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Hi, I’m Pat St.John. I help people improve their lives by teaching them the lost art of pranayama breathing.

If you’ve already read the spiel below you may be here just for the link to join a class. So here it is.

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What is pranayama breathing?

Pranayama is an ancient form of breathing that was developed by ancient yogis. Traditionally, yogis practiced it after they did their physical asana to help them reach a state of meditation. Although I teach a few yoga practitioners on a 1-to-1 basis, the majority of my students are just everyday people who have never done any yoga at all, and to benefit from pranayama they don’t need to have done or know anything about yoga.

Are there other types of breathing and how does pranayama relate to those?

Yes, there are several other types of breathing/breathwork things happening at the moment. You may have heard of Wim Hof, Conscious Connected, Rebirthing, Holotropic, Holorenic, and Tummo. To put it simply, pranayama is over 2500 years old and is pretty much the origin of all of these modern styles and was designed, not to induce a state of euphoria or ‘rebirthing’ (which is what you will often see nowadays) but as a subtle and beautiful way to reduce body-mind dualisms. There is an excellent freely accessible academic research paper that looks at the different types of breathwork traditions. Scroll down to page 4 where you’ll find how pranayama fits into the pictures. I teach the traditional form of pranayama rooted in tradition but relevant for modern living.

What are the benefits of pranayama?

Pranayama can be practiced by and has many different benefits for the everyday person. One of the most important benefits is it’s ability to regulate a person’s central nervous system. Most people are on constant alert and so their central nervous system is always switched on to ‘fight or flight’ mode. It should not be like this. Pranayama is one of the most effective ways to quickly and sustainably return your system to a relaxed ‘rest and digest’ mode. Pranayama is also extremely good for digestion, blood pressure, circulation, and a number of other issues. Sustained practice significantly improves self confidence.

Why would I want to learn pranayama?

This could be for many different reasons and for many different types of people. For example, for those that need to master composure on demand (e.g., presenting or performing, and in other high-stress work environments), for those that need help overcoming anxiety, panic attacks, and modern-day stress related issues, for those that need to overcome brain fog and regain clarity, and for those who want to improve and gain an advantage in their physical performance (whatever their level).

There is another reason why you might want to do pranayama. Pranayama has been shown to improve empathy and compassion. If you believe that more empathy and compassion in the world is a good thing then by doing pranayama you are making the world a better place. That can’t be a bad, right!

What are classes like?

My classes are simple and non-pretentious, and based on authentic 2500 year-old practice. Everyone is welcome , but please respect the practice. Classes are 25 minutes long and delivered via Zoom.

What level are the classes?

Currently beginner only; although I teach 1-to-1 at any level (beginner to upper advanced).

How do I join a class?

To join a class click the Join a Class 5 minutes before class starts and wait to be admitted.

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Do you have some basic instruction that I can have a look at before I start?

I have created a 4-page cheat sheet for beginners. Subscribe to my newsletter, and it will be delivered with the welcome email.

When are the classes?

Current timetable is below- any changes will go out via WhatsApp and IG.

	Beginner	Intermediate
Tuesday	TBC
Wednesday	TBC
Thursday	TBC
Saturday (Q&A)	TBC

How are classes delivered?

Zoom

Is there an opportunity to ask questions?

Yes. Saturdays 9-9:30am. Same Zoom link.

How do I pay?

Donate after the class via a payment link.

Is there anything I can do before I join a class?

Before you join a class, there are a few things you can do to make life easier.

1/ Join the WhatsApp group so you can keep up to date and you can let me know if you’re attending a class. I’ll also include the class Zoom link in the WA group so you don’t have to keep visiting the website.

Join the WhatsApp Group

2/ Download the cheat sheet. To receive my complete beginner’s mini guide to pranayama, enter your email below. I’ll send it along in the welcome email. This will help you learn the basic techniques.

3/ Spread the word. Please tell others about the work I do. What I teach is both authentic and a very old form of intangible cultural heritage. So, the more people that know about, learn, and benefit the better.

4/ Get in touch if you’re not sure. Whatever your question or doubt, just send me an email. Happy to help if I can.

That’s pretty much all there is to it.

Hope to see to you at the next class.

Pat x

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