Kriya, Pranayama and Meditation: Focus on 2nd and 3rd Chakras

Meditation on the second energy center, swadisthana, is said to bring inspiration, and meditation on the third, manipura, is said to bring joy. When we blend the elements of fire and water evaporation is the result. On a pranic level this represents the evaporation of blockages, on a psychic level, of small-mindedness and fear. In their place, the power of enthusiasm enables inspired creation. In this practice we will activate the system to attune the mind to its more sublime nature.

All of existence underlies a rhythm.

From the movement of the solar systems and the galaxies, through the “sun-salutations” of the plants to our heartbeat and breath. Playfully we will dive deeper into this connection between macro- and microcosm with our breath – the rhythm for our movement in yoga-asana, as well as the possibility of total concentration and the clarity of a focused mind. Intuitively we’ll gain consciousness over our mostly conditioned patterns of behavior and the according effects. Only through that recognition we can detach from those patterns to experience the “now” originating in us as free and ever returning. This fluidity of movement will be encompassed with sweet, devotional live music that leads us beyond the relative intellect towards great simplicity and the direct participation in the original movement of the cosmos: breathe in – breathe out.

All twisted up

In this class we will explore Manipura chakra with Mitch and Alexandra. Manipura chakra is linked to the element of fire (Agni) and is the centre of ego and insecurities: this is what we are burning out when we’re twisting from the centre! This twisting class will help you to restore and retain the spine’s natural range of motion, giving you an instant energy lift awakening the fire within!

Locking and unlocking the root

A workshop and practice focused on the pelvic floor, its anatomy and its spiritual correlation.

Lori Zucker and Martyna Dharmina Febre will explore the anatomy of the pelvic floor, it’s spiritual correlation to the first and second chakra and translate it into a practice that can be pre- and post natal related, but is beneficial for all practitioners.

Ascending to the High Seat

Many of us struggle sitting with ourselves for any amount of time. In seated asanas, not only the body sits but also the mind joins in and sits with the body. By bringing our center of gravity closer to the earth, we feel more capable of observing the polarities being expressed from the seat of our unconscious (tendencies, emotions, karmas). The dialectical mind is allowed to rest as love & hate, likes & dislikes, attraction & aversion, are seen equally without being for or against. In this direct experience of the whole of ourselves, our connection to totality is revealed, from which compassion arises, empathy is born, and separation is overcome.

Twist and Burn

Focusing on the third chakra we are going to address everything that ignites our inner fire and strengthens the abdominal area. Though among the five elements, fire accounts for the smallest proportion in the composition of the human body, its influence is tremendous. It represents life.

Using twisting asanas we will get in touch with the vast energy around the navel centre. Manipura chakra is linked to our sense of transforming ideas into actions and food into energy, as well as our willpower and perseverance.

On a more subtle level, the manipura chakra is related to beings that we might have hurt. Using kriyas and meditation we will aim to harmonize these relationships and transform guilt and self-blame into true Self-confidence.

Assisted by Alexandra Colombo and Mitch Burnett