Pranayama Yoga
Modern science shows us that practicing yoga has immense benefits in all aspects of health – physical, mental, social, and spiritual. But how does one apply that science to their life? Answer…via Dr. Bhopal!
Last weekend, I was given the opportunity to attend one of Dr. Jaswant Bhopal’s pranayama yoga & meditation classes. In 2 hours time he eloquently guided students through breathing techniques that heal and soothe both mind & body. I didn’t know what to expect going into it – the yoga I’ve done in past has been that of the mainstream variety – but I left a changed person. My eyes have been opened to yet another natural, non-invasive way to effectively promote health and practice mindfulness.
A bit about Dr. Bhopal…he’s an assistant clinical professor, physician, psychiatrist, spiritual preceptor, yogi, toastmaster and poet. Ya know, just yer average guy. For those of you who like to know why something works – for e.g., how exactly does this breathing exercise slow down the sympathetic nervous system – Dr. Bhopal can tell you. And he can tell you how adopting a ‘Prana-Life’ is comparable in effectiveness to prescription meds when dealing with mood disorders.
If I could go to Dr. Bhopal’s class every day I absolutely would, but because that’s not an option, my intent is to practice the breathing techniques and study the Prana-Life principles (see below).
If you are based in and/or around Vancouver BC, I highly recommend attending Dr. Bhopal’s next monthly class (it’s free by the way!). Check here for details.
BENEFITS OF PRANAYAMA
| Increases | Decreases |
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PRANA-LIFE PRINCIPLES
| Doing Good to Others: | Doing Good to Self |
| Non-violence ~ not harming other sentient (i.e. emotional) beings, including one’s self, and not harming the environment. Non-violence includes practicing tolerance and not speaking ill of others, even if based in truth.
Truthfulness ~ not deceiving or intending to deceive others or ourselves in our thoughts, words or actions. Non-stealing ~ only take something with permission. Sexual propriety ~ regarding others as human beings rather than as male or female bodies. Sexual activity, within a committed relationship, ensures the conservation of our energy for spiritual practice. Abstention from greed ~ not coveting that which is not ours, and avoiding the acquisition of unnecessary objects. |
Cleanliness ~ internal and external, such as moderation in diet. Cleanliness also implies avoiding the impurities of mismanaged anger and egoism.
Contentment ~ acceptance of the external situation that we have been allotted in life while not being complacent about injustice. Austerity ~ committing to our yoga and spiritual practice. Self-study ~ looking within one’s self, and contemplating and applying the spiritual scriptures of our chosen path. Surrender to a higher power ~ surrendering to God or a higher principle other than one’s limited self. It implies cultivating the senses of modesty and humility.
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Naturally yours.
Hawkins Holistic 