Intelligent Breath: Bandha, Pranayama & the Subtle Body with Masha Leuner & Tatyana Souza
Four Sundays • April 12, April 26, May 3, May 17
2:30-4pm • Newton
Refining Prana to Steady the Mind
This four-part workshop series offers a progressive, embodied exploration of pranayama and bandhas as practical tools for refining energy, supporting nervous system health, and cultivating mental clarity. Rooted in yogic tradition and informed by contemporary anatomical and physiological understanding, the series invites participants to experience breath not only as a technique, but as a living relationship between body, mind, and awareness.
Guided by Masha Leuner, whose work bridges therapeutic yoga, anatomy, and subtle-body inquiry, alongside Tatyana Souza, whose background in yoga and immunology brings a precise, science-informed lens to breath regulation, each session weaves together intentional movement, breathwork, and subtle awareness. Together, they offer a grounded, nuanced approach that honors both classical frameworks and modern insight.
Across the series, participants are supported in preparing the body for pranayama, understanding how breath and bandhas influence physiological and mental states, and developing practices that are safe, sustainable, and meaningful in daily life. The emphasis is on experiential learning, clear context, and thoughtful integration.
What to Expect in Each Session:
Each 90-minute session follows a consistent, supportive arc—beginning with gentle, targeted movement to ready the body for breathwork and bandha work, followed by clear exploration of bandhas from both anatomical and energetic perspectives. Pranayama practices are introduced progressively, with time for reflection, discussion, and guidance around safe home practice and real-life integration.
Session Themes:
Session 1 — Igniting the Fire of Transformation
The opening session introduces heating and cleansing pranayamas, including Kapalabhati, paired with grounding movement and exploration of Mula Bandha. These practices are designed to awaken vitality, support digestion, and bring awareness to areas of stagnation, cultivating a sense of brightness and readiness for change.
Session 2 — Cultivating Balance & Clarity
This session emphasizes nervous system regulation through rhythmic, symmetrical breathing practices such as Nadi Shodhana and Sama Vritti, supported by Uddiyana Bandha. As breath and awareness synchronize, participants are guided toward steadier attention, emotional balance, and a felt sense of internal spaciousness.
Session 3 — Deepening Awareness
Subtler pranayama techniques, including Bhramari and breath retention (Kumbhaka), are explored alongside Jalandhara Bandha to support inward focus and meditative depth. The experience invites refined awareness, quiet insight, and a palpable sense of stillness in both breath and mind.
Session 4 — Integration & Continuity
The final session weaves together heating, balancing, and expansive practices into one cohesive experience. Bandhas are explored as a progressive continuum, with an optional introduction to Maha Bandha for those ready to deepen further. The series concludes with practical tools for sustaining an ongoing, integrated breath practice rooted in clarity, calm, and connection.
Who This Series Is For:
This series is well suited for yoga practitioners curious about breath beyond basic cues, teachers seeking a deeper, embodied understanding of pranayama and bandhas, and students interested in nervous system regulation, energy balance, and mental clarity. No prior pranayama experience is required; modifications and contraindications will be addressed throughout.
Cost: $350
Please bring a yoga mat (rentals are available for $3 at the studio)
Note - there is no separate livestream sign up for this series, a link to join will be sent to all registrants before the first session so they may choose to join in studio or via livestream for any of the sessions within the series.
* cost includes all four sessions, there is no proration for missing a session *
***For livestream participants: a Zoom invitation email will go out to pre-registered students 1 hour before the class. Please make sure we have the correct email address on file for you so you receive your invitation! Contact the studio at 617.566.9642 with any questions.***