prāṇaṃ devā anu prāṇanti . manuṣyāḥ paśavaśca ye .
prāṇo hi bhūtānāmāyuḥ 
Prana makes all animals, humans, and even devas (Gods) live. Therefore, Prana is life itself.

- Taittiriya Upanishad


WHAT IS PRANA ?

Prana is the creative, subtle, life force energy that permeates all of existence.

We each have a layer of subtle energy permeating our physical body that exists on a more subtle plane than our simple sensory perception. In yoga it is known as the pranamayakosa. This energy layer is always active, and corresponds with how we feel, think & interact with the world. It dictates our focus, mental clarity, physical energy levels and ultimately, everything we do.


”Prana is the sum total of all energy that is manifest in the universe. It is the sum total of all the forces in nature. It is the sum total of all latent forces and powers which are hidden in men and which lie everywhere around us. Heat, light, electricity, magnetism are the manifestations of Prana.”

- Swami Sivananda

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WHAT IS PRANAYAMA?

Pranayama is the control of prana through breathing. 

The hatha yoga system offers varied pranayama breathing exercises, which, when practiced can maniplulate the flow of prana in the system.

There are many exercises for different purposes and many of them are for advanced practitioners only.

Here at Yoga for Creativity, I focus on sharing with you a range of basic pranayamas which will -

regulate the nervous system, relax the body, balance your energy, still your mind and help you focus.


“Where the spirit does not work with the hand, there is no art."

― Leonardo Da Vinci



PRANA & CREATIVITY


What is known in the Indian tradition of yoga as Prana is known by the Ancient Chinese as Qi, the Egyptians as Ka, the Greeks as Pneuma, the Hawaiians as Mana, and the Romans as Spiritus.
It is what Da Vinci refers to here as spirit, and it is the etymological root of the words inspiration & respiration.

It has long been understood that there is a vital connection between prana and creativity.

Our capacity to be inspired is everything for creative practice. Whether an artist, designer, musician, dancer, or writer, it is commonly misunderstood that inspiration comes in waves and is out of our control. However, when we learn to change our physiology, we are able to open ourselves effortlessly to inspiration.
Through expanding our breath, we invite a higher flow of prana, and with more prana, we have more concentration, clarity, and openness for creativity.

Managing our creative energy is truly the path to successful creative practice, and the yoga system shows us the way.

For a more in-depth understanding of creative energy and its relationship to creative practice,
or to follow my journey as I research this fascinating connection, follow me on instagram.


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