Sacred Breath: Day Retreat Recap & Photos
On July 25th, a group of humans spent 6 hours together, in a cabin, on a cloudy day, simply to be in presence with their Sacred Breath.
As the morning took off, we gathered around in a circle with coffee, tea, and some delicious aromatic Indian cookies,
We checked in with our breaths for a minute, analyzed the length of its cycles, and went over the yogic guidelines regarding "how to breathe".
A simple, organic concept that has layers and depths of wisdom.
The average person breathes 15 cycles within one minute. The goal is 7 cycles.
Give yourself a moment to check-in to your breath every once in a while. Time yourself and record your answer (breathing cycles).
The Yogis & Yoginis learned Samavritti Pranayama:
- A cycle of Inhalation, Retention, Exhalation, Retention -
This breath taught connection & patience within.
The yoga practice shifted into bandha activation. As these humans learned zip up their breath into different compartments of the body, until the bladder stopped them in its tracks!
As the cells in the body bounced with joy and efforts from new challenges, the need for balance was led by Nadi Shodhana Pranayama.
This shifted the yogis' & yoginis' energy into a bliss as the belly called out for food.
The social interaction with like-minded individuals creates safety within this practice. Besides the common ability to breathe and move, true connection is created within the freedom to speak about oneself. This includes sharing experiences, lifestyle habits & interests and personal development reflections.
Silence is just as much of a gift as community connection, it gives space for deep self-awareness, insight, and energetic restoration.
A silent walking meditation followed by painting is a therapeutic outlet. This increases emotional regulation and encourages authentic expression.
Once the mind & body was relaxed, it was time for an awake/sleep induced meditation, called Yoga Nidra. This is equivalent to 2-4 hours of sleep, all within 45 minutes.
Sacred Breath is meant for presence and self-observation. As the quality of breath increases, so does our knowledge of its value. The yogic life is measured by the breath we take. The cycle of life plays within the space of INhale & Exhale- where each IN and OUT breath also has a life of its own. To expand the breath means to live longer, in fullness, and in complete presence.
Thank you to all who shared space on the first Sacred Breath day retreat by Viva Aum Yoga - Please, enjoy these photos!!
Special Gratitude:
Victor Chavez, who brought his professional camera to capture these wonderful moments, whilst participating.
Ashley Perez for her assistance in both finding the location and pushing me to make this thing actually happen!!
And my Mother, for whom believes in everything I do, and my #1 supporter.
Sacred Fire Incoming August 25th only a few spots left!!*