Back to Course
Module 2: Stage 1 - PRELIMINARY, Purification
Our bodies are VESSELS OF ENERGY. And yoga practice exists to manage the energy we contain: collect it, focus it, direct it. But before we are ready for energy (i.e. empowerment), we must ensure that our vessels are clean and capable of containing that power.
What's in this module:
- PRELIMINARY stage 1 of of Hatha Yoga: Purification techniques
- SHAT KARMAS (cleansing actions)
We explore PRELIMINARY Stage of Hatha Yoga: PURIFICATION & STRENGTHENING of Body (the Vessel) – in preparation for following stages of Moon (Mind), Sun (Prana), Fire (Expansion).
Part 1, PURIFICATION utilizes SHAT KARMAS (cleansing actions).
Here is an authentic video explaining them (in addition to practices in in this Module. I have omitted 3 of 6 techniques (for obvious reasons, as you will see LOL):
Part 2, STRENGTHENING focuses on structural integrity of our vessel (vital body) – introducing ECCENTRIC CONTRACTION technique in asana practices. Utilize Eccentric contraction from now on to keep our clay pot structurally sound: strong and supple.
Foundations of energy management are introduced :
Langhana / Brahmana / Samana.
Please refer to the living document, continuing to fill in each modality we learn into appropriate category table:
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1LJMtxc-z1VFYxvUgyVzIZVVEXEcuJYRgIWMyrBzyZEU/edit?usp=sharing
SELF-REFLECTION:
- Loss of capacity: where and what kind?
- What capacity do you need to increase?
- What capacity do you have excess of and could reduce?
HOMEWORK:
- Identify the leaks and stop them (bring them to Sangha call for help how)
- Increase retention capacity
Natasha Schaffer
Founder and Head Coach of Calm Accelerator, LLC and all of its programs, Holistic Health Coach, Ayurveda Wellness Counselor, ERYT500, Meditation Coach and Yoga Mentor
Read more about Natasha here
9 Lessons
-
Man=mind
tra=protect
Mantra protects the mind. Gayatri protects the mind by power of light. -
Relaxed Breath Training is meant to help your nervous system remember how to relax, because we are focusing on diaphragmatic breathing – stimulating Vagus nerve to communicate to the brain that all is well in the vital body (viscera), and we can relax… Perfect start to any practice
20:00 MINS -
This practice creates awareness around the core (of our body vessel), gently strengthening it, while maintaining its supple qualities: smooth, deep, even, relaxed (breath, of course). Great daily maintenance for any day.
15:00 MINS -
Kapalabhati removes impurities from lungs and sinuses, strengthens the diaphragm and entire core. It requires an upright sitting posture that is steady and comfortable. Try in the morning to clear up breathing pathways and skip the Claritin! Please observe precautions listed in video description
05:00 MINS -
Lecture and practice (at 40min mark). LANGHANA – shat karmas (purification actions) of Agnisara and Kapalabhati. Purifying and gently activating. Purification of Breath with SoHum mantra.
85:00 MINS -
Exhale krama: 1:2 breath ratio, basic patter necessary for purification – exhalation removes waste from the body and mind, therefore, it is considered LANGHANA (=reducing) aspect of breath.
06:00 MINS -
Thorough tutorial on one of 6 Shat Karmas in Hatha Yoga tradition - AGNISARA
36:00 MINS -
Another shat karma, according to Hatha Yoga Pradipika, “Trataka eradicates all eye diseases, fatigue, and sloth, and closes the doorway to creating these problems.” Although candle flame is most common method of practicing it, trataka can also be practiced gazing at the just rising or setting sun.
11:00 MINS -
Down-regulating practice: reducing excess mental and physical “fullness” through exhale krama, with lower abdominal twist for tonification to the colon to facilitate digestion and elimination. 45:00 MINS
