Om shanti. I’ve been waiting all year for this and finally the moment has arrived: Prana Kriya Yoga of the Yogi Ashokananda School comes to US shores beginning this week in midcoast Maine! I’m so pleased to be able to share this practice with such a fabulous local yoga community.

You may be wondering, first of all, what is Prana Kriya Yoga, and next, what’s the big deal?

Prana Kriya is a dynamic practice that works to harmonize the physical movements (kriyas) with the energy flows in the different layers of the body. A process of awakening dormant energy (kundalini) in the body, Prana Kriya Yoga has long been regarded by yoga masters in India as a powerful anti-aging technique that works to oxygenate and decarbonize the blood, thereby rejuvenating the brain and spinal centers and preventing tissue decay.

The kriya practices involve active exercises to strengthen the heart; breath work to expand the lungs and train the mind; and meditations to align the body, mind, breath, and consciousness. The result over time is a calmer and clearer mind, deeper and more even breath, a stronger and more detoxified body, and a more balanced emotional body, leading to a greater sense of confidence and creativity in one’s life.

Maybe you have heard people talk about the ‘yoga high’ experienced after an intense yoga session – or perhaps you’ve felt it yourself. In my experience, Prana Kriya gives you a yoga high like no other. But no matter what superlatives I might use to describe the practice, you really have to experience the effects for yourself.

And, alas, here’s your opportunity, Mainers: Classes start at Thomaston Yoga Studio at 8:45 a.m. on Wednesdays from  June 1. Drop-ins are welcome, although it is advisable to email in advance to kathpullumyoga[at]gmail.com to book a place.

Then, from next week, June 10th to be exact, Friday Prana Kriya classes come to the Dancing Elephant in Rockland starting at 9 a.m. All welcome; no need to book in advance.

Come to one or both – 2 Prana Kriya classes in a week will leave you feeling like a new person. But don’t take my word for it; come try it yourself.

Prana Kriya Yoga is a great compliment to hatha, or other asana practices, as well as meditation. Peruse my full teaching schedule, and find the class that works best for you. This summer, I highly encourage you to expand your yoga horizons – and why not begin by trying out Prana Kriya?

teaching prana kriya at Ashok Tree Ashram, Tiruvannamalai, India