Prana: Loving & Benevolent (9/24/26)

Allison Miller

September 24 2026 • Duration: 52 Minutes

In this class, we explore prana—the life force beneath the breath—as a loving and benevolent force that connects us to something greater than ourselves.

We begin with a short talk on prana and its relationship to the mind. The Yoga Vasistha, an ancient yogic text, says, “Prana is the vehicle for the mind; where the prana takes it, the mind goes.” B.K.S. Iyengar described prana as the energy that permeates the universe—the sun, wind, earth, and all living things.

We can think of this universal life force as macro consciousness, drawn inward into the heart where it becomes our own individualized, micro consciousness. And because prana carries the mind, the quality of our thoughts matters: as the thought, so the mind. Fearful thoughts create a mind colored by fear; loving and intentional thoughts cultivate a positive mind.

We bring this understanding into practice through bhavana—the intentional cultivation of a feeling or quality within ourselves. We begin seated with Chin and Jnana (Gyan) Mudras, connecting to the individual and the universal, and then intentionally cultivate loving-kindness within the heart.

From there, we move into standing practices to awaken and circulate prana, with gentle lymphatic massage to support the movement of energy throughout the body.

A practice of experiencing prana not simply as breath or energy, but as a benevolent force of life—and exploring how we can consciously participate in the way that life moves through us.

***10 minute breathing/relaxation at the end that is excellent as a stand alone practice if you just have time for breathing!