Pranayama is an ancient practice of yogic breathing techniques used to harness and regulate universal life force energy known as prana. It is an important practice under the umbrella of yoga, often integrated into asana (physical postures) practice as well as a preparatory step for meditation.

Pranayama is composed of two Sanskrit words; “Prana” meaning “universal life force energy,” and “Yama” meaning “regulation”. The breath harnesses prana, and pranayama can be understood as methods to extend and expand vital life force energy through deliberate breath control.

According to yoga, prana is the life energy that separates the living from the dead. The subtle life force energy,  flows through subtle energy channels called ‘nadis’ and energy centers called ‘chakras within the body.’

Our body needs prana for both our physical and subtle layers of existence. Without prana, our body cannot survive. It helps keep us alive. Yogis say that the entire universe is a manifestation of prana.

Pranayama exercises help to clear physical and emotional blocks or obstacles in the body so that the breath and prana (energy) can flow freely.

Pranayama is more than just controlling your breath. It’s about increasing prana using your breath. These techniques typically involve breathing through the nostrils in a specific pattern of inhalation, breath retention, and exhalation.

When done correctly, pranayama brings harmony to the body, mind, and spirit. It makes you stronger physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Practicing pranayama techniques offers many benefits; 

• Calms the mind, reducing worries and anxieties
• Improves focus and attention, removing brain fog
• Increases energy, bringing enthusiasm and positivity
• Boosts the immune system
• Rejuvenates the body and mind
• It may even slow down the aging process
• Boosts creativity
• Improved lung function
• Helps with craving and withdrawal symptoms related to addiction

Meditation has been practiced for thousands of years and today Meditation is commonly used for relaxation and stress reduction.

Meditation is a process of training our mind to focus and redirect our thoughts, lifting our mood and enhancing our wellbeing. Meditation can wipe away the day’s stress, bringing with it inner peace and tranquillity. Leaving us better able to cope with day-to-day life.

Meditation is considered a type of mind-body complementary medicine. Meditation can produce a tranquil mind and deep state of relaxation.

During meditation, we focus our attention and eliminate the stream of jumbled thoughts that may be crowding our minds and causing us stress. This process may result in enhanced physical and emotional well-being.

We can use meditation to increase awareness of ourselves and our surroundings. Meditation is a way to reduce stress and develop clearer concentration and bring that inner peace back into our lives.

The practice of a meditation can help to develop other beneficial habits and feelings, such as a positive mood and outlook, self-discipline, healthy sleep patterns, and even increased pain tolerance.

We offer a variety of meditation types to suit the event. Options can be discussed prior.

Benefits of meditation
Meditation can give you a sense of calm, peace and balance that can benefit both your emotional well-being and your overall health. You can also use it to relax and cope with stress by refocusing your attention on something calming. Meditation can help you learn to stay centred and keep inner peace.
And these benefits don’t end when your meditation session ends. Meditation can help carry you more calmly through your day.

When we have space within the mind, we get more clarity of thought, clarity with decision making which brings more peace into our whole being.