Samkalpa – SPC Cycle Feb/March ’23

Samkalpa – SPC Cycle Feb/March ’23

Every cycle I propose a new sequence of seated practices.

For this cycle I was lucky to be inspired by my own retreat with my teachers in January.
Every time I have a retreat with my teachers I am recharged with energy. I am inspired and always head home with a big confirmation that Yoga is the way to go and that I am on the right path.

I have been working with my teachers for 10 years now! On the one hand I feel like I have learned so much, but on the other hand every year I grow more humble learning how vast the field of Yogic Knowledge is.

Something that has always intrigued me is the philosophy behind Ida and Pingala.
According to the texts these two energy channels curl around the spine 3,5 time starting from the base of the spine and meeting in the space between the eye brows and either left or right nostril.

Ida represent lunar energy, and Pingala represents solar energy.
Not so coincidentally, every time Ida and Pingala cross each other the energy field that is created becomes a chakra. There are 6 intersections of Ida and Pingala, and thus 6 chakras or energy fields to explore. There is a 7th but we will leave it out of scope for now.

Before we explore the chakras, we need to become familiar with Ida and Pingala.

There are many different techniques to do this. But I like to keep things simple and practical.

For this cycle I propose the following Samkalpea:

I am a lunar and solar being. 
These energies reside in me. 

In order to explore this Samkalpa, the following practices are proposed.

Salutation in 4 cardinal directions:

Allow the breath to initiate the movement.
Move slowly and consiously, with the least muscular effort.
Repeat 6-12 times.
Sit comforably and observe the sensations:
– front of the body
– back of the body
– right side of the body
– left side of the body
– right side of the spine
– left side of the spine
– the whole spine
– the whole body

Jathara Parivritti:

Lie down on the ground.
Gross your knees and bring them to the right towards the floor.
Stretch the arms out towards the sides, right palm facing up, left palm facing down towards the ground.
Turn your head towards the left.
It is important that you adjust this position with the necessary props or pillows in order to be completely relaxed.
Take a moment to soften any areas of tension during the first few breaths.
Then allow your mind the move from the right palm of the hand towards the centre of the chest on the inhale, and down the left arm towards the left palm of the hand on the exhale.
Experience this during a few minutes.
Then using an inhale turn the head, then the knees back to the centre and relax here for a moment, observing the flow of breath through the nostrils and the sensations in the spine.

Repeat left side.
Slowly come up to a comfortable seated position and observe the sensations:
– right side of the body
– left side of the body
– right side of the spine
– left side of the spine
– the whole body
– the whole spine

Square Breathing:

After above mentioned practices the energy should be balanced and the mind calm.
Observe the breath flowing through both nostrils.
Slowly transition into a soft Ujahi breath.
Take your time to establish a comfortable breathing rythm.
Mentally count the length of your breath and establish your square count.
For example, if you count 4 counts per breath:
– Inhale 4 counts
– Suspend the inhale during 4 counts
– Exhale 4 counts
– Suspend the exhale during 4 counts

! Keep in mind that there should be no tension at all, and that it is not ‘holding’ the breath, but a suspension of the breath. The body and mind should remain relaxed during the whole process!

Continue for 10-20 minutes.

Return to a soft Ujahi breath without suspensions.
Then return to a natural breath with no sound.

Observe.

Of course there are intricacies which cannot be explained by text or even video. Furthermore the experience is different in the presence of an experienced teacher and the supportive group energy.
I wholeheartedly invite you to reach out if you are curious about these special teachings.

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