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Chapters (3)

"Contraction & Expansion"

Lauren Eckstrom · 0:41

In this practice

Key teachings

  • Understanding Prana Vayus (energy pathways)
  • Embodied connection between breath and movement (contraction and expansion)
  • Conscious utilization of energy

Ideal for

  • Practitioners interested in subtle body work and energy flow
  • Individuals seeking to deepen their power yoga practice
  • Those looking for structured yoga series progression

Lesson

Instructions

Get to know the five prana vayus with my new series "Life Force" streaming exclusively on Inner Dimension.

Life Force is a 28 day series of power yoga classes made up of five 30 minute classes and one 90 minute class taking you on an embodied journey through the Prana Vayus or pathways of energy.

In the subtle anatomy of yoga the Prana Vayus include Udana the upward flow of energy, Apana the downward flow of energy, Samana the inward flow of energy, Vyana the outward flow of energy, and Prana the circular flow of energy. Your series begins by focusing on one Prana Vayu at a time. Then the 6th class combines all five pathways of energy into one final strong 90 minute power yoga Prana Vayu masterclass.

In moving through this series over the course of 4 weeks, you will evolve an embodied understanding of the pathways of energy that inform all of life so that off the mat you are able to utilize your energy consciously and wisely.

Steps

  • Vinyasa flow linking breath to movement
  • Bird-dog variation (balancing on hands and knees with limb extension)
  • Core engagement through exhalation and contraction

Benefits

  • Improved body awareness and energetic understanding
  • Increased core strength and stability
  • Enhanced coordination and balance
  • Mindful energy management

Transcript

on an inhale lift your left leg straight back behind you and extend your right arm forward bicep nearby your ear pausing there sensing the limbs extending out away from each other so you're not trying to power over anything you're experiencing today you're using your breath to partner with yourself take an inhale reach it all out then exhale elbow to knee and you use the out breath to emphasize the contraction then inhale expand and spread the arm and the leg away exhale elbow to knee lift the navl to the spine inhale reach it all out get spacious then exhale as you hug in curl and tap

Practice summary

Level
intermediate
Duration
30 minutes
Equipment
yoga mat
Target areas
corebackshouldershipsfull body energetic pathways
Energy
balancing

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