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Aug. 6, 2024
The Healing Power of Pranayama and Breathwork
In this episode of the Finding Harmony Podcast, we delve into the fascinating world of pranayama and breathwork with the esteemed yoga teacher and breathwork practitioner, Stephen Thomas. With over 25 years of experience teaching yoga across the globe, Stephen offers profound insights into the practice of pranayama and its impact on mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Introduction to Pranayama and Breathwork
- Stephen’s Journey with Pranayama
- Teaching Pranayama: Challenges and Rewards
- Impact of COVID on Breathwork Practices
- Pranayama vs. Modern Breathwork
- The Healing Power of Breath
- Pranayama and Nervous System Regulation
- Integration of Tradition and Modern Practices
About Stephen Thomas:
Stephen Thomas is a dedicated yoga teacher and breathwork practitioner with over 25 years of experience teaching yoga globally. Based in Bern, Switzerland, he runs a studio called Svarupa, where he offers classes in yoga, pranayama, and breathwork. Stephen’s teachings draw from various traditions, including the Kovalayananda lineage, the Bihar school, and influences from the Himalayan and Tibetan traditions. He is known for his deep understanding of the subtle aspects of pranayama and his ability to guide students towards a balanced and harmonious life.
Special Offer:
Harmony offers a free breathwork practice for stress reduction. Learn how to reduce overwhelm and anxiety in under two minutes with her free download. Visit Harmony Slater’s Website to access this valuable resource.
Connect with Harmony:
- Instagram: @harmonyslaterofficial
- Website: harmonyslater.com
Join us for this enlightening conversation and discover how the practice of pranayama can transform your life, bringing more clarity, peace, and balance into your daily routine. Tune in now and breathe your way to a healthier, more harmonious life!
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About Stephen Thomas:
Stephen [eng] is an experienced Yoga teacher and practitioner. He leads classes, Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions. His teaching is rooted in the traditional Yoga practices. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in Yoga as well as Buddhism.
Stephen is long term student of O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India – a master in the science of Pranayama and Ayurveda. He combines that foundation with over 20 years of study and exploration in the fields of Alignment based Asana. He has spent these decades refining an evolution of practice that has spanned many years in Ashtanga Vinyasa, Anusara and his love of Iyengar’s approach. He teaches in a way that understands the value of transformation through effort and dedication without imposing Dogma.
Stephen teaches at his own studio, SVARUPA in Bern and as a senior teacher at AIRYOGA in Zurich. He is a father and dedicates his time to family life, writing, documenting and researching Yoga. He also works one-on-one with many students and helps to mentor teachers in the community.
Quotes:
- “To know something is to have a relationship to it over a long period of time.”
- “The practice itself will become the teacher.”
- “There’s so much gathered through shared karma and shared experience.”
Connect with Stephen
Svarupa Website: https://svarupa.com/about-svarupa/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephen.svarupa/
Connect with Us (We love to hear from you!)
- Harmony Slater's Website: http://harmonyslater.com
Chapters
00:00 - FHP_Stephen Thomas_ Intro_2_Audio_Joshua Edit
02:21 - Exploring Pranayama Practice
03:08 - Teaching Pranayama: Challenges and Rewards
09:59 - The Rise of Breathwork During COVID
40:03 - The Path of Yoga and Tradition
45:44 - Final Thoughts and Farewell
Stephen Thomas
Teacher
Stephen is an experienced yoga teacher and practitioner. He leads classes, Teacher Trainings, Workshops and Immersions. His teaching is rooted in the traditional Hatha Yoga practices. His philosophical background is influenced by studies in Yoga, Tantra, Ayurveda and Buddhism.
Stephen is long term student of O.P. Tiwari of Kaivalyadham, India – a master in the science of Pranayama and Ayurveda. He combines that foundation with the inspiration and insight from the likes of Richard Freeman, Roberto Svoboda and David Frawley. His exploration in the field of alignment-based asana through the lens of Iyengar's work has spanned the last two decades. He teaches in a way that understands the value of transformation through effort and dedication without imposing dogma.
Stephen teaches at his own studio, SVARUPA in Bern and as a senior teacher at AIRYOGA in Zurich. He is a father and dedicates his time to family life, writing, documenting and researching Yoga. He also works one-on-one with many students and helps to mentor teachers in the community.
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