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

60 min
cobra pose hatha yoga

Asana Based Hatha Class

This class builds both strength and suppleness. The traditional Hatha approach is slower, and we take a resting pose between the more demanding poses.

The slow pace and time to digest the poses create a more meditative feel, and we try some of the poses with our eyes closed. Level 1-2, no props needed.

15 min
Pranayama practice at Yogateket

Yoga for the Face

There are 43 muscles in the face. That is a lot. In this short class you release tension from the face and the neck.

The face, jaw and neck hold a lot of tension, and learning to release and relax them feels good. We introduce the techniques Simha Mudra, Jivha Bandha and Brahma Mudra.

We work all the other muscles of the body in yoga, so why not the face?

30 min
Pranayama practice at Yogateket

Pranayama for Stress, Anxiety and Depression

In the yoga tradition, pranayama brings the body's inner energies into balance. Put simply, we can understand this as bringing the nervous system into balance.

Some pranayamas are more soothing and calming. In this class we use the ones that soothe an overworked nervous system: Chandra Bhedana, Sitali (Sitkari) and Ujjayi.

Take some time with this ancient art. Breathing practice can support, but not replace, care from a doctor or therapist.

15 min
Yogi is practising yoga on a burgundy coloured yoga mat on white background

To the Point Pranayama Practice

A simple 15 minute pranayama class, accessible for anyone. We begin by developing the connection to the exhale, the most grounding and calming part of the breath.

Once connected, the traditional pranayama begins with Sitali, calming and soothing.

Calm down and connect to your deeper self.

30 min
a photo shoot from a online yoga class at yogateket Uppsala

Deep Relaxation Practice

The purpose of this class is real, deep relaxation, to rest your nervous system and replenish your energy.

We use a mix of simple meditation and Hatha yoga techniques, including some kriyas, the classical preparation practices.

When we work with the body with intelligence and an understanding of the nervous system, we can all bring ourselves to deep relaxation.

20 min
screenshot from online pranayama yoga class at Yogateket yoga studio in Uppsala sweden

Back to Balance with Pranayama

A mix of breathing techniques to calm the nervous system and balance your energy. Accessible to all.

We start with grounding breath exercises lying on your back. Then we introduce Nadi Shodhana, the alternate nostril breath, one of the most fundamental and balancing pranayama techniques.

The class ends with Bhramari (the bee) pranayama, soothing and calming.

10 min

Pick Me Up Kapalabhati

Wake up your system and switch on your energy.

A short energising pranayama class that starts with Simha mudra (Lion's Breath), continues with Jivha Bandha and finishes with Kapalabhati. A good way to start the day.

Contraindication: do not do this class while pregnant or during your menstrual cycle.

45 min
screenshot from online yoga class  at Yogateket yoga studio in Uppsala sweden

Traditional Hatha Class

This is a traditional Hatha class. The poses are more static and we hold them for longer. Rather than flowing between poses, we rest between each posture.

The purpose is to become more meditative and allow the best flow of energy, with less instruction on the breath and more on observing sensations. Relaxing and calming, with work for the hips and the hamstrings. Level 1-2, no props needed.

10 min
screenshot from online pranayama yoga class at Yogateket yoga studio in Uppsala sweden

Anuloma Viloma or Nadi Shodhana

The most fitting description in English is alternate nostril breathing.

Nadi Shodhana translates as clearing of the channels. It is one of the most classical pranayamas, and in the yoga tradition it brings the nervous system and the major energy channels (nadis) into balance.

A foundational practice for pranayama.

5 min
Pranayama with Guy Powiecki

Chandra Bhedana Pranayama

Chandra means moon, and this is the moon channel activating pranayama. One of the most nourishing and calming pranayamas there is.

A good practice for women who are pregnant or on their cycle, done instead of Surya Bhedana.

5 min
Screenshot from a Online yoga class at Yogateket yoga studio from Uppsala Sweden

Brahma Mudra Tutorial

This is a simple practice to relieve tension around the neck, jaw and upper back. It also works the muscles of the eyes.

Do it with full awareness, not mechanically, and it becomes a meditation too.

Accessible and therapeutic.

5 min
Pranayama practice at Yogateket Uppsala

Sitali Tutorial

The name Sitali means the one that cools. Air is drawn in over the tongue and breathed out through the nostrils, which gives a cooling effect.

In Ayurveda, Sitali is used to reduce excess pitta, the fire element. The classical texts also say it eases hunger and thirst, and it brings a fine calm to the mind.