In module one we will take a look at “bottom up” neuro-messaging with postural alignments for increasing oxygen intake and sending calming messages to the brain and nervous system. We will explore a variety of breath practices to effectively maintain peaceful social- emotional equilibrium and healthy vagal tone. We will survey various yogic breath practices and the metaphysics of breath or prana derived from the origin myths of diverse cultures.

Module 2 will provide a review of the fascinating philosophy and practice of ‘pranayama’ (breath practice used for self-inquiry) from the yoga canon, and an experiential survey of Zen, Vipassana and Tibetan Buddhist teachings on breath awareness. Recap the basic principles of breathing for mindfulness and stress regulation, and practice to make meditation more accessible and enjoyable.

In module three we encounter the enlightening breath-centered methods described in sacred Tantric contemplative teachings. An introduction to the poets, seers and texts of Kashmiri Shaivism, such as the Shiva Sutras and Shree Vijnana Bhairava, yields a treasury of simple yet profound gestures of attention which draw the practitioner into the experiential contact with the infinite known as non-dual consciousness.

A deep dive into a specific text, the “Kularnava Tantra” which offers breath technique as the means to meditative non-dual awareness. We will look at a map of the “pranic sheath” and the breath-arising mantra, “Ham-Sah” (or So’ham) will be the centerpiece of this final module.