Healing and Rejuvenation Through Svaroopa® Yoga
By Noel Smith
The vision of Kalavati Christine Hernandez and Chudala Lizabeth Darling, the founders of Aptos Yoga Center, a 501©3 non-profit, is to help people find physical and mental peace. The type of yoga they so fervently promote, Svaroopa® Yoga, is designed to release the physical and mental tensions that we accumulate every day in our modern society.
The word is getting out that yoga does NOT have to force its students into uncomfortable positions in order to achieve “peace of mind.” Svaroopa® Yoga offers a way to assume poses that releases tension and relieves pain. Hernandez and Darling want their students to experience the calm and serenity when tensions melt and pain is no longer a focus.
Svaroopa® Yoga practice includes a unique therapeutic approach to reduce muscle tension. Reducing pain is easy with the spinal decompression called “Core Opening.” This lifts pressure off your internal organs and glands so everything functions better, promoting optimum health along with stress relief and deep relaxation. You may find that your back pain eases and neck and shoulder tensions dissolve starting with your first class.
Svaroopa® Yoga is very approachable and beneficial for new students, people who are very active or play sports, seniors, and those recovering from injuries or operations.
There is another dimension to the Aptos Yoga Center. Last October, the Center announced its new nonprofit status. Hernandez and Darling made the decision to promote their mission of health to the community through the practices and teachings of Svaroopa® Yoga and conducting research on the healing effects of this unique yoga style as a non-profit. Since that time the number of students has doubled and the center is achieving its goals.
Hernandez and Darling are enthusiastic as they undertake case studies of students with medically diagnosed limitations. They chart, assess and objectively study how the disciplines of Svaroopa® Yoga provide relief and/or healing to the students as part of their dedication to studying the effects of this form of yoga.
The instructors at the Center utilize supportive blocks and blankets, shift students’ limbs and bodies, all to provide optimum alignment and ultimate benefits. Students learn and progress at their own pace. This non-athletic form of yoga results in flexibility, but does not require it. Classes begin with Shavasana, a deep relaxation pose, coupled with extensive breathing exercises called ujjayi pranayama. The benefits of Svaroopa® Yoga are amazing.
Students have experienced a reduction in stress, deeper relaxation, back pain relief, improved flexibility, improved posture and strength, as well as improved circulation. Those with muscle or arthritic pains can, over time, increase their flexibility and strength. The over-all health benefits are unique to each student, but many have reported a greater sense of well-being and mental clarity. With so much positive energy emanating from the Center, Hernandez and Darling are excited for their students, as well as the Center itself.
Because of their dedication to Svaroopa® Yoga, they have established a sliding scale fee for students in financial need and accept donations from the public to help cover the remaining costs of classes and/or therapy. This allows almost everyone to experience the healing nature of this style of yoga. Aptos Yoga Center is a 501c3 public charity, so not only can donors feel good about supporting others in their yoga practice, but may also receive a tax deduction.
Because of their small classes, a maximum of 14 students at a time, Hernandez and Darling are able to spend more one-on-one time with each student. This allows them to better assess the needs and limitations of their clients so that each one will get the most out of the time spent in a very personal way. Small classes also allow the instructors to set achievable milestones for each student as they progress.
Free introductory class every month. Upcoming classes: Saturday, September 14, October 12 & November 9 from 9:00 – 10:30 AM.
Come find out how Svaroopa® Yoga works in your body – free with no obligations. Learn how to release the deepest tensions in your body that keep you from living the active lifestyle you want to live.
The Aptos Yoga Center is located at 783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, (Deer Park Center) suite 23 (upper level), Aptos, CA 95003.
For additional information, please call 688-1019, or visit their website at www.aptosyoga.org.
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Aptos Yoga Center Calendar of Events
Expanded Class Schedule
Blissful Basics Class will be held Mondays from 7 – 8:30 pm starting October 14! Visit www.aptosyoga.org/schedule for our full schedule of classes.
Free Introductory Class Every Month
Upcoming classes: Saturday, September 14, October 12, November 9 – 10:30 am*
Discover how Svaroopa® Yoga works in your body – free with no obligations. Learn how to release the deepest tensions in your body that keep you from living the active lifestyle you want to live.
Half-day Work Shop: Stand with Ease
Sunday, Sept. 28, 9 am – 12 pm, $45*
Learn to stand with the same ease and relaxation you experience in Shavasana, yoga’s relaxation pose. With the release of deep spinal tensions, experience a greater sense of flow and freedom of movement. Learn to use your abdominals to make standing easier. Learn to stand up, stand firm, and stand strong in your bones. With Liz (Chudala) Darling.
Pawanmuktasana Yoga Workshop
Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 – 11:30 am, $40*
Give yourself a delicious, fully integrated, massage-like experience — outside and inside. Safe, gentle, great for all levels. With Christine (Kalavati) Hernandez
*Pre-Registration is required. Call 688-1019 or email [email protected]. Please arrive 10-15 minutes to sign in and set up. Visit www.aptosyoga.org for information.