NORTHERN LIGHT YOGA

A: Yoga is an ancient spiritual discipline that originated in India several thousand years ago. It is the science of consciousness and includes many practices. The two most familiar to Westerners are Hatha Yoga (yoga of the body) and Raja Yoga (meditation). Historically, they were meant to go together. Hatha Yoga quiets the mind and prepares the body to sit for meditation. However, in the West Hatha Yoga is often practiced as a form of exercise that may or may not include meditation. Many different styles are practiced in the United States, all of which strengthen and stretch the body in a variety of ways.

Svaroopa^® Yoga was developed by Rama Berch of the Master Yoga Teaching Institute, following her years of study in many yogic traditions in the United States and India. The emphasis of this style of yoga is removing the spinal compression that blocks our experience of consciousness and creates illness and injury in the body. The practice is profoundly healing on physical, mental/emotional, and spiritual levels. It is easy to learn and accessible for almost any fitness level. Repeated practice results in increased physical health and vitality, clarity and peace of mind, and personal experiences of svaroopa, which in Sanskrit means “the bliss of your own being.”

Instead of traditional yoga mats, thick blankets are used to lie on, and to support the body in various poses. Yoga blocks may also be used.

A: Almost anyone can benefit from Svaroopa^® yoga. The practice is very accessible to newcomers because it supports the body fully with propping and pose modifications so that the deep tensions in the spine begin to release. So you never have to worry about not being able to do a pose because there are always options available to accommodate your body. And as you practice more, your body opens up in new ways, so that you can extend your range of motion and explore poses on a deep

er level, all without forcing or straining. Thus the same practice is suitable for both newcomers and long-standing students, but experienced very differently.

Svaroopa^® sessions are organized by theme so that you

get a variety of different releases in the body and learn how to keep your spine open in your daily life. Some themes, such as standing poses and vinyasa (flowing sequences), are active and some are more meditative (neck and shoulders, forward bends, and lower spinal release). All classes help you to release deep tensions in the spine, increase your strength, flexibility and balance and quiet your mind. Svaroopa^® yoga will particularly appeal to those who are looking to relieve physical discomfort, improve overall health and well-being, experience more ease in the body and become more comfortable with stillness. It is also of particular interest to those who have a yearning for something more from their yoga practice than just the physical postures - an experience of inner clarity, self-knowledge, and bliss. 

A: Those who have organ transplants or are taking immunosuppressant medication should not practice Svaroopa^® yoga. It dramatically improves the condition of the immune system and may compromise the organ transplant. This does not include individuals with hip and knee replacements, who can safely practice Svaroopa® yoga with modifications and receive many benefits from doing so. It also does not include those who have autoimmune conditions such as multiple sclerosis, lupus, or rheumatoid arthritis. People with these illnesses can safely practice and receive many benefits from the balancing effects of the yoga on the immune system and the strengthening of the nervous system.  

Women undergoing high-risk pregnancy should not practice Svaroopa^® yoga, nor should a woman not begin a Svaroopa^® practice in her first trimester of pregnancy. The changes in the spine are so significant that they may compromise the pregnancy. Women who have an established Svaroopa^® practice before becoming pregnant can safely practice throughout their pregnancy and receive many benefits from doing so.  

A: A typical class begins and ends in Shavasana, yoga’s pose of deep relaxation.  The body is fully supported so that the deeply held tensions in the spine can begin to dissolve. From there, we move on to Ujjayi Pranayama, the primary breathing practice of Svaroopa^® Yoga. This breathing practice increases prana, the body’s life force, which speeds recovery from injury or illness, increases vitality and stamina and reduces fatigue. 

Ujjayi pranayama also balances the immune system, helping students with autoimmune conditions, allergies and colds or flu.  Following the breathing practice, we explore a series of asanas (or poses) related to a particular theme. Themes include Daily Practice, Lower Spinal Release, Upper Spinal Release, Abdominals, Backbends, Standing Poses, Forward Bends, Neck and Shoulders, Balance, Inversions, Classical Poses, Vinyasa (flowing sequences), Warrior Poses, Seated Poses, and Twists. 

A typical class includes between 9 and 16 poses, which are held to allow for softening. Propping and pose modifications are used for every student so that the practice is individualized to accommodate each person’s needs. During the Seated Pose Theme, we sit for a brief meditation at the end.

A: Clothing that you can move freely in is appropriate for class. An elastic waistband is especially helpful. Often during a practice, your body temperature will change in response to the poses, so consider dressing in layers so that you can accommodate these fluctuations. You do not need to bring mats or props to class, as these are supplied. If you have an eye pillow of your own, you are welcome to bring it. We have some available for your use, as well. Many people like to bring a water bottle to class to stay hydrated, although the nature of this class is such that it is not necessary.  We have Yoga Loft water bottles on sale for those who would like to support the center.

A: You can sign up for a series of classes, or attend as a drop-in. Or you can schedule an individual yoga session with Rebecca. Call 315-386-8461, or email northernlightyoga (at) gmail.com.