Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga – Questions & Answers

I love Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (SSLY) and as a Certified Chopra Yoga Instructor I invite you to explore this form of yoga when you get the chance.

What is Yoga?
In the West we tend to associate yoga mostly with exercise, but it’s actually much more than that. It’s a complete science and a path to wholeness and well-being.  The word yoga is a Sanskrit word that comes from the term yuj, meaning union.  Yoga is union of body, mind and soul.  So we don’t want to just do yoga, we want to live yoga, to live in union, which is experienced as greater harmony, success, wellbeing and flow in life.   And we don’t have to get into pretzel-like postures or participate in hot yoga classes (unless that suits us) to practice yoga effectively.

What is Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga™?
There are many styles of yoga and Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga (SSLY) is a style that was developed by Dr. Deepak Chopra, Dr. David Simon and Claire Diab that incorporates seven spiritual laws (from the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, one of Deepak Chopra’s best-selling books).  This form of yoga integrates spirituality into the practice of yoga both on and off the mat by incorporating seven spiritual laws – each day focuses on a different law.  These laws are laws of nature that not only apply to yoga but to the larger scope of our lives.

Yoga is more than a system of physical fitness. It is a science of balanced living, a path for realizing full human potential.

What do I learn in a  Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga™ class?

• The spiritual law of the day as it relates to yoga and to life.
• The English and Sanskrit mantra for the law.  This gives you a mantra to use throughout the practice and your day.
• The calming and restorative effects of Pranayama (breathing exercises).
• The benefits of the asanas (postures) that we’re practicing.
• The Sanskrit terms for poses/asanas.  The Sanskrit language has a harmonizing effect to it.
• Energy opening postures and relaxing postures.  Postures for strength, flexibility, balance and cardio health.
• Savasana – final relaxation pose where all of the benefits of your physical practice wash over you.
• And a chakra balancing meditation to conclude the practice.

Yoga is for Every Body
If you’re like millions of other people who already practice yoga, you’re aware that it is a wonderful way to improve your flexibility, balance, strength muscle tone, and endurance. Most likely, you have experienced the feelings of tranquility and vitality that flow during a good yoga session and that stay with you throughout the day. These benefits are excellent reasons to practice yoga, yet they only hint at the extraordinary and transformative power of this ancient practice.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga brings spirituality back into the practice of yoga by incorporating the spiritual law of the day, by encouraging mindful practice, an inward focus and by always encouraging the students to listen to their bodies and to make the most nourishing choices both on and off the mat.  Live in Yoga, in Union.

What are the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success?
Dr. Deepak Chopra’s book the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success was published in 1984 and is one of his best selling books.  The seven laws in this book can be seen as laws of nature and these laws of nature apply to our lives.  Subsequently Doctors Deepak Chopra and David Simon co-authored the book The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga.   To learn about each of the Seven Spiritual Laws of Success – click here.

What if I’ve never practiced Yoga?
You can either start with a class at your local yoga studio, gym, schedule a one-on-one session with an instructor or get a beginners yoga dvd.

Why would I want private instruction in Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga?
Private instruction is wonderful because it’s suited to your pace, your needs, your body, your goals and because you get personal guidance each step of the way.  You’ll learn to nurture your body, practice with mindfulness and experience deep relaxation and rejuvenation as we also explore the spiritual law of the day.

I’m not very flexible – can I do Yoga?
Yes, yoga is not about getting into a pretzel like posture.  It’s about increasing your present level of mind/body connection and  fitness and about honoring what feels good for you in each pose.

I’m not in very good shape – can I still practice Yoga?
Yes, everyone can increase their level of fitness.  If you have any concerns about your ability to practice yoga we can discuss them over the phone.

I’m an intermediate, advanced student (or teacher) of yoga – will I learn anything new?  Yes, you’ll learn the law of the day, you’ll learn mantras for the sun salutations and you’ll get to experience the Chopra style of yoga which very nurturing and mindful.

What are the benefits of yoga?
Physical benefits: Creates a toned, flexible, and stronger body. Improves respiration, energy, and vitality. Helps to maintain a balanced metabolism. Promotes cardiovascular and circulatory health. Relieves pain and strengthens posture. Improves athletic performance.

Mental benefits: Helps relieve stress. Helps achieve body-centered restful awareness. Encourages positive thoughts and develops self-acceptance. Helps you create a sense of calm so that everything in life flows more smoothly.

Spiritual benefits: Builds awareness of your body, your feelings, the world around you and the needs of others. Promotes a deeper connection between mind, body, and spirit. Helps you to experience a deeper connection to self and spirit on and off the mat.

Yoga is more than a system of physical fitness. It is a science of balanced living, a path for realizing full human potential.

Does yoga or the Seven Spiritual Laws conflict with religion?
No.  Yoga is very spiritual and many people actually find it enhances their spiritual/religious path.  The laws are supportive of all paths.

How do I get started?

Attend a community yoga class by a certfied Chopra Center instructor.  To find out what Chopra Center teaches offer community classes visit http://chopra.com

Lisa Guyman is available for Private Yoga Instruction in Denver, Colorado.

To be notified of community yoga classes taught by Lisa sign up for her mailing list to be notified.  – You can also have a friend or family member join you for no additional charge.   Class is 75  minutes – $85 for one class.  Packages of 4 classes – $295.  Offered privately at a yoga studio in Denver.

Personal Yoga Classes at your Location – Denver Metropolitan Area – Yoga brought to you in your home or office.  A friend or family member can join you for no additional charge.  75 minute class – $125.  Purchase a 4 session package and get 15% off.  (Offered within a 15 miles radius of Denver/Cherry Creek).

Personal Yoga Class

Get Started Today!

To schedule a one-on-one or small group Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga™ class, please call  (720) 683-0444 or email Lisa with any questions.

This style of yoga is especially good for: the newcomer to yoga, for those newer yogisthose that are intimidated by yoga studios, those just getting back into yoga, or those that want to experience a Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga™ class and those that would prefer a slower paced style of yoga.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga is a pathway to yoga’s deeper spiritual dimension and a beautiful step to a happier, more harmonious, and more abundant life.