Pranayama, the practice of ancient yogic breathing techniques, consciously controls the flow of breath, and thus enhances the flow of energy in the body. A regular, balanced pranayama practice increases prana (life energy, or ki” or “chi”), thereby inviting greater mental clarity, heightened healing potential and deeper self- understanding. Pranayama, like other yogic practices, is about being more fully alive and well, and is especially helpful in the preparation for meditation.

Prana, (or ki” or “chi”), refers to a basic, universal, all-pervading life-force Energy long recognized by Eastern thought, which is now being more fully appreciated and studied by Western science. Yoga practitioners over the centuries have found that by practicing Pranayama, or Yogic Breathing, we can access, link to, (yoke to, i.e. “yoga”) this Energy, and harness and utilize its power. Known as the fourth limb of Ashtanga Yoga, it is the gateway to the stilling of agitated prana or energy. When the prana is stilled through pranayama, then your perception will slip into a state that is beyond prana – beyond energy. Such a meditative stillness is known as Spirit. Spirit is beyond all energy and form.

This 1.5-hour/ 4 days Course Intensive, during a 4 weeks period, will provide you with practical, step-by-step explanations about, and practice of basic Yogic Breathing techniques including the major Pranayamas and preparations: Uddiyana Bandha, Agni Sar Kriya, Nauli, Kapalabhati, and Anuloma Viloma which you can integrate into your current yoga practice. For optimum benefit, we recommend that you attend all the sessions.

Beginners will get a solid introduction. Intermediates will get concrete, helpful hints that will greatly improve their practice. No yoga experience necessary. Note: you may sit on a chair, yoga cushion or yoga mat for the practice.

In this course, you will:
• learn and practice various pranayama techniques, mudras and kriyas including: Uddiyana Bandha, Agni Sar Kriya, Nauli, Kapalabhati, and Anuloma Viloma
• learn how to engage the bandhas in your pranayama practice.

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COURSE FEE:  75euros for 4 days Intensive, 1.5 hours/session

About Bela Lipa

Bela has been teaching Yoga since 1996. Born in the Philippines, and raised in San Francisco, California, Bela was introduced to Yoga, Vedanta and Buddhist practices throughout her childhood by her mother. She practiced Sivananda Yoga for 10years and tried other styles in between until she found Ashtanga Yoga, which transformed her life. In 2004, she started going to Mysore to study with Shri K. Pattabhi Jois and his grandson Sharath Rangaswamy Jois and was Authorized to teach by Sharath R. Jois.  Bela is dedicated to Ashtanga Yoga’s traditional style and follows the firm belief that the method is actually the „teacher“ and the best teacher is one who inspires students to practice.

Bela also has an E-RYT 500 Yoga Alliance Certification although is not registered with YA. Her studies in the Ashtanga tradition includes 200hour/300hour certification with Centered Yoga (2003/2004-05), under Paul Dallaghan, which included Pranayama training with Sri. O. P. Tiwari, from the Kaivalyadham Institute, and a 200hour certification with Stillpoint Yoga under John Scott and Lucy Crawford (2009-10). She has studied extensively in India, Nepal, and Thailand, with various teachers and attends workshops and yoga conferences annually, and continues to refine her practice with R. Sharath Jois at the KPJAYI in Mysore, South India.

Additional studies with other Ashtanga Certified and Authorized teachers in workshops, retreats, and other courses include: Manju Jois, David Swenson, Alex Medin, Prem Carlisi & Heather Radha Carlisi, Maty Ezraty, Clayton Horton, David Robson, David Garrigues, Gregor Maehle and Monica Gauci, and Paul Sanson.  From other schools of Yoga, Bela has attended workshops with Aadil Palkivala, David Life and Sharon Gannon, Dharma Mittra, Cle Souren, and Anna Forrest.

In the field of meditation, Bela studied Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhist Meditation, Kriya Yoga in the lineage of Paramahamsa Hariharananda Giri,  and Transcendental Meditation, maintaining however, Vipasanna Meditation in the tradition of S.N. Goenka as her primary practice. To complement her sitting practice, Bela also studied Yin Yoga with Sarah Powers, Paul and Suzie Grilley.

(before teaching yoga, Bela was a fashion designer, singer, actress, Taekwondo Black belt National Team Member, marathon runner, powerlifter, radio newscaster and dj, personal trainer and group exercise leader.)

When the breath wanders the mind also is unsteady.

But when the breath is calmed the mind too will be still,

and the yogi achieves long life.

Therefore, one should learn to control the breath.

~Svatmarama, Hatha Yoga Pradipika