Meditation and the Craft of Breath ENDED (Oct 19- Nov 28)

Series runs October 19- November 28, 2020

This 6-week series introduce participants to the craft of breath through a foundational breathing technique that prepares practitioners for a wide range of breathing modalities. This techniques does not involve any breath retention.

No prior experience in breathing practices required.

Below the 24/7 social media hype cycle, below our anxieties, below the story of our lives, there’s an oasis of self. It’s there waiting, we just have to practice accessing it. Breath is one proven path.

Breath exercises are a cornerstones in systems of healthy living and inner development. 

Yogis, Sufis, Buddhists, Christians, Jews, Taoists, and contemplative disciplines from all ages have emphasized the importance of the craft of breath in health, well-being, and improved physical, mental, and emotional functioning. 

Contemporary evidence-based research has begun to affirm the effects of conscious, controlled breathing on our physiology and psychology.  

However, for most of us, intentional breathing must be learned, and in that learning better sleep, reduced anxiety, lower blood-pressure, and overall enhanced resilience and wellbeing are a few of the potential outcomes.   

Because breathing exercises expand the lungs and stretch the intercostal muscles, they are most effective when learned slowly and with guidance.

There are many approaches to breathing that have been passed down through the millennia: dan tian hu xi, pranayama, tummo, and hosh dar dam are among the many. 

In this 6-week series, we will methodically build toward a foundational alternate nostril breathing practice as taught by Yogis and Sufis.

Traditional and scientific insights and perspectives will woven throughout each week.

• Week 1 : The Full Breath 

• Week 2: Left and Right Breathing Channels  

• Week 3: Alternating Channels

• Week 4: Nose and Mouth Sequence

• Week 5: Mouth Sequence

• Week 6: The Full Sequence

Series Details

• 6 days a week (Mon-Sat), live 30min guided sessions at 8a PST 

• Each 30min session will have a breathing practice component and some guided meditation

• Starting at 8:30a PT, 10 to 15mins will open for questions

• Saturdays will use different class formats designed to explore the experience of the exercises

• Sundays are intended to practice on one’s own 

• All sessions are live and take place on Zoom (Links will be sent after registration)

• All sessions are recorded and available for download within 8 hrs of the live session

• All sessions will be led by Jacob (see background here)

Additional Elements

• Written Weekly Summaries

• Short Weekly Readings

• One 20 min personal guidance session per attendee (optional)

There is much to be learned in the art and science of breath, and cultivating a firm foundation will benefit future breathing and meditation practices.

In order to accommodate our different economic conditions, there are several payment options. Please pick the one that most suits your current capacity. You will be charged weekly for six weeks.

Need support? Scholarships available.

Can offer support? Just pick a scholarship option below.