Prana Yoga is a blend of Hatha Yoga, Raja Yoga of Patanjali, Tantra / Chakra Yoga, Pranayama, Kundalini, Tai Chi / Ch'i-Kung and Buddhist meditation. Affordable Private and Semi-Private classes are available. Prana Yoga is an integrated practice emphasizing Strength, Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening.

What is Pranayoga? Pranayoga is an approach to the practice of Yoga which derives from the Raja Yoga of Patanjali in combination with Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Tantric and other wisdom teachings, principles and methods. It takes as its three fundamental bases the cultivation of Strength, Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening. These fundamentals are developed as a Yoga—a unity. The student of Pranayoga benefits from a complete practice which supports life and growth. Prana Prana is a Sanskrit word which refers to the fundamental and primary constituent element of Energy as Consciousness. In other traditions it is referred to as Chi, Kundalini, the Tao, the Great Spirit or the Holy Spirit. Prana encompasses and manifests as all of these. Quantum physicists are also beginning to recognize and work with the universal source energy of Prana. Pranayoga works with the Energy of Prana to cultivate, channel, direct and fuel the Self on every level. This approach to Yoga practice accelerates the development of Strength, Mindfulness and Spiritual Awakening. Strength Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual strength are equally valued and cultivated in Pranayoga. Each of these supports the others and the entire development of the student. This practice uses a core focusing approach which begins with and proceeds from an essential unity and centeredness. We assume the natural integrity of our being as the natural, basic condition. We start from wholeness. To accomplish this, we focus on the seat of the soul, the core of our being, Hridaya Chakra. Yoga Asana practice is the essential form of Pranayoga. The practitioner fills up the archetypal form of the Yoga posture with Energy, Mindfulness and Integrity. The techniques of Pranayoga practice work from the inside. Pranayoga builds a deep strength which emanates from the core on every level. At the physical level, it builds and shapes a strong, enduring and beautiful body. Pranayoga develops physical strength in conjunction with inner strength on the path of Spiritual Awakening. Yoga practice challenges the student mentally and emotionally as it does physically. A fully integrated practice becomes a source of strength for all aspects of life. Mindfulness Mindfulness is the practice of being present and in-the-moment. It is being at peace with the here and now. Pranayoga practices the Yoga postures and mudras as meditation. The Yoga is meditation. From the beginning of class until the end of class and thereafter, presence of mind is brought to the practice, filling up each moment and movement. It is both the basis for and a benefit of the Strength aspect. Pranayama is a key technique of Mindfulness. Mindful breathing as Ujayyi Breath draws in the Prana and channels it throughout the practice and serves as a flowing, moving focal point for meditative awareness. Spiritual Awakening All of the practices of Yoga exist merely to support the Yogi's ability to connect with Godness. Realization of the Self on a higher level is the purpose of Yoga. A beautiful, healthy, strong physical body supports this. A clear, present, untroubled mind supports this. Even the student who pretends to the attainment of physical or mental improvement alone will by the sheer nature of Yoga eventually, with time and consistent practice, become more spiritually aware of the Self and its relationship with Godness. Pranayoga practice addresses the subtle energy body underlying our physical, emotional and mental bodies. The Chakras are cleared and integrated as the student develops, leading to increased energy, mindful awareness, centeredness, focus and spiritual connection to Godness. In Pranayoga practice, physical strength, mindfulness and sprititual awareness are directed to and evoked from the core chakra, the seat of the soul, known as Hridaya or Hrit Padma. Working with and through this chakra is central and key to Pranayoga. It is here that we connect with the ground of being and the innate, natural integrity which is the true Self. Mudra, Mantra and Vibration are also integrated into the practice of Pranayoga. The sacred syllable OM (AUM) is a central energy in the practice. The use of Anjali mudra focuses prana and mind and brings Bhakti (Devotion) to the practice. Pranayoga is congruent with a student’s existing devotional practice; it can be a form of prayer to any chosen Deity or Higher Being: God, Yaweh, Buddha, Tara, Jesus, Krishna, Kali, Gaia. Your Practice Pranayoga is an open practice which responds to the specific conditions of the individual. Many practices are interwoven into and through Hatha Yoga; elements of Jnana (Wisdom), Bhakti (Devotion), Tantra (Chakra Energy, Emotions), Theraveda/Vispassana (Mindfulness), Pranayama (Breath) and more. Each individual student is given tools that can be used in myriad combination. Some of these tools may be more practicable for certain students and less so for others. The Pranayoga student will acquire access to these tools and utilize them to build an individual practice. Class time is merely the access point to training and knowledge. The real practice is the individual life. The practitioner learns to practice Youryoga, the path that is specific to the individual. Pranayoga teaches techniques to acknowledge, access and hear the true teacher, the Inner Self. Pranayoga is taught by Steven Vincent in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Valley Village. He can be contacted at www.Pranayoga-LA.com; Steven@Pranayoga-LA.com or 323-876-YOGA.

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Deer Park Monastery Escondido (San Diego County), CA. The Retreat is specifically themed for Young Adults (ages 16-35). This means that the topics and activities will be designed for that group. (However, any person of any age may participate. Generally during retreats at Deer Park, retreatants participate with the Sangha in its activites, which include Dharma Talks (lectures and discussions on Buddhist philosophy and practice), Meditation, Mindful Walks, Mindful Breathing and vegetarian meals prepared from organic produce grown at the Monastery, in addition to any special activites planned for the retreatants. You are invited to attend the Retreat and participate in a weekend Mindful Pranayoga Intensive. We will intensively develop the core Pranayoga practices within the energy of Deer Park and the Mindfulness teachings. It will be an invaluable opportunity to expand and deepen and integrate your practice. The entire weekend of Deer Park Retreat activites and Pranayoga will cost just $150.00. If you cannot attend the whole weekend, then $50.00 per day. Visit http://www.Pranayoga-LA.com/deerparkretreat.html for more information.