Pranayama & Meditation
starts Saturday 14 october 2023 at 09:00
Prana is often translated as "life force or energy" and Yama as "mastery or control of". With Pranayama, we can control, cultivate and modify the amount, quality and direction of life energy within us.
Pranyama is the fourth of the 8 limbs described by Patanjali in his Sutras. It is the limb that follows the asana practice.
This 1-hour class will therefore start with a gentle and short asana practice in order to lubricate the joints and open up the body to be able to stay in a seated posture for a longer time and in a more comfortable way…with ease and stability. We will then explore different breathing techniques gradually. The class will end with a short meditation and relaxation phase.
The Pranayama practice has a direct impact on our nervous system and helps us to balance the two brain hemispheres. It nourishes our physical body by oxygenating our cells, promoting healing and boosting our immune system. It reduces anxiety and improves our sleep. Simultaneously, it calms our minds, quieting the incessant chatter and allowing us to tap into a state of deep relaxation and peace. It is a rejuvenating process that has a profound effect on our body and mind.
Style: Pranayama - Yogic Breathing
Mindful breathing requires full presence and concentration. The traditional breathing practices purify the energy channels of the body called “nadis” and have a direct influence on our physical, emotional and mental state. "Prana" means life force, and "ayama" means extending, controlling and directing. As the breath and mind are intimately connected, one can render an agitated mind serene and joyful by focusing on long, deep and steady breathing with and without breath retention and by applying energy seals called mudras and energy locks called bandhas. The regular practise of Pranayama gives strength, good health, vigour and vitality. It improves concentration and helps the mind to focus deeply on the essence and joy of one's deepest nature. Go to the Pranayama - Yogic Breathing page.
Teacher: Nathalie Colavitti Blay
Nathalie became interested in yoga through a documentary of a young girl who explained with lucidity and breathtaking calm how yoga helped her recover from a severe childhood trauma. That spark brought Nathalie to Iyengar yoga classes in 2006 before moving on to vinyasa and thereafter Ashtanga vinyasa whose energizing and soothing practices fascinated her. She also included into her personal practice the shat kriyas - purification techniques that are highly effective for digestive problems, stress and insomnia.
In 2016, she graduated La Source’s 300-hour teacher training program. At the request of her colleagues, she gives yoga classes at work. At the same time, she continues her own practice and has attended workshops by senior Ashtanga teachers like Mark Darby, Danny Paradise, Gregor Maehle, Laruga Glaser, Kathy Cooper and Doug Keller.
She wishes to share the knowledge acquired and to continue to explore that vast world called yoga.
Go to Nathalie's page.
Location: Walferdange
Our Walferdange center on rue Josy Welter offers hatha yoga ("Sivananda Yoga"), yoga for lower back issues, hormone yoga for women, a Wednesday morning course for those 50+, and an Ashtanga Mysore course. Its warm, cozy setting provides an intimate and wonderful atmosphere and is the home center where La Source began. Go to the Walferdange page.