Kumbhaka – the science of breath retention
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- September 2, 2010
- One Time Class
- Thursday 7pm
- with Blair Lewis, Instructor
- Suggested Donation: $20.00
Should we hold our breath? Ever?
The great sages and seers of yoga science say that there is a proper and precise method to use breath retention for perfection of one’s meditation. While there are many do’s and dont’s in this science, tonight we will explore them, explain them and learn what is useful to practice right now.
This class is for all students of meditation and the yogic sciences. However, it is also designed to prepare the sincere yoga student and meditation practitioner in the science and prerequisites for breath retention (kumbhaka). The Hatha Yoga Pradipika lists eight types of breath retention and The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali describes only four types. We will start with Patanjali’s guidance.
Your questions and your curiosity are most welcome!
Suggested Text:
Path of Fire and Light- advanced practices of yoga by Swami Rama
Science of Breath – a practical guide by Swami Rama, Rudolph Ballentine, MD and Alan Hymes, MD
“The advanced stages of pranayama involve retention of the breath, and one can harm himself irreparably if he attempts retention without guidance and without disciplining his diet, sleep and sex. Only a competent teacher can advise one to start practicing retention when he is ready… through such pranayama one achieves perfection in action, speech and thought.”
- Lectures on Yoga by Swami Rama
Satsang at The Mat Yoga Studio
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- 1st Sunday of the month (9/5); no class for month of September
- Ongoing Class
- 6:30 – 8:30 pm
- Instructor Blair Lewis
- By donation
- Location:
The Mat Yoga Studio
670 N. Coit Road Suite 2381
Richardson, TX 75080
972-497-YOGA (9642)
This will be a community gathering led by Blair Lewis. Come learn more about the yogic science of how to develop a personal philosophy and worldview. This foundational process is supported by lifestyle habits that you choose to awaken and nurture – including, diet, breathing, sleeping and meditation patterns.
Whether your role model is Nelson Mandela, Gandhi or Mother Teresa, you can learn to light the lamp of love in your heart without burning yourself or others. Please bring your questions and your curiosity and join us for an enjoyable and interesting evening!
Morning Meditation with the Sages
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- A Special Old Fashion Yoga Meditation Class
- Monday, Sept 6
- One Time Class
- 7:00 am – 8:15 am
- All are Welcome!
- Instructor: Pandit Blair Lewis
A gentle morning greeting to the mind with simple stretches, proper breathing and a time for meditation as taught by the sages and seers of yoga science. All traditions are welcome. Cushions and comfort items recommended.
Old Fashion Yoga is bringing back the comprehensive science of yoga that encourages and supports kindness, clarity and courage. Please join us for a delightful morning and experience the powerful benefits of group meditation.
Class size is limited to 24… because we only have 24 cups of chai waiting for you. Chai alone will make it worth the trip!
Yogic Relaxation – The Inward Journey Home
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- Monday, Sept 6
- One Time Class
- 9:00 am – 10:30 am
- All are Welcome!
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
It is time to come home, to yourself, to collect the scattered pieces of our lives and learn how to gain deep rest under the guidance of an expert holistic physician and yogini, Theresa Oswald, MD. She is Dallas’ newest holistic doctor and meditation teacher. Dr. Terri will teach both the philosophy and technique of profound relaxation while sharing the medical benefits of this life-changing skill.
Please come prepared to rest and renew your body, breath and mind. Pillows, mats and blankets are strongly encouraged.
Prana Dharana – Learning Pranayama as Medicine
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- Monday, Sept 6
- One Time Class
- 12:15 pm – 1:30 pm
- All are Welcome!
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
Come study with physician and yogini, Theresa Oswald, MD and learn the power and practices of yogic breathing. In this class you will learn a special tantric version of prana dharana as mentioned in the Yoga Sutras and used for systematic rejuvenation of the mind and body.
Dr. Terri is Dallas’ newest holistic doctor and meditation teacher, she will teach both the science and methodology of this powerful tantric technique. All traditions are welcome. Cushions and comfort items recommended.
Yogic Psychotherapy – the union between the mind and the conscience
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- Monday, Sept 6
- One Time Class
- 3:00 pm – 4:30 pm
- All are Welcome!
- Instructor: Anne Schanz, PhD
Using Yoga Psychology and the Philosophy of the Sages, you will activate a process of awakening that will cause you to become more and more conscious in your experience of life. You will learn to use simple inquiry techniques to identify and challenge the beliefs that are driving your negative reactions, feelings, patterns and situations.
Tantra Unveiled – enlivening the fire of transformation
by Blair Lewis • September 2, 2010
- Monday, Sept 6
- One Time Class
- 5:00 pm – 6:30 pm
- All are Welcome!
- Instructor: Pandit Blair Lewis
This evening we will explore the subtle points of tantra methods for self-transformation. When the beast within you can no longer be tamed nor suppressed, tantrics invite you to harness these disruptive forces in the mind with systematic techniques that keep you safe and vibrant. Pandit Lewis, a tantric student for over 35 years, will share with you living solutions and unveil the secrets of tantric wisdom for personal growth and global healing.
A free copy of the book, Touched by Fire, will be given to the first 24 registrants. Touched by Fire by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, PhD, the spiritual head of the Himalayan Institute, will help you continue your study.
Building the Pathways for Change: The Science of Neuroplasticity
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- CANCELED – 9/8
- One Time Class
- 7:00 – 8:30pm
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
Change Your Brain, Change Your Mind, Change Yourself.
Ancient wisdom tells us that with our thoughts we create the world. Science now has shown that we create new brain cells every day. Our brains can change in both structure and function in response to both stress events and personal guidance – you get to choose, does your brain follow you or does it follow the chaos of the day? Learn how the science of neuroplasticity facilitates changing unproductive or unhelpful behaviors and habits into powerful productive actions.
The Anatomy of Stretching
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- Wednesday, September 15
- One Time Class
- 7:00 – 8:30pm
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
Our bodies function best when they are flexible and move freely.
Knowledge of muscle anatomy enables simple stretches to become effective tools for muscle relaxation and stress reduction. Explore firsthand the benefits of prolonged deep stretching. We will develop an easy effective stretching program to target the main muscle groups that store the most tension. Come enjoy the science of stretching.
Samkhya Philosophy & Self Inquiry Class
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
Seeking Within
- Thursday, September 16
- 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm
- Instructor: Blair Lewis
- Tuition: $20 suggested donation
Look within, Seek within, Find within
The highest stage of consciousness is described by all traditions as the experience of unity, joy and spiritual absorption. While such words intrigue and fascinate, this evening we will discuss the facts and methodology that lead to such a transformative experience. The basis of happiness is fully explained in the ancient Samkhya philosophy and the vedantic methods of self-inquiry. Accelerate your meditative and contemplative practices with the clear skills and foundational information necessary for a systematic and successful journey within.
The Fundamentals of Integrative Pain Management
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- Wednesday, September 22
- One Time Class
- 7:00 – 8:30pm
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
Expand your options for fighting pain and inflammation. We will explore the plant-based nutrients (phytonutrients) as your best ally in managing pain. You will also learn the tremendous health benefits of exercise, stretching, rest, relaxation, stress management, massage and other evidence based therapies.
Exercise is Medicine
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- Wednesday, September 29
- One Time Class
- 7:00 – 8:30pm
- Instructor: Theresa Oswald, MD
If the health benefits of exercise came in a pill; it would be prescribed to every one in the country. The power of exercise cannot be underestimated. You can easily learn how to optimize your exercise program to get the most out of the time you spend exercising each day. Come and learn how to experience ‘total wellbeing’ from a strong, flexible and nourished body.
Fall Open House
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- October 2nd
- One time event
- 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
- Alive and Healthy Staff
- Join us for free 15 minute classes
Please joing us for our Fall Open House here at the Alive and Healthy Institute. From 10am – 2pm we will be holding a variety of 15 minute classes. For an expanded look at the topics listed below, please download this Fall Open House PDF
Topics will include:
Optimal Nutrition for Wellness
Integrative Medicine
Stress Relief
Homeopathic Medicine and Chronic Illness
Yoga-Creating Union Between Mind and Body
Introduction to Radical Self Acceptance and Thought Field Therapy
Switching On-Powerful 5 minute Techniques to Optimize Learning and Performance
Chair Massage
Breathe into Relaxation
Maps for Life-Whole Brain Mapping for Families
Targeted Nutrition for Pain Management
by Blair Lewis • September 1, 2010
- Wednesday October 13
- One time class
- 7:00 – 8:30 pm
- Teresa Oswald, MD
The foods that fight pain are known and easily available. Targeted nutrients and simple menus can supply safe solutions for pain management and this class will teach you how to re-discover how to use food as medicine.
You will learn how to get your diet on your side! Depending upon what you eat, you can than either resolve or promote pain and inflammation in your body.
We will explore the plant based nutrients (phytonutrients) as your best ally in managing pain. We will also discuss the pathway of action of herbal supplements for pain and inflammation.