Newsletter July 2022
In this issue:
Viloma (staircase/interrpted) pranayama
In previous articles, I have talked about the concept of the four components of a breathing cycle - inhalation (pūraka), exhalation (rechaka), retention (called kumbhaka) after inhalation (antara-kumbhaka), and retention after exhalation (bāhya kumbhaka). In addition to these, breath retention can be introduced at any time during the process of inhalation or exhalation. One of the prāṇāyāma practices that involves such a breathing technique is called "viloma prāṇāyāma" or "staircase breathing" in English. In the viloma prāṇāyāma we interrupt the breathing cycle in steps of two seconds for a duration of two seconds each. For example, during inhalation we begin by inhaling for two seconds, then hold the breath for two seconds, again inhale for two seconds and continue in this manner until we reach the end of inhalation. Similarly, during exhalation we create these two second steps. Because of this step-wise progression of breathing, this technique is commonly translated as the "staircase breathing" in English.
I hope you will enjoy practicing with me using the video presentation.
Read more ...
Weekly ongoing classes
As many of you are aware, I teach weekly ongoing yoga classes as per the schedule given below. These classes are offered both online via Zoom as well as in-person at my home studio.
Schedule:
- Monday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Tuesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Wednesday: 6:30 - 8 PM (level 1)
- Saturday; 10:15 AM - 12:00 noon (level 1/2)
Instructor: Subhash Mittal
Registration: Fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online.
Access: In-person at my home studio, or online via zoom. Zoom access will be provided upon receipt of registration.
Schedule and Fee: Please visit my website here for the current schedule and available payment plans. If you are a new student, the fee for the first month is $40.
How to pay: check, Zelle (use subhashmittal@gmail.com), Venmo (use 9199269717) or paypal (go to bottom of page)
Upcoming Programs
14-day pranayama intensive, July 18-31, 2022
Padmasana (Lotus Pose)
I am pleased to announce the next Pranayama intensive. In this program, we will be practicing some of the main pranayama techniques given in our ancient yoga texts. I will also discuss the underlying concepts in the practice of pranayama and all the wonderful benefits that the practice can bring us.
You can join the program either online via zoom or in person at my home studio.
You can view/download the program flyer here. Feel free to share it with your own distribution lists.
No prior yoga (asana, pranayama or meditation) experience is required.
Progaram details:
- What: 14-day pranayama intensive
- When: Monday, July 18 - Sunday, July 31, 2022
- Time: 6:00 – 7:30 AM (US East Coast time, EST)
- In-person participation: At my home studio located at 206 Redwood Park Drive, Morrisville, NC 27560
- Zoom access: The link to access via zoom will be provided upon receipt of registration and payment.
- Fee:
- Instructor: Subhash Mittal
- Daily Routine: Light stretching (10-15 minutes), Pranayama practice (45 min), Relaxation (15 min), Yoga philosophy/meditation (15 min)
- Commitment: A firm commitment to follow this schedule and attend every day
- To register: fill out the registration form, providing information in all the fields, and submit it online
Please visit here for more details...
Samkhya Karika study group, 2nd and 4th Saturday
podcast channel
As you may be aware, I have been offering monthly workshops wherein I discuss various aspects of yoga philosophy. The main focus in these workshops is to discuss the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali in some depth. In addition, from time to time, I also discuss concepts from the Bhagavad Gita, Upanishads and other related ancient scriptures. In order to preserve these talks for future reference, I have been making an audio recording of these discussions and sharing them with the participants. These audio recordings are now available on the podcast channel on my blog. You are welcome to download these audio recordings for your use. In addition, you can listen to these podcasts as well as subscribe to them on itunes as well.
youtube channel
As you would have noticed from many of the recent posts on my blog, I have been adding short videos of many of the commonly practiced asana and pranayama sequences. I strongly urge you to subscribe to my youtube channel and visit the channel frequently to get instructions for your own asana and pranayama practices. Please share the link to the channel with your friends who might benefit from these detailed video instructions.
I would love to hear your feedback and, of course, would welcome suggestions for future videos that you would like to see on the channel.
Yoga in the News
How Yoga Helps Relieve Depression
Yoga has been shown to be an effective treatment for depression. A review of research found that yoga can help reduce symptoms of depression, including feelings of stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts. Yoga may also help to improve mood and increase well-being. The benefits of yoga appear to be due to the combination of physical activity and relaxation. Yoga helps increase heart rate and blood flow, improving mood and reducing stress. The relaxation component of yoga can also help decrease anxiety and enhance sleep quality. Yoga appears to be a promising treatment for depression, with few side effects.
Read more ...
How yoga and meditation can help you with divine healing of emotional traumas?
Many studies have shown how Yoga is beneficial, at times even more than medications in alleviating traumatic stress symptoms. After the subjects started practicing yoga, neuro-imaging of their brain showed a perceivable activation in the areas of the brain that are connected to self-awareness.
Read more ...
Yoga could aid Kidney Health says Nephrologist
A recent small, randomized study published in the International Journal of Yoga, showed benefits to patients with chronic kidney diseases. Patients who underwent a structured Yoga intervention for 6 months had a statistically significant reduction in systolic and diastolic blood pressure and significant improvements in the physical and psychological domain of QOL (quality of life) through Yoga.
Read more ...
International Yoga Day: What Sirsasana or headstand in Yoga teaches about business
Yoga is a consuming and liberating practice that helps you free yourself from the prison of your own mind. It unlocks your potential and helps you see the possibilities clearly.
Read more ...
Have a question/suggestion?
If you have a yoga-related question, please write to me and I would do my best to provide an answer in a timely manner. I would love to hear your suggestions for future newsletter articles.
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