Practices Taught
Dhara understands Yoga to be a way of healthy living where body and mind find nourishment and healing through deepening our relationship with ourselves. As we individually become healthy and strong we are able to deepen our relationships with others, influencing the wider community.
Dhara explores and teaches wisdom from both Indian and Chinese self-healing systems. Awareness of breath is one of the keys that unlocks the door to self-healing, and both Indian and Chinese systems utilize this understanding.
Here is a short video where you can learn Ujjayi Breath, a powerful life-changing breath from ancient India that is easy to learn and use:
Yoga, as defined through Dhara, is that which brings flow and harmony to the entire system through the effective use of prana, our vital life force energy. A Yoga lifestyle practice includes the appropriate physical exercises (asana), breathing techniques (pranayama), eating habits, rest habits, work habits as is best suited to each individual student. Attitudes and ways of being in the world are also considered in establishing an effective, integrated Yoga practice.
The essence of a healthy, sustainable practice that supports health and healing ensures that blockages in the system are continually removed so a flow and connection are maintained. These blockages are found at the physical, mental, emotional and energetic layers and result from stress, trauma, pollutants and toxins, lifestyle habits and/or attitudes. The physically gentle practice of Qi Gong in combination with deep breathing rhythms establishes space for internal cleansing and energetic flow required for our systems to be well functioning.
Qi gong, or Chinese Yoga, is an ancient Chinese self-healing practice that supports the body physically and strengthens the internal power. The practice enhances blood circulation, increases range of motion, improves balance and flexibility, opens meridian channels, speeds healing, builds qi (our vital life-force energy) and promotes peace of mind. Students find that this “moving meditation” enables them to become stronger from the inside out, laying the essential foundation to prepare the body and mind to support the challenges and demands of modern life.
Here are some words of advice from students on walking this path.
For more information, contact Jenna Ritter at: jenna@dharanyc.org
