Restoratives and Pranayama

May 17, 2013 -- Restoratives and Pranayama

Pranayama is the fourth stage of yoga, according to Patanjali, the only stage that is specifically said to be begun only after mastery of previous stage (asana). As asana reveals itself in layers, so does pranayama, and we can take this to imply pranayama can be practiced at some level that reflects whatever level of mastery one has in asana. Restorative practice gives a receptive quality to asana practice, in general, that is needed for safe practice of pranayama. For this reason, restorative practice is transitional link between active asana and pranayama. This workshop highlights this transitional aspect, how the quality of receptivity needed in pranayama must replace the quality of agency characteristic of asana practice.