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WHAT IS SVAROOPA YOGA?
Svaroopa® Yoga
uses traditional yoga postures (asana) and breathing techniques
(pranayama) approached in a unique way. We incorporate an emphasis
on alignment; using angles (poses) to reach through the periphery
of the body, to the core; through the joints of the body, to the
spine. This approach creates strength and flexibility, by releasing
of the muscles that attach to the spine. Our focus is on release
rather than stretching into poses. Using props, poses become "steady
and easy" to do (as described in the ancient Yogic text, Yoga
Sutras of Patanjali). This encourages deep changes in the body
and mind. Increased awareness and opening lead to a deep state
of healing tranquility.
Svaroopa (pronounced either Svaroopa, or Swaroopa) is a Sanskrit
word that refers to a human being's true form, essence, or Self… which
is this blissful, healing, tranquil, contented state. Svaroopa
Yoga helps students find this state within themselves and learn
how to access it on their own. Increased flexibility; strength;
body awareness; ability to isolate muscle use and move the body
more efficiently; reduce pain and other effects of stress and ability
to achieve a state of deep peace are just some of the many benefits
of regular attendance at Svaroopa Yoga classes.
For more information re: Svaroopa Yoga's founder Rama
Berch, and Svaroopa Yoga teacher training opportunities...visit www.masteryoga.org.
For Svaroopa Yoga in the Paoli area
you can visit dibellayoga.com
How is Svaroopa Yoga Different
from Other Hatha Yoga Styles?
The poses taught in Svaroopa Yoga (like most other styles you will
encounter) are ancient Hatha Yoga poses. Each style of yoga approaches
these in its own way. In Svaroopa Yoga, each pose, or angle is
approached in a way where students, with practice, begin to be
able to release the muscles that attach to the spine. This release
begins a process of healing in the entire body/mind and opens a
pathway to finding the deeper dimension of being; the true meaning
of the practice (of yoga) in mind/body/spirit.
Most yoga classes, whatever the style, are taught in a way that
creates stretch and movement for the spine and the rest of the
body. However, depending on how the poses are taught - and how
the student holds each pose in their body, it is very easy to unintentionally
create more tension in the muscles that attach to the spine, even while
getting stretch and movement. Most people have very deeply held
tension in these muscles already. So much so, that they have very
limited ability to perceive it - because the area has become numb.
Those of you who come to class have often heard me say, “a tight
muscle is a weak muscle”. A tight muscle is also a muscle that
does not get good circulation and no longer has the elasticity
of a healthy muscle. Nor does it even necessarily have the ability
to send a sensory (pain) message to the brain that it needs some
help!
This tension creates compression in the spine, leading to myriad
physical/emotional problems. We may not even realize it is there
until one of these problems, which originate from spinal tension,
surfaces! (i.e. carpal tunnel syndrome, depression, irritability,
low back pinched nerves, ruptured or herniated disc, pain, sciatica,
constipation, knee problems, Yes! even knee problems!). It is
easy to create more tension in the spine, because we cannot feel
it at its source, and therefore are not aware that we are doing
so.
Svaroopa Yoga’s focus is on creating lasting spinal opening. Students
are taught a fundamentally different way to "tune" into
these deeper tensions and release them; giving them the opportunity
for the classic Hatha Yoga poses to be deeply effective and healthful.
CONTEMPLATION ARTICLES BY RAMA BERCH (FOUNDER OF SVAROOPA YOGA)
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