Kapalabhati Breath: Translated as ‘Skull shining,’ kapalabhati breath is a forceful exhale that features the lower abdomen snapping back on the exhale to expel the air out of the lungs.  The inhalation is passive. The breath naturally is drawn into the lungs as a response to the quick release of the lower abdomen after having snapped it back.  The breath pattern is short and sharp when exhaling with a sharp thrust in the lower abdomen.  The face remains passive. Even when generating effort through invigorating breath, a second attention should consistently be paid to scanning the body for where and how we can relax more.

Ujai Breath: Translated as ’Upwardly victorious,’ Ujai pranayama is a technique that includes a slight closure to the glottis muscle (the same muscle we engage when we whisper); we contract that muscle just enough to produce an audible aspirant sound to the breath.  We then attune our awareness to follow and refine the flow of the breath.  Breath is slow and steady as we aim to create a smooth, deep, and easy rhythm.  The most advanced way to practice pranayama is with relaxed effort.  

This session offers a foundational practice that is applicable at any time of day. With each repetition of the practice, become more embodied, focused, and attuned to the relationship of breath, body, and mind. As layers of effort dissolve, pay close attention to the reality that the conditions have been set for profound insights and understanding to arise.

The real gift of these sessions is that they were recorded live on retreat with seventy practitioners in the room. The quality of the collective field is felt in the recordings. These are sacred practices practiced in a sacred setting, and we hope they serve you, your practice, and your life in the most meaningful way.