Pranayama Intensive
The Classical Practices for Healing and Transformation
August 11—13, 2017
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Join me for a complete weekend dedicated to the practices that at the deepest levels help us heal – physically, mentally and emotionally. This is an intensive on understanding, building, channeling and directing energy. Our study will take a comprehensive look at the breath; how we breath; where in our bodies we can breathe and in what ways we can manipulate our breathing mechanism to create measurable and immense changes. You will become proficient in knowledge and practice in arguably the most important voluntary process we perform. You will:
- Understand the dynamics of breathing anatomically, physiologically and energetically
- Know how to prepare for these powerful subtle practices so we gain the most benefit including 3 focus points:
- Asana sequencing and practice precisely designed to establish diaphragmatic breathing and a relaxed awareness around the abdominal area
- Specifically directed postures, techniques and skills for effectively strengthening a chronically weak and often underperforming respiratory diaphragm
- Essential components to setting a proper seat and consequently, creating a container and direction, for the energy to effectively collect, gather and grow.
- Gain proficiency and practice 10 classical pranayama techniques for cleansing, nourishing, clearing, detoxing, stoking, awakening, uplifting, refining awareness of the inner calm and more…
Please remember that without breath there is no life; there is no yoga. And by knowing how to work with the breath – consciously – we can literally experience an uncoupling of the breath with emotions. This uncoupling lies at the heart of increasing our capacity in life for bhoga and apavarga; fulfillment and freedom, respectively. It links us into the ultimate goals of yoga and it is how we heal on all levels
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Luke Ketterhagen
Luke’s entire adult life has been dedicated to helping others and living a healthy lifestyle. After graduating magna cum laude from Marquette University with a degree in biomedical sciences, Luke immersed himself in the studies and practices of the Himalayan Tradition through residential programs at the Himalayan Institute....
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For more than fifty years, the Himalayan Institute’s Retreat Center has been a gathering place for people seeking inspiration and aspiring to restore inner balance. Home to a vibrant community of yogis, it’s a place for seekers wishing to study the ancient tradition of yoga and to deepen the connection between themselves and the world around them. Whether you visit for a weekend retreat, a personal getaway, or one of our longer-term programs, your visit to the Himalayan Institute will accelerate your personal journey of rejuvenation and transformation.
Free Wifi
400-Acre Campus
On-Site Cafe
Meditation Shrine
Wooded Hiking Trails
Pond with Kayaks
On-Site Wellness Center
Bonfires and Stargazing
Bookstore and Giftshop
Sacred Space
The Sri Vidya Shrine is the spiritual heart of the Himalayan Institute. This sanctuary offers an ideal setting for silent meditation and group spiritual practice, a cornerstone of the Himalayan Tradition for thousands of years. Open to seekers of all backgrounds and traditions, the Shrine provides a serene, sacred space for meditation, quiet reflection, prayer, and contemplation.
Nourishing Meals
Our nutritionally balanced vegetarian meals are thoughtfully prepared to nourish body, mind, and spirit. Each of our three daily meals is designed to be easily digestible and to support a meditative lifestyle. Sharing meals here naturally fosters connection, offering both deep nourishment and a sense of community.
Loving Community
The Himalayan Institute welcomes people from all walks of life. With a blend of short-term guests, long-term visitors, and a vibrant residential community, the atmosphere here is warm, inviting, and rooted in kindness, generosity, and service. It’s a place where friendships form naturally, often becoming the kind of connections that feel like family, and last a lifetime.
Rest in Nature
Nestled in the rolling hills of the Poconos, the Himalayan Institute’s 400-acre campus offers breathtaking views, scenic hiking trails, and quiet spaces for reflection and contemplation. Walking is a favorite activity, whether along our groomed trails or meandering paved roads, inviting both movement and mindful presence in nature.
Conscious Simplicity
At the Himalayan Institute, we embrace simplicity in all aspects of life, from our surroundings to our approach to yoga. By minimizing distractions, we create space to strengthen the inner self and quiet the mind. Guided by authenticity and grounded in philosophy rather than frills, we support a path of meaningful personal growth.
Treat Yourself
Our Himalayan Café serves the Institute’s signature chai, coffee, and homemade cookies and treats on Saturday and Sunday mornings. The 24/7 Tea Lounge offers a variety of herbal teas for anytime enjoyment. On campus, the MOKA Origins Factory is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering handcrafted, ethically sourced chocolate and coffee, with free tours and tastings on Saturdays.
