Yoga

A Vast and Ancient System of Healing – And a Way of Life

The teachings of Yoga are vast. This ancient tradition came to me at a time when I was desperate for anything to improve my own health two decades ago. What started as a predominantly physical practice in a corporate yoga studio quickly became a way of life. I learned about breathing (Pranayama) and Tantric Meditation Practices. For about 7 years to follow I lived and breathed Yoga with great intensity, and it has subsequently informed all aspects of my being, including the healing sessions I offer.

I will touch on some of the principles I have found most useful in life. 

One of the most universal teachings is the eternal dance of consciousness and energy, of the masculine and feminine aspects of all creation, from the stars in the universe to our human experience within and in the world. These principles are not too different from how the Q’ero shaman perceive creation. – In fact there are people stating these traditions originated from the same source.

If we meet this ancient wisdom tradition with openness, it can offer us the right amount of discipline and practice to create stability and energy required for healing processes to complete and integrate.

Recognition of all 5 Layers of the Body

Similar to the Shamanic Traditions, Yoga acknowledges that we are much vaster than just a physical and physiological body. It recognises that the body consists of 5 layers reaching from the physical body all the way to the bliss body (which the shamans would call the luminous energy field or LEF)

Pranayama – More than just “Breathwork”

On a physical level Pranayama teaches us how to breathe to achieve optimal intake of oxygen, boost brain function and positively influence nervous system states.

Prana = Vital Life Energy (I prefer energy over force). As such, Pranayama is the bridge between the physical body and the more subtle layers of our body as well as the Luminous Energy Field in which we work in the healing sessions on offer. Our breath is deeply linked to all life experiences and to breathe well will have a profound impact on our quality of life. 

While we use the breath a lot in shamanic healing sessions, to fully engage in a pranayama practice will require proper guidance which I can provide as a fully trained yoga teacher.

The principles of a regular practice –  practice and surrender

The yogic idea behind a regular practice (Sadhana) is to do the same set of practices, at the same time of day, in the same place for a set period of time. This is used as a reference point to get to know oneself better and to create a certain amount of discipline. Professional athletes use these principles to train their muscles and strengthen their physiology to face the extreme conditions of their craft. Similar to an athlete creating muscle memory, as yogis and shamans we train our mind-body memory in a way that we can allow the energy and consciousness required for greater healing and transformation to come forth. It is intention in action.

To do a 5 minute practice for 21 days will have a greater impact than doing a 60 minute practice every two weeks.

The idea of practice and surrender helps us to show up everyday with a beginners mind, endeavouring to fully hand over the outcome of our practice to the divine, to spirit. While we set our intention and follow through, we refrain from trying to force a positive outcome. By getting out of the way, our highest potential can unfold.

Yoga Nidra and Sankalpa – Sowing the Seed

Yoga Nidra is a deep relaxation practice for body, mind and spirit, as much as it is a tantric meditation. It is a complete practice in itself. It is a well structured yet intuitively led practice that will help an individual systematically relax the body and mind, as well as release emotional tension and deep energetic imprints.

One of the essential aspects of Yoga Nidra is the Sankalpa (meaning resolve or intention). Yoga Nidra takes us deep into our subconscious and unconscious mind, and Sankalpa is the way of sowing a seed for new habits or greater awareness and the nurturing it with the process of Yoga Nidra, anchoring it deep into the unconscious. Sankalpa is a short positive intention or resolve that is best used in order to bring about our highest potential beyond the material life.

In my personal experience Yoga Nidra has been helpful in resetting the nervous system and overcoming tiredness when sleep has been disturbed. 30 minutes of Yoga Nidra can make up for a few hours of deep sleep. As such it can be very healing to those who suffer from irregular sleeping patterns or sleeplessness which often coincides with mental restlessness. In some cases I may suggest this as a daily practice to clients. Talk to me if this has sparked your interest.