Svaroopa Yoga takes a radically different approach from most other styles of modern hatha yoga. After just one class, you will change the way you think about "doing yoga." This is a powerfully transformative practice. As poses are held longer, attention is drawn inward, creating a deeply meditative experience. Students are invited to surrender, simply allowing each pose to have an effect. In essence, instead of doing yoga, yoga is doing you.

Core Opening

Svaroopa yoga's distinction lies in the intention of the practice: To create core opening by releasing tension in the deepest layers of the body. This release deliberately begins at the tailbone - the pivot point of the body - and is carried up the spine, through the sacrum, waist, ribcage, and beyond. As this release is continually reinforced, the whole body begins to realign itself from the inside outward. This is the foundation of every Svaroopa yoga class, upon which all other aspects of the asana (pose) practice are built.

In the words of Rama Berch, founder and Master Teacher of Svaroopa yoga, "Dissolving these [core] tensions allows you to live with ease, both in your body and in your deeper self. That ease is your birthright. This all happens without sweat or strain because Svaroopa Yoga is not exercise, but a scientific maximization of the body's natural capacities. When practicing Svaroopa yoga, we delve into our body as if opening a precious gift carefully wrapped in many layers."

Support Equals Release

One of the key "sutras" in Svaroopa yoga is support equals release. This is the underlying thread that is woven throughout the practice. From the very beginning of each class, as students rest in shavasana, yoga's relaxation pose, props are used to allow more softening and release. As the body surrenders to this support, settling down into the blankets, settling back into the floor, a deep release of both physical and mental tension occurs.

This premise is carried throughout each series of carefully crafted poses. Along with precise alignment, students are taught the most effective propping for ease and relaxation. There is no need for self-effort in an attempt to make the pose happen. As students learn to let go and allow themselves to be supported, they discover a sense of internal support - physically, mentally, and spiritually.

"You gradually learn to surrender into a grace that is ever present, though the tendency is to hold yourself tight and resist that flow. The outer practice of these asanas leads you to recognize that the source of grace is deep within your own being."
-- Rama Berch

With the first pose, breathing opens up and moves more freely and completely.

Musculoskeletal changes in the body travel downward from the tailbone, releasing tension and dis-ease in the legs, hips, knees, ankles and feet, and upward, affecting the spine through the sacrum, lower back, waist, rib cage, shoulders, neck, and skull.

The spinal release creates more space for the invertebral discs and nerve roots, improving communication throughout the body's systems.

The core opening relieves compression of the internal organs, improving digestion, elimination, and reproductive function.

Reduced physical tension throughout the body enhances vitality and stamina.

As your body opens, your state of mind becomes more peaceful, centered, calm and uplifted.

Your emotional state shifts away from depression and anxiety towards compassion, contentment and joy.