Workshops
Exploring conscious breathwork & Pranayama
Location: Brunswick church, Brunswick place, Newcastle, NE1 7BJ
Date: Saturday 2nd July
Time: 9.45-12.30 with a short break
Cost: £25.00 – payable via bacs
Max 10 people – contact to book (9 places left)
Please bring a mat and block or cushion for sitting
Pranayama has a long history in the practice of Yoga and there are many quotes in old Yoga texts. It is the bridge from the physical aspects of Yoga such as Asana to the inward practices of Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) and Meditation. Posture work prepares the body and mind cultivating a sense of ease and quietness over time so that sitting without movement can be achieved for Pranayama.
Pranayama is the expansion of energy in the body via the breath and is a powerful but very subtle practice, however practicing the classical techniques without preparation can sometimes become tedious so the aim of it is never appreciated. If the Lungs and mind are developed at a deeper level first through basic but effective techniques over a period of time then it becomes much easier and enjoyable. Even basic techniques can greatly influence overall well being, the immune system and a sense of ease in everyday life.
The session will varied covering practices lying, sitting and some standing. Some of the areas covered are:
Simple Asana’s as preparation for sitting so a fuller appreciation of the breath can be felt.
Creating a comfortable seat.
Develop awareness of various sections and sub sections of the lungs.
Breath practices and techniques for development of conscious breathing and increasing Lung capacity.
Integration of Bandha’s into the practice.
Covering most of the classical Pranayama’s.
The workshop is open to those with previous experience and be comfortable sitting.
Creative flow Pranayama with Philip Xerri
Location: Via Zoom
Date: Saturday 8th October (rescheduled from 29th Jan)
Time: 10.00 to 1.00
Cost: £35.00
This is a ‘new’ concept in the practice and/or teaching of Pranayama which is similar to the original concept of ‘vinyasa flow’ i.e. a practice that moves gradually towards a peak practice, and then an ‘easing down’ towards the end.
On this workshop we will look at ways of doing this, firstly taking just one Pranayama and moving progressively through its various stages towards the full practice and then moving into a more meditative state focused on the ‘intention’ of the Pranayama, I call this sequential flow Pranayama.
Secondly, focusing on just one Pranayama but performing it through various techniques. There is a general flow towards a full practice but there is a more ‘rounded’ feel to the process, I call this way Themed Pranayama.
We will look at combining Pranayama’s whose energies resonate with each other and can be practiced together in order to amplify the effects. Also ‘adding’ something new to a Pranayama that uses the energy generated by the practice but in a different way to that intended – Creative Pranayama.
About Philip
Philip has been practicing, teaching and studying Pranayama for over 30 years, an extremely committed teacher whose style is both entertaining and empowering. His aim has always been to give the process of Pranayama a coherent structure without losing any of its inherent power and poignancy. He sees Pranayama as the energetic and contemplative heart of Yoga practice, the crucial stepping stone towards a richer and more meaningful inner journey. To find out more about Philip please visit his site at yogaquests.
Autumn Yoga retreat at Samye Ling
Location: Purelands retreat centre, Kagyu Samye Ling, Eskdalemuir, Langholm, DG13 OQL map
Dates: A new date for 2022 will be set in due course
Cost: £220 which includes your own room, all Yoga sessions and delicious vegetarian meals. Any cancellation within 3 days of the retreat there is only a 50% refund, please contact to book.
Please bring your own Yoga mat. – This retreat is currently on hold.
Come and enjoy a weekend of Yoga at the Purelands retreat centre set within the grounds of Samey Ling, the first Tibetan centre to be set up in the west in 1967. The weekend will be an opportunity to detach from the routine of everyday life, enjoy great food, company and absorb yourself in the joy of Yoga practice. There will be some free time Saturday afternoon to go for a relaxing walk by the river or around the grounds, chill in the Tibetan tea rooms, browse around the shop or simply sit quietly in one of the main shrine rooms.
Arrival time is for 6.00 on the Friday with a light evening practice/meditation followed by three sessions on Saturday comprising of morning, late afternoon and evening meditation practice. On Sunday there is morning and afternoon practice and retreat ends around 3.00. The retreat centre is a very peaceful environment to support your practice and the practice room over looks the countryside and has under floor heating. The weekend is suitable to those with previous experience and is an opportunity to go deeper and we explore a wider range of practices including Asana, Pranayama, meditation and more.
Get in touch
For information on classes and workshops, or to book, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
