Breathe the living breath of life! Experience an up close and hands on workshop on Himalayan siddha breathing techniques to learn correct ujjāyī breathing utilizing the myofascial psoas, a deep-seated band of muscle that connects the diaphragm, spine and pelvis (as shown in the photo illustration).
Practice prāṇāyāma by activating the psoas that allows for a three-dimensional cylindrical breathing. The breath can then be controlled by breathing from the core, and prolonged using the ujjāyī method of prāṇāyāma. This thoraco-pelvic breathing allows one to feel the breath down to the pelvic floor. The diaphragm is properly utilized thereby releasing tension from the sternum. This foundational breathwork is needed to fulfil the intended goal of guiding prāṇa in spinal breathing techniques.
A practitioner of this prāṇāyāma technique takes a stepwise approach: (1) Activating the psoas during breathing, (2) Feeling the breath down to the pelvis, (3) Controlling the thoraco-pelvic breath from the core (five fingers below the belly-button), (4) making the breath deeper and prolonged by using the ujjāyī method, (5) Guiding the prāṇa upward along the centre of the spinal tube during inhalation, (6) Guiding the prāṇa downward along the back of the spinal tube during exhalation, and (7) integrating the parts for an experience of breath felt in the pelvis while the current of prāṇa moves in the spinal tube. Calmness is experienced during the breaths and during the pauses in between.
The gentle guided movement of the spine and the sternum brings about emotional release. Practice of this correct breathwork is highly conducive for meditation, vitality and wellness. A selection of the topics and techniques that will be covered includes:
– Correct ujjāyī breathing from the core
– Thoraco-pelvic psoas breathing
– 3D cylindrical deep breathing
– Breathing down to the pelvic floor
– Guiding prāṇa along the spinal tube
– Breathing synchronized with Oṃ chant
His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda is a yogi-monk who reveals to us rare prāṇāyāma and meditation techniques from the Himalayan siddha tradition. He hails from lineages of meditation adepts that are from a combined heritage of rishi sages and nath yogis.
Travel & Flights
For those coming from out of town, we recommend flying into either LAX or SBA. SBA is half an hour drive from our centre, whereas LAX is minimum 2 hour drive. Car rental may not be necessary, but could be helpful. Some rides will be provided by local Los Angeles and Santa Barbara area devotees.
Accommodations
Guests should book their own overnight accommodations at a nearby hotel, hostel or campsite. For more affordable options, we recommend Airbnb, which connects you with locals who have rooms or houses to rent out. Please visit airbnb.com to search for available rooms and houses. Or, click here for a list of other accommodation options. If you would like to stay in a hotel or Airbnb room with others, we would be happy to connect you with other devotees interested in room shares. Please call our Santa Barbara office for assistance in connecting with roommates.
Registration & Donation
Your registration is not a donation to the Nonprofit, as it only covers the expense such as catered meal, rentals, recordings, etc. If you wish to make a charitable, tax-deductible donation to support this program and the Nonprofit’s curriculum, there will be an opportunity to do so during registration or in-person at the fellowship.
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CANCELLATION & REFUND POLICY
Registration Cancellation
In order to receive a refund, please notify Self Enquiry Life Fellowship’s main office either by email at [email protected] or by phone at 909-543-6003. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.
Registration Amount Refunds
Full refunds are available if your cancellation request is received at least 15 days prior to the workshop or retreat check-in date. A 75% refund of registration fees is available if your cancellation is received between 8 and 14 days prior to the retreat or workshop check-in date. Please check the description to see if your event has a special cancellation policy. No refunds or credits toward registration amount will be offered if you cancel within 7 days of the start date of the event, if you do not show up, or if you leave an event early for any reason.
Cancellation by the Organizer
Self Enquiry Life Fellowship reserves the right to cancel any event at any time. In the instance an event is cancelled, registrants will be notified and offered the option of receiving a refund or credit toward a future event. While Self Enquiry Life Fellowship never anticipates cancelling an event, due to unforeseeable circumstances some events may be canceled. Self Enquiry Life Fellowship does not refund travel related expenses, including airline tickets, in the case of event cancellation. Therefore Self Enquiry Life Fellowship advises all participants to refrain from purchasing non-refundable airline tickets.
