By Amanda (Purna) Schmidt

Interviewed by Marlene (Matrikaa) Gast, Yogaratna

Last June, I moved from NC to PA, near the Ashram’s Downingtown Yoga & Meditation Center. I have easy access to Svaroopa^® Yoga Therapy as well as a new Functional Medicine practitioner.

Fortunately, she ordered lab tests that clearly diagnosed conditions I’ve had for two years or more: long COVID-19, chronic inflammatory response syndrome and adrenal fatigue.

I’ve undertaken her prescribed lifestyle changes: regular meal times, a diet to support stable insulin levels and nutritional supplements. More tests may indicate additional treatment.

To complement the medical approach, I’m now on board with yoga therapy as well. Yoga sees a depleted prana (life force) as the source of fatigue and illness. Filling one’s reservoir of prana alleviates fatigue and promotes healing. So, three months ago, I began an Overlap Healing series of Embodyment^® sessions at DYMC.

By employing a combination of additional Svaroopa^® yoga tools, I’m noticing a gradual reduction in symptoms. I have more energy, a better outlook and greater mental resilience.

I do the home practices prescribed by my Svaroopa^® Yoga Therapist: lots of Ujjayi and long rests in Shavasana. My total Ujjayi time is an hour daily. For Shavasana, I immerse myself in 30 minutes of Guided Awareness on Gurudevi’s “Experience Shavasana” CD. Then I soak in silent Shavasana for another 15 minutes.

With a replenished pranic reservoir, I feel stronger. My yoga therapist let me know a certain level of prana is needed for meditation. I’ve now built up enough for a daily half-hour meditation.

Some days the physical symptoms of my condition are still prominent. Yet my outlook is less fearful. On those days, I accept that my physical body is doing what it’s doing. But that doesn’t mean I won’t get through these times. I can manage symptoms more effectively. I am headed into healing.

My miracle is having found Svaroopa^® yoga. These practices and therapies are propelling my healing journey forward.