Breathe Easy
New Moon Yoga Offers Pranayama breathing workshop
By Eliot Sekular
New Moon Yoga, the non-profit co-op operated by the Lincoln City Cultural Center, will offer a special workshop in pranayama, the meditative, conscious breathing techniques that constitute the fourth limb of traditional yoga’s eight-limb system.
“An Introduction to the Practice of Pranayama with Casey J. Palmer,” will take place at the studio on Saturday, July 26.
Pranayama has been described as a series of techniques through which life force energy is stimulated, expanded and balanced through the systematic control of the breath. In yoga literature and tradition, pranayama shares equal importance with asana, the posture-based practice with which most westerners are familiar. Pranayama and asanas are considered equally essential preparations for meditation and the fulfillment of the yoga objective of creating harmony and balance throughout the body and mind.
The workshop will include basic instructions, a short, focused session of regulated breathing and a brief meditation. It is suitable for all levels of experience.
Palmer has been teaching yoga methods since 2002 at Near East Yoga, an ashtanga-focused school in Portland. Music, physics, psychology and astronomy are guiding elements in his 30-year study of eastern mysticism and dharma, with a goal to offer connection to the classic schools of yoga to the wider community. He has studied asana and pranayama in India with B.N.S. Iyengar and Krishna Pattabhi Jois and teaches a daily pranayama class, available to both in-person and online students.
In explaining the principles of pranayama, Palmer described the practice as an observation of how the contours of nature are reflected in our own bodies and our senses.
“The art of regulating the prana flow is found by ‘seeing’ how we are intrinsically listening all the time and how we can facilitate equanimity and poise through practice,” he said. “It’s breath awareness. The practice involves exploring the body sensations, just as we explore the world around us.”
Palmer’s workshop will be suitable for anyone with an interest in yoga or in any physical practice or exercise program and will offer an explanation of what a pranayama practice consists of and how it pertains to an overall yoga practice. Attendees will be presented with introductory instruction in such fundamental techniques as Nadi Shodhana, or alternate nostril breathing; “ujjayi,” or “victorious” breathing and the simple acts of consciously counted “puraka,” inhalation; “rechaka,” exhalation; and “kumbhaka,” breath retention.
Time will be allotted for questions and comments.
Participants are urged to refrain from eating solid food for two hours prior to the session.
New Moon Yoga currently offers classes daily in a variety of styles and levels, serving both beginners and experienced practitioners. The co-op, which has been operating as a non-profit for the past 11 years, is offering special summer pricing to teachers, students and all first-responders, who may purchase a ten-class pass at the half-price rate of $50. The promotion is in effect until August 31.
“An Introduction to the Practice of Pranayama with Casey J. Palmer,” will take place from 2 to 4 pm at the studio within the Cultural Center, located at 540 NE Hwy. 101 in Lincoln City. The fee is $25. For more information about New Moon Yoga and the Introduction to Pranayama workshop, go to lincolncity-culturalcenter.org or call 541-994-9994.