Mindfulness & Wellness Workshop – Santa Barbara

*A delicious Ayurvedic lunch (gluten-free and vegetarian) is included in the registration fee and will be served during a 1.5 hour lunch break in the adjoining park.

Join us for a life-enriching opportunity to learn esoteric Himalayan secrets on vitality, rejuvenation and mindful living. The morning session on mindfulness will begin with a traditional samāpatti practice of prānāyāma breathing techniques, directly from the Patanjali Yogasutra. Participants will also listen and meditate on two specific frequencies of Oṃ – 432Hz and the calming 528Hz, supplemented with singing meditation bowls. Sanskrit peace chants typically invoke the entire range of A to C-sharp and the soothing effect of 528Hz is the hallmark of the more meditative sublime recitations. When repetitive Oṃ sound is synchronized with the flow of prāna as per specific energization techniques, the chanting frequencies from 432Hz and above have been known to increase oxygenation. The morning session will conclude with Himalayan prānāyāma techniques based on the ujjāyi breathing method, otherwise known as the “breath of victory”.

The afternoon session focuses on wellness routines that support spiritual growth, emotional wellbeing and physical fitness. Traditional ‘how-to-live’ guidelines from the classical Sanskrit texts of Ayurveda and Atharvaveda will be presented. Some of the topics covered will include: understanding your body constitution and associated food recommendations, an Ayurvedic angle on high prāna juicing, introduction to soli-lunar diet, and heirloom & high prāna food guidelines.

A selection of topics to be covered in the workshop:

• Himalayan prānāyāma techniques
• Synchronised Om chanting udgitha
• Spinal yoga-vinyāsa parvatāsana
• Cleansing energy channels nādi-shuddhi
• Increasing internal sound soma-sāra
• Balancing digestive fire agni-sāra
• Rejuvenating brain alertness murchhā
• Harnessing the vital energy kundalini

Prior experience with ujjāyi breathing is very helpful, however, this internal breathing technique will also be briefly reviewed during the morning session. If you are unfamiliar with ujjāyi, we strongly urge you to learn this breathing technique ahead of the workshop by watching a three-part video series on our multimedia website.The videos are typically available as part of our subscription content or to rent/buy, however, they are now available free of cost through the end of April. To watch the video series click here and scroll down to see the three individual videos – click on the first video to begin playing.

The supplementary workshop course material, Lifeforce + Lifestyle – Workbook, will be available at the workshop for a 20% discount. This 200-page workbook is a manual that inspires seekers to lead a balanced lifestyle by restoring wellness and enhancing vitality. Wisdom teachings are presented herein to illustrate the flow of life energy – integrating breathwork, drinkables and edibles that end with wholesome recipes – a must-read for anyone interested in Ayurveda, mindfulness, yoga and meditation.

Please note that some of the breathing techniques taught in this workshop are not suitable for those with hypertension (high blood pressure) or persistent migraine headaches. If you have either of these conditions please consult with your personal physician before planning to attend. During the workshop prānāyāma techniques which are not appropriate for those with hypertension will be noted by the Teacher so that you may abstain from practicing them. Children under the age of 18 years may be allowed to attend if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Attendance by those under the age of 18 must be pre-approved. Please write to us to inquire.