Where your attention goes, energy flows.
This common phrase has roots in the tradition of yoga. It’s mirrored in the Sanskrit phrase from the 13th century Vashista Samhita: Drishti Manaha Prana.
Drishti = vision, internal or external gaze
Manaha = focus, mind, attention
Prana = Vital life force, pranic intelligence
To put this phrase into practice, yogis use a technique known as Prana Dharana, a yogic concentration method which amplifies prana.
The flow of prana through the nadis (subtle energy channels) and marmas (vital energy points) can be enhanced through the practice of concentration. The following steps can be used during a yoga practice to increase the energetic benefits of each pose by waking up the innate intelligence of the body, thereby stimulating its self-regulating capacity.
First, choose a yoga pose that creates a stretch sensation in the area of a particular pathway or point in the body.
Next, breathe along or into that specific pathway or point.
When the mind is more calm and focused, attune your attention to more subtle sensations. What is there to be noticed? What is the most subtle sensation that can be noticed along that pathway or point location? By attuning our attention deeply to these energetic pathways and points, we wake up the body’s innate intelligence and capacity for moving toward homeostasis.
Here are two recorded practices which incorporate Prana Dharana (spoiler alert: we do prana dharana in ALL the practices; it'll feel familiar.):
Prana Dharana: 31 min. Vinyasa Flow (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/654640587/e5fc142c4c
Prana Dharana: 42 min. Gentle, Restorative, Yin sequence (suggested Spotify playlist is in the Vimeo description that you’ll see once you click the link.)
https://vimeo.com/654643970/4992bec726
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These recordings are offered for free. If you enjoy them and know someone else who would like them too, please forward this email :-)
If you’re able and would like to make a $1-$5 love offering/recording, many thanks!
Paypal = shalarain@gmail.com
Venmo = @Shala-Worsley
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We'll be practicing prana dharana throughout the Chakra & Marma workshop I'm offering virtually through the Asheville Yoga Center March 25-27, 2022. All are welcome; you don't need to be a yoga teacher or in the 300-hr training to participate. Please join me! To register: https://www.youryoga.com/events/
Love,
Shala
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