Orient and rapias
Psychology Center
Center for Oriental Studies and Therapies
Paths to Awakening Consciousness
Yoga and Meditation
Yoga, in Sanskrit, means union. This should be understood as the union between body, mind, and consciousness, which make up every human being. One of the principles of Eastern philosophy is that we are happy by nature. But if this is so, why do we suffer? What separates us, then, from this feeling of continuous well-being that we should be experiencing if we finally have this union with the whole?
Well, the quick answer, in a single word, is: fear.
But are you afraid of this joyful union and the infinite happiness and peace it should bring?
Incredibly, yes.
But don't be alarmed, because this fear isn't really ours, but rather belongs to a completely virtual being that inhabits us, called the Ego, created and maintained by none other than our own mind.
The mind begins forming this "being" while still in the mother's womb as a way to interact with the countless good and bad sensations caused by an unknown world. Thus, it emerges as a character that "brings us pleasure" and "protects" us from a "dangerous" environment. Transforming itself into our intermediary with the external world, it
It sells us security, but delivers an illusion.
Now, understand that the Ego is not the villain of the story, but rather a mental apparatus necessary for our relationships and even survival in the physical world – at least until we can assume our Consciousness and be guided by it. The problem is that, as a side effect, in this process our mind invariably makes us believe that we ARE it. But it knows that we are not.
That is why he is afraid. That is why he instills fear in us. And if, for a few moments of inspiration, we try to glimpse our transcendental reality by taking a step back and observing the workings of the Ego, it immediately runs away, closing the curtains and hiding behind a thousand and one psychological tricks so as not to be discovered, thus risking losing its usefulness, which is the source of its existence.
Another problem is that the Ego bases its actions on past events and lives in the incessant pursuit of some goal in the future – even if it is to forget or relive the past – and in this way, it cannot exist in the present. Thus, every time we try to live in the now – in fact, the only moment in which it is possible for us to live – immediately, behind our backs, it whispers in our ear: “What am I doing here standing still playing with my child, when there are so many more important things deserving my attention, like thinking about his future, for example?”. For the ego, thinking is necessary, living is not necessary. Thus, in exchange for thoughts, we do not live in the moment, that is, we do not live.
And that's where Yoga comes in. Its practice, in this sense, aims to suppress this incessant mental process through postures, mantras, breathing techniques, and meditation, in order to liberate us from the shackles of the mind and, consequently, from anxiety, fear, and all sources of anguish and loneliness, leading us towards the discovery of our higher Self, or our divine essence.
INDIVIDUAL LESSONS
Yoga in Essence
Scheduled hours
The purpose of Yoga, in all its ancient variations, has always been the awakening of Consciousness. This knowledge was passed down only from master to disciples prepared to acquire it. However, today, due to the great expansion in the West in the pursuit of wisdom and the benefits of the practice, people with much, little, or even no prior preparation or knowledge of Yoga are seeking instruction on the technique and philosophy. In this sense, individual classes allow us to utilize the diverse tools available in Yoga, which basically consist of correct breathing (Pranayama), the practice of specific physical postures (Asanas), various meditation techniques (Dhyana), relaxation (Yoganidra), inner transformation (Yamas and Niyamas), among others, respecting the differences and uniqueness of the students and their life stages. Furthermore, it allows for a more targeted application of videos, mantras, music, texts, books, and other specific resources which, together with the dedicated time in class for guidance with questions and answers about the philosophy (Satsangs), enhance the understanding of concepts, enabling the student to better achieve inner balance and realize their path of integration with the Whole, which is the true objective of Yoga.
Through theory and practice, the principles of classical Yoga will be taught, along with parallels to studies in Quantum Physics, Neuroscience, and Transpersonal Psychology, so that the student can integrate the information, but mainly understand the purpose of Yoga in their daily life. The objective is the Awakening of Consciousness/Observer, generated by self-knowledge and the experience of Yoga in its essence. Aiming for a precise alignment between body, mind, emotions, and senses, coordinated with breathing, it ultimately allows for better balance towards the Awakening of Consciousness.
Instructor: Psychologist Dr. Adriana Braz
A Yoga instructor for 10 years at Shri Kali Ashran, her starting point was several years of study in the area of Theosophy and Eastern Philosophy, enhanced by her rich experience of 7 years in China, where she also graduated in Chinese Medicine from Shanghai University.
Later, considering the potential of a systemic approach in aiding the process of expanding consciousness, she also trained as a Family Constellations facilitator, and is the author of the books: " Family Constellations - The Innovative Strategy for Conflict Resolution in the Judiciary " and " Transpersonal Psychology - The Science of Consciousness ".
Adriana is a Psychologist, Researcher, Master in Psychology, Development and Public Policy, and PhD in Health Psychology. She specializes in Psychosomatics and has postgraduate degrees in Neuropsychology and Transpersonal Psychology.
Recognizing and utilizing questions experienced in her own journey of Awakening, Adriana now brings this YOGA IN ESSENCE course, so that everyone can apply these ancient concepts in their daily lives.
Due to her experience, studies, and contact with diverse Eastern cultures, she developed her own methodology where Yoga is taught in a way that makes it more than just a physical practice; it's integrated into daily life and lived in all places.
A transformation towards the Awakening of Consciousness.
"Yoga changed my life"
Many people have heard this phrase, but were disappointed when they enrolled in a yoga practice course due to the repetitive and physically challenging movements involved in performing the asanas, achieving at most "stretching and relaxation," which are good achievements, but do not promote transformations towards the Higher Self.
Yoga is a complete, ancient philosophy, but the physical aspect is only one of the means to achieve connection (yoga union).
Yoga is not a religion, but its goal is true reconnection, and to achieve this it has several paths that today engage with new perspectives from Physics, Neurology, and Biology. Therefore, it is important for the student to understand the objectives of each practice in order to identify their own path.
Asanas promote the circulation of energy and flexibility in the body, but a posture can keep the student only in "good shape" without the inner state of yoga - union.
Yoga is a path to experiencing the non-self, the observing consciousness that is discovered through the silence of thoughts, but this awakening can happen in various ways; however, the student needs to discern the voice of Consciousness from their chattering mind, always focused on the past and future.
This experience is genuinely transpersonal.
"When you can bear your own silence, you are free." - Mooji