Guy Powiecki

Guy discovered pranayama through Paul Dallaghan and is now a dedicated and senior student of, classical pranayama master, Sri O.P. Tiwari having been authorized to teach pranayama by him. Guy has studied Ashtanga Vinyasa, Iyengar and Traditional Hatha. In learning meditation, he spent time with a number of Buddhist teachers, from both Tibetan and Theravadan traditions, but more recently with a focus on Vipassana. Guy’s knowledge of the breath has been broadened by his interest in free diving. 

Guy first encountered spirituality studying for a Theology degree specializing in Indian religions and Buddhism. Before working with yoga he was a personal trainer and nutritional adviser. In his learning journey, Guy lived on and off for many years in India and South East Asia. Spending time in monasteries and institutions. As a practitioner, he sees the importance of practicing asana, pranayama, and meditation as mutually supporting forms for spiritual growth.  His classes do just this, and the aim is to use the body as a tool for psychological, energetic and spiritual development.  He hopes the classes will truly benefit those who take them.

Guy shares a website with his wife Sara Granström.

Guy Powiecki

4 Programs

8 weeks
pranayama

Pranayama Program Level 1

Pranayama works mainly on the nervous system. A slow, trained breath helps you meet stress, brings a calmer mind and gives you more energy. Like any practice, it needs regular work before you really feel it.

This eight week program is a good place to begin your relationship with Pranayama. Each week has a short information video with the new techniques and themes, and one practice class. Ideally you do the practice class every day that week, or on as many days as you can. Start with When and How.

When you are done, Continuing With Practice shows you how to keep going. Level 1-2. Uddiyana Bandha Kriya, Agni Sara and Kapalabhati are not for pregnancy or during your menstrual cycle, and the videos tell you what to do instead.

3 weeks
Updog in nature Uppsala Pranayama breathing

Yoga Therapy

Accessible for everyone. This program is for you who live with postural problems, a stiff neck or back, or long days at the computer. It is also a good place for beginners to start, or for anyone who wants to go back to the foundation of their practice.

We use a lot of simple spinal twists and bends. The aim is to work on the mobility of the spine and to start to correct postural imbalances, so the spine can move freely. Core strength comes in step by step, because posture problems often go together with a weak core.

The classes are 30 to 45 minutes, level 1-2, with no props. Afterwards, repeat the classes that helped you most. If you have pain, check with your doctor or physiotherapist before you start.

2 weeks
Meditation program from Yogateket

Two Week Meditation Program

Guided meditation for beginners and experienced meditators alike. Begin a meditation practice or deepen the one you have.

Meditation, or mindfulness practice, connects you to the present moment, and that is good for both the mind and the body. We begin right now, right where you are. Start with the Info Video.

The sessions are 15 to 20 minutes. The Completion Video gives you ideas for how to keep going. Level 1, no props needed.

1 week
pranayama

Weekly Pranayama Program

Interested in learning pranayama, deepening a practice you already have, or getting more regular with it? This program gives you a breathing practice for each day of the week.

Each class uses two techniques chosen to suit the day, and ends with a good Savasana. Do any day as a single class, or cycle through the whole week. Start with the Information.

Level 1-2, no props needed. If you are pregnant or on your cycle, change Surya Bhedana to Chandra Bhedana.

2 Challenges

3 weeks
Yogi Guy Powiecki in easy pose

21 Day Meditation

This 21 day meditation is a good yoga challenge to give yourself. It is accessible and no experience is needed. We start right at the beginning and build it up gradually. Ever thought about meditating? Now is the time. Be kind to yourself and meditate for ten minutes a day.

Meditation can help you concentrate, be present, calm your mind and sleep better. Start with the Information Video.

Ten minutes a day, level 1, no props needed. A small habit that can last a lifetime.

3 weeks
start free trial for beginner pranayama yoga practice or start a yoga challenge on your trial, vinyasa yin , core and more

21-Day Pranayama Breathing Challenge

Our first and last actions in this world are a breath. Breathing is one of our most vital processes and affects how we feel, in body and mind. Yet few of us are aware of how we breathe, let alone train the breath.

Now is the time to start. This challenge uses simple movements and breathing exercises to create an easier, more efficient breath. Each day builds on the last, letting go of poor breathing patterns and developing good ones. Start with the 21 Day Challenge Info.

The classes are 15 minutes a day, level 1-2, no props needed. Completion tells you how to keep going.

45 Classes

20 min
Pranayama in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

Surya Bhedana and Sitali Pranayama Class

Surya Bhedana is a more activating and stimulating pranayama, with a stronger effect on your energy.

It is always suggested to balance the heating effect of Surya Bhedana with Sitali or Sitkari. This is a complete class that starts with Surya Bhedana and finishes with Sitali.

Contraindications: if you are pregnant or on your cycle, do not practise Surya Bhedana.

30 min
Meditation in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

30-Min Meditation

A longer sit gives the mind more time to settle. This class gives you a whole half hour of meditation. We start by relaxing the body and turning our attention inwards.

By following the breath we gradually settle the mind more and more, moving into silence and stillness.

15 min
Pranayama in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

Sitkari Pranayama Class

Sitkari is a practice for people who cannot do Sitali, but it is a good practice for anyone, with its own benefits.

Its effects are similar to Sitali, and it belongs to the same family of cooling, calming pranayamas. Give it a try in this short class.

15 min

Simple Pranayama Class

One of the foundations of pranayama is breathing in set ratios between the inhale, the exhale and holding the breath. The ratios work on the nervous system and, in the yoga tradition, on our energy.

This class helps you get familiar with the base: an exhale twice the length of the inhale.

Good if you are new to pranayama, and a nice class for anyone who wants to relax the mind and connect to their inner world.

15 min

15-Min Chandra Bhedana

Chandra Bhedana is one of the most nourishing and soothing pranayamas. It translates as moon channel piercing, and in the yoga tradition it activates Ida nadi, the calming, nourishing, feminine side of the body's energy system.

A simple practice, and good if you feel stressed, overworked, overstimulated or have trouble relaxing.

Tune in and chill out.

15 min

Uddiyana Bandha Kriya Class

Uddiyana Bandha Kriya can take time to master. In this class we simplify the technique and build it up from the preparatory stages.

Relaxation is a big part of it, and the class makes Uddiyana Bandha Kriya accessible to anyone.

Contraindications: if you are pregnant or on your cycle, do not practise Uddiyana Bandha Kriya.

15 min
Screenshot from an online yoga class at Yogateket Uppsala

Surya Bhedana Class

Surya Bhedana translates as sun channel piercing. In the yoga tradition it is more activating to our inner energy and starts to have an effect on Kundalini.

Ideally, spend some time with the other pranayama techniques before you come to this one. The class finishes with some Sitali to balance the effects.

Contraindications: if you are pregnant or on your cycle, do not practise Surya Bhedana.

20 min
Meditation in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

20-Min Meditation

Relaxation and being present are what we develop in this class. We get in touch with where we feel the breath, and let our attention settle there.

This simple act of staying present and mindful goes a long way.

15 min
Pranayama in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

Bhramari Pranayama Class

Bhramari means something like the sound of the bee, and that is what we create: the humming sound of a bee with our breath.

It calms busy thoughts and gently brings the mind to a quieter place. Easy, and less technical than some other pranayamas.

10 min
Pranayama in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

OM Mantra

Recitation of OM is traditionally called Pranava Japa. It works well after pranayama, or as a practice in its own right.

The emphasis is on the vibration. We use it to still the mind and bring us to a deeper connection within.

Simple and profound.

20 min
Jaime white doing pilates

Find Your Downward Dog Shoulders

This short class uses accessible movements to work on shoulder strength and mobility. The focus is on the alignment of the shoulders and the activation of the serratus muscles.

By the end of the class you will know better how to use your upper body in Downward-Facing Dog, correctly and with strength.

15 min
Pranayama in practice at Yogateket with Guy Powiecki

Ujjayi Pranayama Class

Ujjayi translates as victorious. It helps settle restlessness in the body and the mind, and brings a sense of calm and balance.

One of the features of Ujjayi is breathing with a soft sound. I describe how to do this in the tutorial video. Beginners can practise without it.