Pranayama

The word ”pranayama” is often translated as ”expansion or elongation of life force” and it represents one of the main methods of classical hatha yoga. In this tradition of yoga, pranayama is maybe the most highly regarded tool to be used for creating a greater contact with the inner world and more subtle parts of us as human beings. Through regular pranayama we prepare the body and mind for further meditation practices.

For the yogi, practicing pranayama means working with a group of breathing and cleansing techniques that will enhance health and that also, according to yogic tradition, have a more subtle effect on the vital life force (known as prana) itself.

The work with the breath and specific breath related practices are possible to find in most spiritual traditions. Classical hatha yoga in particular has over hundreds, or even thousands of years gradually increased the understanding of the importance of the breath. This knowledge has been developed, through generations of practitioners but also more recently through scientific studies. For the experienced yogi it is almost treated as an art form.

To practice pranayama is to practice patience and to let things grow step by step over a long time. You are inviting the parasympathetic nervous system to calm the physical body down, to create space for observation of everything that is happening in the moment. You are also strengthening your breathing mechanism and keeping some of the most vital functions of the body healthy.

Pranayama Courses and Workshops

The pranayama community is growing steadily in the world and in Stockholm as well. Keeping up a regular practice is usually a challenge but can be supported by checking in with a teacher and meeting other fellow yogis with the same interest.

We would like to offer pranayama practitioners on all levels opportunities to meet for the deepening of their understanding of the breath and the Kaivalyadham method. Read more about where and when on the classes and courses page.

We are looking forward to seeing you at some point during the autumn and the spring.

Teachers

Sara Granström Powiecki

Sara began her professional journey as a classical musician, studying for 6 years at schools such as Malmö Music College and Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. She is now an “Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher” (ERYT) according to Yoga Alliance standards and a senior teacher at Samahita Retreat, one of the most successful yoga schools in Asia. She also writes and runs teacher training courses at Yogayama in Sweden. Her body awareness began with studying gymnastics and martial arts from a young age. Her deep and compassionate understanding of asana comes from many years of practising ashtanga vinyasa yoga and traditional hatha yoga, with teachers like Paul Dallaghan, Chuck Miller, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor. Sara is a long term student of Shri. O. P Tiwari and has through the method of classical pranayama developed her understanding of the importance of a balanced breath in both yoga practice and in life. In her classes she highlights the deep meaning of the inner attitude in practice, often using chanting, meditation and gratitude.

Guy Powiecki

Guy first encountered yoga in an academic setting, specialising in Indian religions and Buddhism, while studying for a theology degree at the university of Bristol. Now as a practitioner he sees the importance of practicing asana, pranayama and meditation techniques as mutually supporting forms for spiritual growth. Guy is a dedicated student of, classical pranayama master, Sri OP Tiwari and Paul Dallaghan. He has also studied regularly with Richard Freeman and a number of Buddhist teachers, from both Tibetan and Theravadan lineages. Guy’s knowledge of the breath has been broadened by his interest in free diving.

, design by Cecilia Wong