PRANAYAMA: ESSENTIAL YOGA BREATHING
An Online Course with Michael Stone

Learn the physical, psychological and therapeutic benefits of pranayama practice. This course is designed to be an experiential and in-depth study appropriate for intermediate students. In it you will learn:

• How to develop a daily practice
• How to refine therapeutic breathing practices
• How to work with hindrances that arise in pranayama practice
• How to use pranayama to stabilize emotions and distractedness
• Details of anatomy and esoteric physiology that help bring basic breathing patterns to life

We will cover the following pranayama practices: Ujayyi Pranayama, Bandhas, Viloma Pranayama,  Kevala Kumbhaka, Sama Vrtti, Vishama Vrtii, Nadi Shodhana, Tadaka Mudra, Savasana and Kapalabhati.

This seven-week home immersion is a powerful and transformative curriculum of breathing practices that lead to meditative insight, emotional stability, concentration and joy. Pranayama can also be used to regulate imbalances in the nervous system, immune system and the mind.

How it works:

• Each Monday you will receive a video (along with a transcript) that you can watch at your leisure. The video covers one or two techniques for each week.
• You will commit to a daily pranayama practice using the techniques covered in the videos.
• Each Thursday you will have the option of attending a live chat with Michael Stone to discuss what’s arising in your practice. Live chats will be recorded for those attendees unable to participate.
• You will also receive a glossary of terms.

START DATE:

MON, JUNE 17, 2013

Live chats are an optional component of the course and will be hosted by Michael Stone or a teaching assistant on Thursdays at 12pm (EST) on the following dates: June 20, 27, July 4, 11, 18, 25, Aug 1.

COST:

$300 plus HST

Shôken Michael Stone

Michael Stone is the director of Centre of Gravity, as well as a psychotherapist, Buddhist teacher, yoga teacher, author and activist, committed to the integration of traditional teachings with contemporary psychological and philosophical understanding. The components of his practice include yoga postures, breathing technique, meditation and textual study. Over the years, his goal has been to cultivate long-term relationships with people who want to deepen their understanding of yoga and Buddhist teachings and practice. He also maintains a dedicated workshop and retreat schedule in communities in Canada and abroad. Michael is a father and lives in Toronto with his partner Carina Lof, his newborn Olin, and his 9 year old son Arlyn. These days you can find him working on a documentary film called "Reactor," a new book of the same title, teaching, and also giving talks at conferences and in community.