The Sunday Pranasphere: January 4, 2025


The Sunday Pranasphere

Robert Sapolsky | Sentient History

Featured Lesson:
Sentient History -
The Hard Wired:
Robert Sapolsky
Between the Covers:
The Fire of Love
The Pranasphere Merch:
Is now here

Hi Friend,
Get the download, PDF style:

Global Evolution of Animal Sentience in Law

From Property to Presence:
How Law Is Beginning to Acknowledge Animal Experience


Across cultures and centuries, the question of who—or what—counts has quietly shaped our laws, our ethics, and our sense of belonging in the living world. What we choose to recognize reflects not only scientific understanding, but moral imagination.

In recent decades, legal systems around the globe have begun to shift in a subtle yet consequential way: acknowledging that animals are not merely objects, but beings capable of experience.

The following two documents explore this transition from different angles. One traces the historical and legal milestones that mark the recognition of animal sentience; the other reflects more deeply on what this recognition means—biologically, ethically, and culturally. Together, they offer a window into a world where law is slowly learning to notice what has always been there: the felt life of other beings, and our responsibility within it.

Enjoy ox -D



The Hard Wired

The Hard Wired is a term I use to represent people (authors, thought leaders...), subjects, places etc. that I tap into on a regular basis and most likely will go to see in person or already have...


Robert Salpolsky

I think its been about four years now that I've found great pleasure in doing my best to follow this man's wonderful work. Enjoy

The first introduction I had to Mr. Sapolsky was this series which is free from Stanford:
1. Introduction to Human Behavioral Biology

His Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robert.sapolsky
My latest Fav Video from Mr. Salpolsky:
31-Religious Belief - Robert Sapolsky's Human Behavioral Biology


Between The Covers

Wicked weekly picks from my personal collection—from ancient texts to contemporary journalism, classical literature to obscure discoveries.


This book was given to me by a dear friend many many years ago.
Not quite sure if you can still get it online, but most certainly worth the effort, especially if you're a yoga teacher.


The Pranasphere Merch

Get it here: The Pranasphere Vintage Hat
I've seen this symbol welcome thousands of students through my studio doors over the years. Three Aum symbols together in the Enso (円相) fashion—has a special place in my heart. A north star through transitions, through changes, through growth. If you've been part of this journey, you know what it means. If you're just finding us, welcome.

The Triple Aum: The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha.
Enso (円相): The Zen Circle


Special Products by Dennis Dean

Dennis is master craftsman and a true entrepreneur.
Many of his products are handmade by him or he has provided direct stewardship in the design & manufacturing of the product.. Enjoy


Past Newsletters to review & share...


Know you are the light, Dennis



About The Sunday Pranasphere newsletter: You are receiving a newsletter that is part of an ecosystem called The Pranasphere at Pranayama.com. All modalities within The Pranasphere, including this newsletter, are designed to deepen our understanding of how we are inherently connected. Rather than emphasizing difference, we focus on shared patterns of experience, with the intention of counter balancing modern media’s aggressive narratives that often amplify fear and separation.

Though the subjects may differ—culture, science, nature, philosophy, literature, lived experience, and the ways in which they are delivered (i.e., newsletter, podcast, visual arts, listening practices, embodied somatic movement, Metta Meditation)—they are gathered to deepen our shared understanding of life-force literacy, and how becoming educated in the language of the breath reveals how a lifetime of experience is held in the body and expressed in the present moment.


P.O. Box 35, Cardiff by the Sea, CA 92007
Unsubscribe · Preferences
Sending Quality Newsletter Since 1994 & Lovin It! ❤️

Dennis Dean

Rooted in thirty-five years of experience, Dennis Dean has shared the practice of yoga nationally and internationally, founding and guiding four yoga shalas along the way. A lifelong reader and writer, he has been publishing newsletters since 1994, offering reflections that weave together philosophy, practice, and lived experience. At 65, he remains passionately committed to cultivating his pedagogical skills and continuing the growth that has shaped his decades of practice—even when it requires shedding the skin of ingrained or indoctrinated perceptions to fully embrace new ones.

Read more from Dennis Dean

The Sunday Pranasphere Robyn Barron | Cultural Homeostasis Robyn Barron, The Art of Balance Featured Lesson: Cultural Homeostasis Between the Covers: One Sitting Books PDF↓The Hard Wired: Robyn Barron Hi Friend, I often teach a class for my students on Sundays, 9:00–10:45am. Before, during, and after class there is a wonderful mixture of insightful, playful, and endearing conversation that often informs The Sunday Pranasphere. Today we had quite the mixture of personal anatomical analysis,...

The Sunday Pranasphere Mark Jacques | A false sense of "control." Summer Dayzzz by Rosie Karel Featured Lesson: A false sense of "control." PDF↓The Hard Wired: Mark Warren JacquesBetween the Covers: Emotional Anatomy PDF↓ Hi Friend, These are extremely troublesome times we're living in, globally and locally. In addition to the rapid addiction to screen scrolling we have political unrest that seems to be reaching all corners of the earth. It's very easy to feel angry...I know that I most...

The Sunday Pranasphere Omo Valley Tribe | The Sleeping Giant The Sleeping Giant by Florence Quinn Featured Lesson: The Sleeping Giant - PDF DownloadThe Hard Wired: The Omo Valley Tribe Between the Covers: The Golden Spruce update..The Pranasphere Merch: Is now hereThis Week’s Sponsor: Florence Quinn Hi Friend,Get the download, PDF style:Breath Awareness Lesson: The Sleeping Giant The Sleeping Giant speaks to the breath as an innate intelligence that has been with us since the beginning. Our...