neuroscience underlying prāṇāyāma.
The course focuses on six fundamental prāṇāyāma techniques designed to address various health needs and facilitate spiritual awakening. Armed with this knowledge, you'll be equipped to nurture your well-being and guide others on their journey towards wholeness and vitality.
Let the wisdom of prāṇāyāma illuminate your path to holistic wellness and self-realization.
The Course Consists of:
Six 1½ hour live online classes with Richard.
Each class includes live lecture, guided prāṇāyāma practices and Q&A session to help you build a successful and sustained personal practice of prāṇāyāma.
All sessions are recorded and available during the 6-session course.
The course includes a manual, handouts, readings, and suggestions for in between-session home practices.
*The course qualifies for 9 hours of Continuing Education for Yoga Alliance and the International Association of Yoga Therapy.
Topics Covered Include:
Yogic Philosophy of prāṇāyāma including the five vāyus and role of prāṇa and apāna
Laṅghana and bṛmhaṇa theory
Relevant sūtras related to prāṇāyāma and its use in meditation and awakening
Psycho-physiology of respiration and prāṇāyāma
Qualities of the breath and breathing inquiries
Preparatory cleansing practices of netī kriyā, agnī sāra, and naulī
The role of the glottis and ujjayi in breathing
The Four types of breath
The Three breathing Spaces and 3-Part Breathing
Coherence and Buteyko breathing regimens
Building and utilizing sama vṛtti (equal) and visāma vṛtti ratios (unequal) ratios
Use of antara (retention) and bahya kumbhāka (suspension) of the breath
The use of mūla, uddiyāna, jālandhara, and jiva bandha
Prāṇāyāma practices of mahat Kapālabhāti, bhastrika, ujjayi, nādi-shodhana, anuloma-viloma-pratiloma, ardha sharīra, and sūrya-chandra bhedana
Use of breathing and healing mūdra, including sharīra, prana nādi, merūdanda, prāṇa kriya, aswinī, vajrolī, krāma, kaka, and kecharī
Use of seed sounds (nāda) that accompany and support the practice of prāṇāyāma
The therapeutic use of breath for issues such as asthma, emphysema, blood pressure, pregnancy, etc.
Breath in meditation for stabilizing, grounding, and direct pointing to our nondual essential nature
Vijñāna Bhairav breath meditations
FAQs
I have respiratory issues. Can I still take this course?
Yes! Many types and practices of prāṇāyāmas can be safely adapted for use with a variety of respiratory issues. Contraindications for specific conditions are pointed out and discussed during the course. And there are ample opportunities to bring your concerns and questions forward during the live and online Q&A forums.
I'm not a teacher. Can I still take this course?
Yes! This course is designed for everyone: new and long-term students, yoga teachers and health professionals. The course is designed for all who are interested in developing a personal practice of conscious breathing and for those who wish to share conscious breathing with others.
Are homework and readings part of this course?
Yes! This course consists of 9 hours of live online lecture, practice, and Q&A sessions. A manual and between-session readings and practices are provided.
I have limited time during my week to practice. Can I still take this course?
Yes! This course is designed to help you develop a personal practice of prāṇāyāma. You will learn a variety of prāṇāyāma approaches that you can practice in as little as 1-5 minutes. For those wishing to attain maximum benefits, you will be encouraged to develop a regular 15-20-minute home practice.
I may need to miss a session due to a prior commitment. Can I still take this course?
Yes! This course meets Six Wednesday Meetings: 4:00pm-5:30pm, November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11. You will have full access to all the recordings during the course should you need time to review any of the content.
Date: Wednesdays November 6, 13, 20, 27, December 4, 11
Time: 4pm - 5:30pm PDT Please use this time converter if you need.
Cost: Early bird $145 / After Oct 1 $155.
Recording: the recording of each session will be sent automatically to you and will be available for 6 months after each session.
YogaKula Policy: No refund but you are welcome to give your ticket to a friend.
Richard Miller, PhD is a clinical psychologist, author, researcher, yogic scholar, and spiritual teacher who has devoted his life to integrating western psychology and neuroscience with the ancient nondual wisdom teachings of yoga, tantra, Advaita, Taoism, and Buddhism. Richard is the founder of iRest Institute, cofounder of the International Association of Yoga Therapists, and a founding member and past president of the Institute for Spirituality and Psychology. He is the author of iRest Meditation: Restorative Practices for Health, Resiliency, and Well-Being; Yoga Nidra: The iRest Meditative Practice for Deep Relaxation and Healing; and The iRest Program for Healing PTSD: A Proven-Effective Approach to Using Yoga Nidra Meditation and Deep Relaxation Techniques to Overcome Trauma.
Website irest.org
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