Explorations Beyond Asana: Pranayama, Mantra and Dharana Immersion

The tradition of hatha yoga has so much more to offer the student than physical postures. Traditionally asana is essential only to create lightness and steadiness in the body so that the mind is focused and able to go deeper in the process of self inquiry. In this series we will begin to take our practices beyond the physicality of asana into deeper, more subtle and often more powerful work with specific breathing/ energy direction (pranayama), sacred sound (mantra), and concentration (dharana) techniques to bring one to a state of tranquility, contentment (santosha) and provide a more refined canvas to explore our innate wholeness. The weekend will break down tools you can take home in each practice to formulate your own self study AND will end with a comprehensive master class combining all techniques.

1.Directing Life Force: Pranayama
February 11
Time: 1:00-3:00

Pranayama techniques are ways of directing the energy within the system (often referred to as life force), most often by breathing in particular patterns, to calm, heal, rejuvenate, cleanse and revitalize the nervous and cardiovascular systems. This workshop offers both the theory and the practice of a solid, simple and profound pranayama foundation for all experience levels. Come learn how to direct the most basic unit of energy and learn a whole lot about yourself in the process. Open to all.

2. The Art and Practice of Sacred Sound: Mantra
February 11
Time: 4:00-6:00

Description: So what is that singing at the start and end of class and why exactly do we chant them? If you’ve asked this or other questions around the beautiful art of mantra this workshop is for you. Join Jennifer to learn the meaning of Sanskrit words, correct pronunciation, philosophy, tradition and personal application of traditional mantra as a pathway to deeper states of peace and inner harmony. Our time together will include both theory and practice and you will leave with the tools to begin a mantra practice of your own. Open to all levels.

3. Inner Reflection: Concentration and Meditation
February 12
Time: 1:00-3:00

Description: Dharana is a generalized term indicating a technique (what we often hear referred to as a meditation technique) that focuses the mind into deeper states of stillness and observation. It is the practice of Dharana that leads the practitioner to states of clarity, absorption (dhyana) and personal truth. Join Jennifer to explore multiple pathways to meditation and come away with a tool that resonates with you as a personal practice for self inquiry. Our time together will include both theory and practice  and you will leave with the tools to begin a meditation practice of your own. Open to all levels.

4:Master Class: Putting it all together
February 12
Time: 4:00-6:00

Description: A master class incorporating Asana, Pranayama, Mantra and Dharana techniques as a brilliantly interwoven tapestry of strength, steadiness, ease and self study. Must participate in at least 2 of the intensive workshops to attend.