Axis Yoga Trainings of Denver, Colorado - Yoga Teacher Training 200-Hour Program

Spring is the ideal time of year to give your body a powerful reset.

In addition to ridding yourself of toxins and finding new vitality, there are many researched health benefits of cleansing. And we are doing a cleanse in Denver this month if you’re so inclined!

Here are just a few:

  1. Increased energy
  2. Improved digestive
  3. Reduced inflammation, thereby reducing pain
  4. Reduced cholesterol and improved liver function
  5. Purging environmental toxins
  6. Lose weight

There are even more valuable benefit to doing a cleanse…  letting go of foods, and old ways of eating that don’t serve you. We all have the tendency to eat more from our emotions and habits than from the wisdom of our bellies. By taking away what we are use to, we are left to become more conscious of our unconscious habits.  Peal back stagnant assumptions and immerse yourself in mental clarity and freedom!

As a Naturopathic Dr. of 20 years and a dedicated yogini, I would like to look further at the relationship between cleansing and yoga practice.

The ancient yogis found that they could accelerate their growth and strengthen their character through the practice of “tapas” or austerity.  Tapas, is the creative friction that arises from the restraint of desire.  Tapas empowers us to shine more brightly!  By practicing restraint we can find new reserves of strength inside of ourselves and build the fire of spiritual growth.

Another yoga practice that relates directly to cleansing is “soucha” or purity.  Soucha is a principle that not only extends to our personal hygiene, but it also relates to the purity  of our speech, thoughts and diet.

When we do a cleanse we support the body in ‘cleaning house’, thereby increasing our sensitivity to what is best for our body, mind and spirit.  We grow more wise through cleansing and are more empowered to choose foods that will not compromise our system in the first place.

So next time you do a cleanse, or if you decide to join my upcoming cleanse at the end of March, know that you are not just cleansing your physical body, you are also strengthening your character and purifying your awareness.  Become more conscious of what you put into your body and experience more peace and freedom!

 

Yours in Health,

Dr. Brenna Hatami, ND
(Axis Yoga Teacher Trainer)
www.doctorbrenna.com
doctorbrenna@gmail.com

 

Spring Cleanse!

Join Axis’ very own Dr. Brenna Hatami, who draws on nearly 20 year of experience as a naturopathic Doctor, as she leads you step-by-step into three distinct phases of the cleanse that will nurture your body’s innate healing wisdom.

Date: 
Wednesdays, March 29, April 5 and April 12 | 6-7:30pm
Location: 3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs
Cost: $199 -Includes Supplements!
Register: Call or email Dr. Hatami | 303-320-1174 | Email

Axis Yoga Trainings of Denver, Colorado - Yoga Teacher Training 200-Hour Program

Yoga beyond poses consists of your breath

Most of us know yoga through the postures.  Perhaps we have even heard the Sanskrit word “prana” mentioned in class, though this is the exception to the rule.  Traditionally speaking, the pranic-force is fundamental to yoga practice (including the postures) and is as essential as sunlight is to a plant.

The word itself is commonly translated as “vital-force” or even “the breath”.  Prana is a much larger idea than that. A more literal translation of the word means “the first breath”.  It is the first, primal, all pervading, energizing force of the creation. The sun is imbued with prana, the plants and animals possess prana, the air is rich in prana.

The ancient yogis readily perceived this pranic energy and found ways to maximize its influence on our physical health, mental clarity and spiritual development.  Many of the techniques that are commonly used today, such as asana, pranayama and even meditation are build around pranic principles (whether we actively recognize it or not).

The very name sake of hatha yoga, the system of yoga that is the genesis of many modern poses, is in reference to the prana and its relationship to the mind. Through specific breathing techniques or prana-yama, we can affect specific states of mind; states of mind that are more conducive to deeper states of peace, joy and fulfillment.  Yoga practice uses the pranic force to affect powerful changes in our physical health and psyche.

We can also apply the principles of prana to our asana practice by simple becoming more deliberate about our breathing. Take time in your poses to recognize the quality of your breath, to make it smooth and purposeful.  The quality of your breath will powerfully shape the quality of your practice.

The more attentive you are to the quality of your breathing during asana practice the more powerful the effect will be.  By listening to the quality of our breathing we will know if we are applying ourself too much or not enough.    Classically speaking, the postures are thought to be an instrument to access the formulation of the breath, rather than being an end unto themselves.  Aim to have minimal hitches or rough spots in the breath.

I invite you to integrate these principles into your next asana, pranayama or meditation session.  Become more and more aware of the subtle power and influence of the pranic force within all of these practices.  Or better yet, learn about how to more skillfully apply pranic power to your poses this weekend at Axis’ monthly workshop!

Yours in the Spirit, Tradition and Service of Yoga,
Derik

 

Yoga & Prana Class March 19th

Perhaps we have heard the word “prana” mentioned in a yoga class in reference to the breath, but it is much more than that. What does it mean? How does it relate to yoga and how can it add exponential depth to one’s practice? Come find out the answer to these questions and more as we learn about this essential and often overlooked dimension of yoga practice.

Sunday, March 19th. 9:30-11:30
3250 E. Sixth Ave. UCC ~ Upstairs
Suggested Donation ($15-20)