YOGA AND SCIENCE

Who am I? How much of what I think is actually me and how much is the chemistry of my brain? What is the difference between consciousness and mind? How much can I trust my thoughts? To what extent can I change my mind, my brain and my life? Part of the paradox of being human is in finding the balance between aspirations and physical form, my dreams and my material limitations. This workshop draws from Yoga, science, meditation and anatomy and offers a comprehensive, down to earth, spiritual and material methodology. It combines ancient techniques and modern understanding to offer the groundwork for personal transformation.

This workshop is an introduction to the biological processes of the human structure, with a particular focus on the brain. It’s objective is to offer a glimpse into how modern discoveries about our body can help us better understand the peculiarities of our life, with the aim to using this deeper understanding to overcome our limitations.

Anatomy is a daunting subject for many, but the seemingly complicated anatomical terms will be presented in a practical, fun to explore and easy to remember manner. The workshop will have a strong focus on meditation, the techniques will be discussed, explored in depth and then practiced. This workshop will pioneer the exploration of correlations between Ancient Yogic understanding and the newest finding in the field of neuroscience. There will be an open forum for questions throughout the lectures and exercises, as the Teacher encourages interactive dialogue.

Here are some of the main topics which will be covered:

1. Brain and body: how our mind influences our physical being, muscle tone, tensions, body language; we will explore physical technology which changes the brain and mind.
2. Brain and emotions: how much of our emotional life is influenced by our anatomy and physiology? Are there ways of changing this influence? Practical ways of dealing with our emotions that have been proven to be efficient.
3. Brain and spirituality: How our structure can determine what our spiritual practice should look like. If I cannot stay quiet and meditate for an hour does it mean I am not spiritual? How can I tailor my path to tap my greatest potential? There are many scientists who claim there are ways of determining what practice works best for an individual.
4. The brain of the artist; in times of fierce competition the problem of human creativity can become a determiner of success or failure. Looking into the brain anatomy, into the higher inspirations and into our artistic inclinations can refresh the creative capacities of our overstretched mind.
5. The health of the brain; With Alzheimer’s, cancer, Parkinson’s, depression, schizophrenia and increasing suicide rates, the problem of brain health becomes increasingly important. We will look into what insight modern science and traditional Yoga have to offer us in the search for the optimal functioning of our biology.

A medical doctor and a Yogini, a holistic therapist and a longtime devotee of the practice of meditation, Mihaiela Pentiuc puts her experience, extensive knowledge and the passion of her soul into this workshop integrating yoga and science, modern discoveries and ancient teachings. Exploration of the new scientific findings in this field are enthralling and applicable to all. No prerequisite studies are necessary, and no high level of education in science or yoga is required, just an open mind, thirst for knowledge and self-discovery and a permanent wonder in the front of the mystery of who we are. So much to learn, so much to explore and so much fun to do it together. Welcome!