| Frequently Asked Questions |
Common Questions
Do I need to be flexible? No, you don't. Most people can do this style of yoga.
Do I need to be fit or in shape? No, you don't need either one to attend a Svaroopa® yoga class. This isn't exercise oriented & it's not stretching either. It's individualized support in easy yoga poses.
I've never done yoga before, is that ok? Yes! absolutely. This style of yoga (as you can see from some pictures on the site) is very different than what you may have seen in magazines and other media.
What do I wear to class? Dress comfortably & I recommend layering. You can wear sweats or long loose fitting pants and bring a sweatshirt or sweater. I don't recommend shorts.
Do I need a yoga mat? No, we don't use them.
Should I eat before class? It's best not to eat 2 hours before class. If you come to an am class and want to have a small amount of food that would be fine. Maybe some toast or an apple or a banana.
Are there different levels of classes? Yes, there's a class for beginners and newcomers that is recommended before joining a 'Continuing Level' class.
I've done other styles of yoga, how is Svaroopa® Yoga different? You really need to have an experience of a class to notice the most important differences. From a physical standpoint, I'll say that this style isn't stretching and it isn't exercise oriented. The emphasis is on releasing muscle tension and specifically we are targeting spinal muscles. The pace is slowed down, so that you can slow down and really become more aware of your body. We use lots of props to support you where you are right now. The approach is compassionate, gentle, easy, yet powerful and effective and even transformational. The way the spinal opening has an affect on the mind, the emotions and more is what I mean when I say 'the most important differences" that you'll notice.
Where do I start? There are a couple of ways to get going. Try a class, send me an email to let me know you are coming. The other is to do one or two private instruction sessions and see if you are ready to join a class.
What results can I expect from doing Svaroopa® Yoga for say 6 months? Just like anything you do the more yoga you do and the more consistently you do it the more benefit you'll get. So if you do a class once a week and do a Home Practice you'll have significant changes in your body, mind and more. You'll be less reactive, happier, more flexible, more comfortable in your body, less stressed, more energy and on and on.
How do you pronounce Svaroopa? Good question....so 'Sva" pronounced 'Swa' and 'roo' pronounced like 'ru' in ruby. Swa-ru-pa - that's one way to pronounce it, probably the easiest.
What does Svaroopa mean? The bliss of your own being, true nature.
What do we do in a typical class? You'll start in a comfortable position (as seen in the classes page) called "Shavasana". We do a guided awareness followed by a breathing practice, then we do several poses and come back to Shavasana. The poses vary from week to week and there are new 'theme's every month. The goal of every class is to create 'spinal opening' which means you are learning how to release tension in the spinal muscles in every class.
how much experience/training do you have? I started doing yoga @14 years of age, that was when Lillas Folan was on PBS. I did that for awhile and did a little here and there off and on for years. After drifting into the workout mentality I gently drifted back into yoga in my early 30's and got serious about it in 1997. I started Yoga Teacher Training in 1999 and finished my 500 hour level training in 2004. I continue to do trainings, workshops, Yoga Therapy training and other related studies - it's a never ending process. I've been teaching in Portland for over 8 years. I'm now a certified Svaroopa® Yoga instructor.
How big are the classes? The class size ranges from 6 to 12 people. I like to have small classes so I can give personal attention to each student. The maximum class size will be between 10 and 12.
How much are the classes? Since the class size is small I charge a little more than some studios. For now I'm charging $12 per class for a series prepaid. Drop in's $15. There are scholarships available for those who need them. The Yoga for Veterans of War class is free.
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