Svaroopa yoga promises profound changes to body, mind and soul. This therapeutic style is accessible for those who are out of shape or have physical limitations. The name is Sanskrit for "true nature" or "bliss." Instead of being exercise-oriented like many types of yoga taught in the West, Svaroopa focuses on releasing muscular tension, especially around the spine.
Core Opening
"Core opening" is at the center of the Svaroopa philosophy. While doing these gentle, supported poses, you release muscle tension from the tailbone to the crown of the head. This release is called core opening, and purportedly results in personal transformation and healing in addition to improvements in the physical body. Teachers make hands-on adjustments to assist you in opening and remind students are reminded that Svaroopa yoga is neither a competitive nor athletic event.
Familiar Poses Done Differently
Svaroopa poses may be familiar to yoga students from other styles but are performed differently. Instead of focusing on joints such as the shoulders or hips, in Svaroopa it all comes back to the spine. Instruction begins with the tailbone and works its way up. A Svaroopa maxim is "support equals release." Teachers instruct students on how to use props to support their poses. For example, in Svaroopa style forward bends, the hips are usually elevated. Students can sit on the edge of a chair and fold their torsos over for a simple forward bend. If they're forward bending on the floor, Svaroopa yogis sit on small stacks of blankets.
A Typical Class
Svaroopa classes begin the way other yoga classes end: in Corpse Pose, reclining on the back. The teacher leads students through a guided meditation and breathing practice. After that, you do a few poses, then return to corpse pose. Instead of trying to stretch, as happens in most yoga classes, in Svaroopa you try to release the tension in your muscles. Svaroopa students soften into poses, rather than strive. Each month features a different theme, such as developing a home practice, balancing poses or seated poses. Class ends the way it began, in Corpse Pose.
Props
Props are essential to Svaroopa practice. Students support their poses using blocks, bolsters, blankets and chairs. But don't confuse this with restorative or beginning yoga; in Svaroopa, advanced practitioners use props, too. Reconnecting with your inner essence is hard work and requires support. Even Corpse Pose is done propped, with a bolster under the legs to let your back muscles rest and relax.
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