What if I've never taken yoga before or am new to Svaroopa® Yoga?
There are many styles of yoga and they even use the same poses. One difference is the way the poses are executed. For example, Svaroopa® Yoga begins with poses that are done on the floor, in chairs and on blankets. Standing poses come later, after you have learned what it feels like to be in a pose without tightening your spine and after you have learned how to use your leg muscles, arms and abdominal muscles instead of spinal muscles, when executing various poses. Every class emphasizes the opening of the spine, beginning at the tailbone and progressing through each spinal area in turn. The goals of Svaroopa® Yoga include greater flexibility, body strength, and stamina---without creating spinal tension!
Even students who are continuing in Svaroopa® Yoga are encouraged to take classes in other kinds of yoga so that they can understand the differences in the "inner experience" that comes from the deep core openings of Svaroopa® Yoga as compared to other kinds of yoga.
Who is Gurumayi and what is a Siddha Guru?
A Siddha Guru is a spiritual teacher, a master, whose identification with the supreme Self is uninterrupted. The unique and rare quality of a Siddha Guru is his or her capacity to awaken the spiritual energy, kundalini, in seekers through shaktipat.
Gurumayi Chidvilasananda is a Siddha Guru who walked the path of yoga under the guidance of her Guru, Swami Muktananda. Gurumayi received the power and authority of the Siddha Yoga lineage from Swami Muktananda before he passed away in 1982. She teaches the Siddhas' message that the experience of divine consciousness is attainable in this human body. Gurumayi constantly points us back inside ourselves, where this state is both possible and accessible.
As a Siddha Guru, she carries out her mission of awakening seekers to their own potential for enlightenment by bestowing shaktipat. Through her teachings and her writings and through Siddha Yoga learning and teaching events and study tools, she guides students on this mystical journey toward God, helping them move beyond their own limitations and reach the goal. Gurumayi expresses a great love and reverence for children as the holders of our future and has written books and songs expressly for them.
Her teachings are made available for seekers of all ages, around the world, through the work of the SYDA Foundation. In her Siddha Yoga Message for the year 2003, Gurumayi describes the essence of her vision for all human beings:
In truth, the gift of life must always be recognized and never be taken for granted. Why is life so precious? In Siddha Yoga philosophy, we recognize that in this human life we have a rare opportunity. We can transform an ordinary perception of this universe into an extraordinary vision. To be on this planet and to behold the universe from the divine perspective is a sign of an illumined heart. To put this vision to best use in the best way possible is a human being’s highest duty.
For more information, please visit: http://www.siddhayoga.org/
Instinctive Eating? Eating whatever I want, whenever I want, and as much as I want?
I was introduced to this approach to food by a friend who had cured herself of a serious illness. She felt so good she continued to eat this way for 7 years.
Instinctive eating is very healing and natural, as well as difficult in the begining. I don't believe that there is one thing that will cure everything but if there was one thing this would be it.
For more information, please visit: http://www.instinctiveliving.com/
