Glossary · A–Z

Terms starting with “P”

80 terms in the conscious-living glossary.

• Pace (per mile/km)Performance MetricsTime to cover one mile or kilometer. The universal language of running speed (e.g., 8:00/mi).
• PacerUltra & TrailA runner who accompanies an ultra racer through later miles for safety, motivation, and navigation.
• Packet PickupRegistration & LogisticsPre-race event where runners collect their bib, timing chip, and swag bag — usually held at the race expo.
• PadavaliChanting & DevotionalCollections of devotional songs from Bengali Vaishnava tradition.
• Padma SirsasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Lotus headstand—headstand in full lotus position.
• Padmasana (Lotus Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)The classic meditation seat with legs crossed and feet on opposite thighs.
• Pali CanonBuddhismOldest complete collection of Buddhist texts.
• PallaviChanting & DevotionalThe refrain or main theme in Carnatic devotional music.
• Palo SantoShamanism & Plant Medicine"Holy wood" from South America burned for cleansing, healing, and inviting good spirits.
• PanchakarmaAyurveda & WellnessFive cleansing therapies—deep purification treatments in Ayurveda.
• PanchakarmaAyurveda & WellnessFive-action detoxification program for deep cleansing.
• PanchamakaraTantraFive forbidden things used in left-hand tantra rituals.
• ParamitaBuddhist TraditionsPerfections—the six transcendent virtues cultivated on the bodhisattva path.
• Parivrtta Trikonasana (Revolved Triangle)Yoga Poses (Asanas)Triangle pose with a deep twist—challenging balance while detoxifying.
• Parivrtta Utkatasana (Twisted Chair)Yoga Poses (Asanas)Chair pose with a spinal twist—building heat while detoxifying.
• ParkrunCommunity & CultureFree, weekly, timed 5K events held in parks worldwide. Over 2,300 locations across 22 countries.
• Parsva BakasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Side crow—twisted arm balance challenging core and balance.
• ParsvakonasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Extended side angle pose—deep lateral stretch and strength.
• ParsvottanasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Intense side stretch—deep hamstring and shoulder opening.
• PasasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Noose pose—deep squat twist with bound arms.
• Paschimottanasana (Seated Forward Fold)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A seated pose folding forward over extended legs—stretching the entire back body.
• Past Life HealingEnergy Work & HealingReleasing trauma and patterns from previous incarnations.
• PelotonCycling TermsThe main pack of riders in a road race. Riding in the peloton reduces wind resistance by up to 40%.
• Penalty LoopObstacle Course RacingExtra distance you must run (usually 400m) if you fail to complete an obstacle in competition.
• PeriodizationTraining ConceptsSystematic training plan divided into phases (base, build, peak, taper) to optimize race-day performance.
• Periodized NutritionCoaching TermsStrategically adjusting calorie and macronutrient intake to match training phases — eating more during peak weeks, less during recovery.
• PeyoteShamanism & Plant MedicineA sacred cactus used by Native American traditions for spiritual communion and healing.
• PeyoteShamanism & Plant MedicineSacred cactus used ceremonially by Native American Church and indigenous peoples.
• PeyoteShamanismSacred cactus medicine used in Native American ceremony.
• Peyote SongChanting & DevotionalDevotional songs of the Native American Church used in all-night ceremonies.
• Phalakasana (Plank Pose)Yoga Poses (Asanas)A foundational pose holding the body in a straight line—building full-body strength.
• Phoenix Rising YogaYoga StylesYoga therapy integrating assisted postures with dialogue.
• Physiological SighBreathworkDouble inhale followed by long exhale for rapid calm.
• Physiological SighBreathworkDouble inhale with long exhale for instant calm.
• Pincha MayurasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Forearm stand—inversion on forearms building shoulder strength.
• Pingala NadiSubtle Body & AnatomyThe right energy channel—solar, masculine, heating, ending at the right nostril.
• Pingala NadiSubtle Body & AnatomyRight energy channel associated with solar, heating energy.
• Pipe CeremonyShamanismSacred prayer ceremony using ceremonial pipe.
• PittaAyurveda & WellnessThe dosha of fire and water—governs digestion, metabolism, and transformation.
• Pitta DoshaAyurveda & WellnessFire and water constitution governing transformation and digestion.
• PiyyutChanting & DevotionalJewish liturgical poetry set to music for prayer services.
• Planet GongSound HealingGong tuned to specific planetary frequencies based on orbital data.
• Plant Spirit MedicineShamanismHealing through relationship with plant consciousness.
• Plantar FasciitisRecovery & InjuryInflammation of the thick tissue on the bottom of the foot, causing stabbing heel pain — worst with the first steps of the morning.
• Polarity TherapyEnergy Work & HealingA holistic system balancing life energy through touch, diet, exercise, and counseling.
• Polarity TherapyEnergy Work & HealingBalancing life energy through touch, diet, exercise, and awareness.
• Positive Self-TalkMental TrainingThe deliberate practice of replacing negative inner dialogue with encouraging, instructional, or motivational cues during training and racing.
• Postnatal YogaYoga StylesGentle practice for new mothers recovering from childbirth.
• Power AnimalShamanism & Plant MedicineA spirit guide in animal form that provides protection, guidance, and medicine.
• Power AnimalShamanismSpirit ally in animal form providing guidance and protection.
• Power SongChanting & DevotionalPersonal medicine songs in shamanic traditions for calling spiritual power.
• Power YogaYoga StylesA fitness-focused, athletic vinyasa practice inspired by Ashtanga.
• PR (Personal Record)Running TerminologyYour fastest time ever at a given distance. Also called PB (personal best) outside the US.
• PrajnaBuddhist TraditionsTranscendent wisdom—direct insight into the nature of reality.
• PrakritiAyurveda & WellnessOne's inborn constitutional type—the unique balance of doshas at birth.
• PrakritiYoga PhilosophyNature—the manifest world of matter and mind in Samkhya.
• PrakrutiAyurveda & WellnessOne's original constitution determined at conception.
• PranaAyurveda & WellnessLife force energy that animates all living beings—similar to chi (qi) in Chinese traditions.
• Prana (Ayurveda)Ayurveda & WellnessLife force energy essential for all bodily functions.
• Prana VayuSubtle Body & AnatomyInward-moving vital air governing intake and perception.
• Pranamaya KoshaSubtle Body & AnatomyThe energy body or "vital sheath"—the layer of prana and breath.
• Pranamaya KoshaSubtle Body & AnatomyEnergy body sheath composed of prana.
• PranayamaBreathworkYogic breath control techniques to regulate life force energy (prana) and prepare the mind for meditation.
• PranayamaSanskrit & Sacred LanguageYogic breath control and life force regulation.
• Pranic HealingEnergy Work & HealingAn energy healing system using prana (life force) to balance and harmonize the body.
• Pranic HealingEnergy Work & HealingA no-touch healing system working with prana to cleanse and energize the body.
• Pranic HealingEnergy Work & HealingNo-touch energy healing cleansing and energizing the aura.
• Prasarita PadottanasanaYoga Poses (Asanas)Wide-legged forward fold—stretching hamstrings and calming the mind.
• PratyaharaYoga PhilosophySense withdrawal—the fifth limb, turning attention inward away from external stimuli.
• Prenatal YogaYoga StylesYoga modified for pregnancy—supporting the changing body and preparing for birth.
• Prenatal YogaYoga StylesYoga adapted for pregnant women supporting maternal health.
• Psilocybin MushroomsShamanism & Plant MedicineFungi containing psychoactive compounds used in indigenous and therapeutic settings.
• Psychic SurgeryEnergy Work & HealingEnergy healing technique removing energetic blockages.
• PsychopompShamanismGuiding souls of the dead to the afterlife.
• PujaRitual & CeremonyHindu worship ceremony—offerings of light, incense, flowers, and food to deities.
• PujaRitual & CeremonyHindu worship ceremony honoring deities with offerings.
• Pull BuoySwimming TermsFoam float placed between the thighs to isolate upper body and improve arm stroke technique.
• Pulse DiagnosisTraditional Chinese MedicineReading health patterns through subtle pulse qualities.
• PurushaYoga PhilosophyPure consciousness—the unchanging witness in Samkhya philosophy.
• PyriteCrystals & MineralsFool's gold for abundance and confidence.