Pranayama Mandala
Frequently Asked Questions
This document answers the questions Kerry most commonly receives about the Pranayama Mandala course. It is designed to be shared with prospective participants, posted on the studio website, or used as a reference when responding to enquiries.
About the course
What exactly is pranayama — is it just breathing exercises?
Pranayama is much more than a breathing exercise. The word comes from Sanskrit: “prana” means vital life force, and “ayama” means mastery or expansion. So pranayama is literally the mastery of your vital life force — using the breath as the vehicle. While techniques like box breathing or Wim Hof work primarily on a physiological level, pranayama works simultaneously on the physical body, the mind, and the deeper layers of your being. You will notice changes in your nervous system, your emotional responses, your mental clarity, and — if you go deep enough — your perception of reality itself. The breath is a mirror. This practice teaches you how to read it.
What does “Mandala” mean in this context?
A mandala is a sacred circular form that represents wholeness, completeness and the cycles of life. In this course, “Mandala” speaks to the structure of the practice — each session builds on the last in a circular, deepening pattern, and each participant’s experience forms its own unique, complete whole. It also reflects the philosophy that this practice is not linear — it meets you where you are, every time you arrive.
What will an actual session look like?
Each weekly in-studio gathering runs for one hour. You will arrive, settle into your body, and be guided through a series of pranayama techniques in a specific sequence — each one preparing you for the next. Sessions include breath observation, rhythmic breathing patterns, breath retention (kumbhaka), and stillness. The days between the in-studio gatherings you will practice at home alone, or with Kerry if you choose the deep-dive. There is no performance required. Some sessions will feel profound; others may feel subtle. Both are equally valid. The practice holds space for whatever arises — and Kerry holds space for you. You will practice daily for 30 days experiencing 5 different techniques and their effect on you.
Is this spiritual or religious in a way that might not suit me?
This course comes from a yoga lineage that acknowledges the spiritual dimension of breathwork — but it is not religious, and it does not require you to hold any particular beliefs. When we speak of “the sacred heartspace” or “your inner Self,” we are pointing to something most people have experienced: a quiet, centred place beneath the noise of daily life. Whether you call that God, the universe, consciousness, or simply stillness — you are welcome here exactly as you are.
How long are the results? Will I feel different after just one session?
Many participants notice something shifting after the very first session — a sense of calm, a feeling of lightness, or simply a deeper awareness of how they had been breathing before. Some experiences are subtle; others are profound. The deeper and more lasting changes — in nervous system regulation, perception, emotional resilience and vitality — come with consistent practice over the four weeks, and especially through the home practice in between sessions. This is a course, not a drop-in class. Commitment is part of the medicine. At some point in the process, things might get sticky, it is par for the course as we cleanse layers that our body, mind, emotions can no longer hold to make space for the new to come in. Letting go will be part of the process.
Prerequisites and suitability
I haven’t done the Beginners Breathing course — can I still join?
The Pranayama Mandala is an intermediate course, which means some foundation is required — either Kerry’s Beginners Breathing course (Through the Lens of Your Breath), or a regular yoga practice of at least six months. Other qualifiers include you sing, (even in the shower) or you are athletic/physical in other ways. As this is an intermediate practice, some breathing skill is required and by breathing skill I mean, you can lengthen your breath in to atleast 4 seconds and breath out with control.
If you are unsure whether you qualify, please reach out to Kerry directly. She will have a brief conversation with you to assess whether this course is the right fit, or whether starting with the Beginners Breathing course first would serve you better. There is no judgement — only the right timing.
How much yoga experience do I actually need? I practise at home — does that count?
The above guideline is about the quality of your relationship with your body and breath, not the number of studio classes attended. A consistent home yoga practice absolutely counts — if you have been moving with intention and awareness for six months or more, your body and mind are likely prepared.
If you are uncertain, contact Kerry. A short conversation is all it takes to determine whether you are ready.
I have anxiety, trauma, or a health condition — is this safe for me?
Pranayama is a powerful practice, and that power deserves respect. For most people with anxiety, breathwork is deeply supportive — it directly regulates the nervous system and can reduce reactivity over time. For those carrying trauma, the practice is approached gently and with care; nothing is forced. However, certain breathing techniques are contraindicated for some health conditions (particularly cardiovascular conditions, epilepsy, or certain respiratory conditions). Please inform Kerry of any health concerns before booking. She will advise you honestly on whether this course is appropriate for you at this time, and will always put your safety first.
I’m a complete beginner to yoga — is there a pathway for me?
Yes! Kerry offers the Beginners Breathing course — Through the Lens of Your Breath — which is specifically designed for people who are new to breathwork and yoga. It is the ideal starting point and serves as the prerequisite for Pranayama Mandala. Starting there is not a step backwards — it is the foundation that makes everything that follows deeper and more meaningful. Ask Kerry for details on the next available Beginners Breathing course.
Practical logistics
What happens if I miss a session?
Life happens, and Kerry understands that. If you know in advance that you will miss a session, please let Kerry know as early as possible. She will do her best to provide you with guidance on what was covered and how to continue your home practice in the interim. Because each session builds progressively on the last, sessions are not recorded — the live experience and the energy of the group are part of the practice. Missing more than one session is not recommended for this reason. If you have concerns, speak to Kerry before booking.
Can I join mid-course if I miss the first session?
Unfortunately, joining after the course has started is not possible. The Pranayama Mandala is a progressive journey — each week builds directly on the week before, and arriving without the foundation of Session 1 would diminish your experience and potentially the experience of the group. If the timing does not work for you this time, please add yourself to the waiting list for the next course. It is worth waiting for.
How much time does the home practice require?
For the Immersive tier, home practice is an integral part of the course. Kerry recommends setting aside 20 to 30 minutes per day — though even 10 minutes of conscious, intentional practice has value. Some days will be quicker than others. As your lungs and mind are toned, you may find yourself sitting to breathe for longer periods. It is your choice (and we will discuss the role of your ego in this choice during the course). You will receive clear, simple guidance for your home practice after each in-studio gathering. For the Deep Dive tier, in-studio practice with Kerry runs Monday through Friday, which provides full accountability and support for daily practice. This is the option for those who want the most complete and supported experience.
What’s the real difference between the Immersive and Deep Dive tiers?
Both tiers include the once a week in-studio learning sessions and home practice materials — the core of the course. The Deep Dive adds in-studio practice sessions with Kerry every Monday through Friday. This means you are not practising alone at home; you have Kerry’s direct support, correction, and presence the other four days of each week. For those who are new to independent practice, going through significant personal change, or simply want the deepest possible experience, the Deep Dive is transformative in a way that home practice alone cannot replicate. If budget allows and you are serious about this work, the Deep Dive is worth every Rand.
Where exactly is the course held?
Sessions are held at Kerry Weavind Yoga, 3 Quartz Road. Full details — including parking information and anything else you need to know before your first session — will be sent to you upon booking.
About Kerry
What qualifications does Kerry have to teach pranayama?
Kerry has been practising and teaching yoga and breathwork for nearly 3 decades, with specific advanced training in pranayama with BNS Iyengar, Mysore, India (not to be confused with BKS Iyengar, the blocks and straps yogi). She teaches from lived experience as much as from formal training — her own practice is what she teaches, and that authenticity is felt in every session. She approaches this work with deep reverence for its origins and an unwavering commitment to holding a safe, supported space for each participant.
What have past participants experienced?
Every person who has come through this course has had a unique experience — which is precisely how pranayama works. Your breath is your particular medicine, and what it moves in you will be specific to you.
That said, here is what participants have shared over the years:
“I didn’t expect to cry. But something shifted and I felt lighter.”
“My anxiety hasn’t disappeared — but my relationship with it has completely changed.”
“I’ve done this course twice. Each time something new moves.”
“I sleep better. I’m less reactive. My family has noticed.”
“I found a stillness I didn’t know was available to me.”
Some participants have returned to do the course a second time. That, perhaps, says more than any testimonial could.
After booking
What do I need to bring to sessions?
Bring a yoga mat, a blanket or light covering (the body can cool down significantly after pranayama), and comfortable clothing you can breathe and relax in. Avoid eating a heavy meal within two hours before a session and avoid drinking 30 minutes before doing your pranayama practice. No prior equipment or props are needed. Everything else will be provided or guided in session.
Will I receive anything once I have booked?
Yes. Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a welcome message from Kerry with all the practical details you need — venue information, what to bring, what to expect in your first session, and any preparatory suggestions. You are not buying a ticket. You are beginning a relationship with this practice — and Kerry wants you to feel held from the very first moment.
Is there a refund or cancellation policy?
Please reach out to Kerry directly to discuss your specific situation. Because class sizes are intentionally small and spots are reserved exclusively for registered participants, cancellations do affect others. Kerry will always handle these situations with care and fairness — a conversation is always the first step.
Questions not covered here? Contact Kerry directly — she reads every message personally.
Kerry Weavind Yoga · Eyes Shine Bright · 3 Quartz Road