Mead Rose, a longtime practitioner of Ipsalu Tantra Kriya Yoga, is organizing a retreat with Bodhi Avinasha, longtime OPEN EXCHANGE lister.

When we think of fitness, most of us think of going to the gym or taking an aerobics class and "getting in shape," in hopes that our body will look a certain way, have more energy, and feel more attractive. All too often we make new year's resolutions, and jump in with both feet, only to neglect them a few months later.

What's needed is a change in lifestyle. That means changing everything, and most importantly, one's approach. In the Ipsalu Tantra tradition of Kriya Yoga, we do just that, through the use of the breath.

Tantra Yoga has the reputation for improving a person's love life, but the benefits are more far-reaching than that. (By the way, there is no overt sexuality in the class, although you do learn techniques you can take home to your partner).

The singular purpose of a Level 1 workshop is to teach the basic Cobra Breath. Practicing the Cobra Breath creates movement in areas of life that have become stuck, "on a body level"—more effective than intellectual realization.

To understand the value, it is helpful to know about Chakras. Many people are familiar with Chakras as "energy centers" along the spine. In the practice of Ipsalu Tantra Kriya Yoga, Chakras are revealed as places where people "get stuck" in certain areas of life.

After the energizing effects of Cobra Breath, I have noticed the following:

Energizing the 1st Chakra (vigor, heredity, survival, security, passion, survival, money, home, and job) empowers a person to handle the basics.

Energizing the 2nd Chakra (sexuality, creativity, anger, fear, food and sex) re-awakens a sense of fun, creativity and attraction to the opposite sex.

Energizing the 3rd Chakra (power, accomplishment, will, vital energies, control, and your freedom to be yourself) helps a person get what they want. Desire drives a person to achievement without effort.

Energizing the 4th Chakra (love, compassion, healing, relationships) has people become fully open to expressing and receiving love to a whole new depth.

Energizing the 5th Chakra (speech, communication, self expression) means that your voice will be heard.

Energizing the 6th Chakra (intuition, discernment visions, dreams) allows a person to tune in to the thoughts and emotions of others without being thrown off balance, resulting in perfect understanding.

Energizing the 7th Chakra (cosmic consciousness, spirituality, wisdom, higher self) provides people with a sense of purpose for their lives, a reason for being.
Through consistent practice of Cobra Breath, old patterns dissolve and life becomes an adventure again.