By Joan (Jayadevi) Bragar

Within the Svaroopa^® Vidya Ashram community, I am a Sadhaka. This means I am committed to doing Svaroopa^® yoga practices daily. Recently, I found myself challenged to do so. I was in pain as I began recovering from a recent surgery.

A Svaroopa^® yoga friend suggested I listen to the “Long Guided Awareness” track on the Experience Shavasana with Gurudevi Nirmalananda album. This had been helpful for my friend’s husband in coping with a chronic illness. 

When I listen to this Guided Awareness, the muscles around my surgical incision relax. This release allows me to participate more fully in other Svaroopa^® yoga practices, including Ujjayi breathing, mantra and meditation.

Another yogi friend suggested that I practice Easy Breathing. For guidance, I turned to Gurudevi’s album Mystical Yogic Breathing. When I listen to track three, “Easy Open Breathing,” I’m able to release constrictions around my abdomen and chest exacerbated by surgery. When I release these tensions, I benefit more fully from Ujjayi breathing. I practice it on my own for 30 minutes at a time and find it especially healing.

All Mystical Yogic Breathing tracks give me new teachings about the healing power of yogic breathing.  I can use them in my daily practice. When I listen to these CDs and apply their lessons, I experience the bliss of Consciousness moving through me. This reduces my pain and enlivens my body and my mood. What a gift in the midst of a long recovery!