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.
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The Sunday Pranasphere: January 4, 2025
Published 5 months ago • 2 min read
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
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
The Pranasphere Vintage Hat
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.
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Dennis Dean
Senior teacher, Author.
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.
The Sunday Pranasphere Ikigai and the Quiet Architecture of a Life Hi Friend, I came across a Japanese word years ago—ikigai. It’s often translated as “a reason for being,” but it’s not that heavy. More like a small, steady sense that your life has direction, even in the ordinary moments. My first girlfriend was Japanese, Cynthia Izumi Fujimoto. I learned many things from her, and this was one of the first. One day she simply handed me a piece of paper with ikigai written on it. That was it.I...
The Sunday Pranasphere By-The-Wind-Sailor: Velella Velella This was taken at Stone Steps in Encinitas, Ca. by yours truly. Hi Friend, I've been bookmarking my days with a dip in the ocean early in the morning and yet another at sunset, regardless of the weather. Every day seems to be such an adventure when it comes to observing the subtleties of the landscape, including, of course, the widely diverse colors and moods of the ocean.The beach this morning was covered with thousands of the most...
The Sunday Pranasphere Aesthesis of Devotion in a Visible Province Artist Banksy confirmed he is behind 'Season's greetings' in Port Talbo Hi Friend, Tomorrow I’ll head into San Diego to spend time with an artist whose work I’ve followed for decades. My fascination began in my twenties. Since then, I’ve found myself standing in front of their pieces in Paris, London, New York, Prague — quietly making pilgrimages whenever I could. There is something about seeing the work in person that has...