COVID-19 & Spring Trainings: A Note From Yogarupa

March 30, 2020 | News


I pray that you and yours are doing as well as possible in these turbulent and uncertain times. Your health, well-being and peace of mind is the highest priority to us. With that said, we have concluded that, to most elegantly serve the greater good, I will not be conducting the scheduled  April trainings (Empowering the Heart and Yoga Nidra) live here in Colorado. The good news is that technology makes it possible for us to meet and conduct these trainings, to share the content and to transmit the power and healing presence of both. 

Fortunately, I have conducted trainings this way in the past. In particular, two weekends ago I taught a group that had planned to meet in Minneapolis, this was a full three-day workshop. The subject matter was the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, a deep and extraordinary scripture. By the end of it, it was clear to me and those I taught that the value of soaking in the teachings far outweighed what some might suspect were the limitations of presenting the course online. The program served as an opportunity to test out the viability of teaching (and studying) this way in lieu of the pandemic. In short, it worked!   

We received lots of feedback from those who participated in the weekend––expressing their gratitude for the deep and enriching journey, both for the chance to continue their studies and for being able to turn away from the news of the day and toward eternal wisdom and practice. 

Having used Zoom and livestream many times in the past, I have learned how to take advantage of the technology for the best possible experience. Weaving lecture, Q & A, and practice, along with direct individual and collective interface, personal assignments, breakout sessions (so students can share their experiences and insights), helps deepen the overall experience. This is key to ensure there’s intimacy and practicality to the training experience.

Another bonus is that sessions are recorded; you will have access to the content and practices indefinitely–something that under normal circumstances we do not typically share.

“Thanks for a great weekend, it was so rich on many levels. Such a nice group of people and the technology on your side was great. Zoom is amazing. Rod always makes you feel close and this event was even more personal. People mentioned they felt like they got to know him a lot better. It’s a special gift he has. We’re all very fortunate.”

I do understand the concern that virtual format cannot not rise to the level of intensity of a “live-and-in-person” event. However, past experiences and the recent past weekend make it clear that this does not have to be the case. 

“Now, more than ever.” This is something I find myself thinking and saying again and again these days. Steeping yourself in these teachings can have more significant impact, both short and long-term, then they might otherwise, if you were not in the midst of current circumstances.  

The time that you set aside to benefit from these trainings is perhaps more needed than ever. May you turn to these life-affirming (and immune-enhancing) techniques, move away from fear and toward strength. 

Both trainings have reverted back to early bird pricing and include
20% off your next training with ParaYoga:

Empowering the Heart
https://www.parayoga.com/event/empowering-the-heart-the-abode-of-sacred-joy-healing-and-power-a-parayoga-continuing-education-immersion-with-yogarupa-rod-stryker/

ParaYoga Nidra
https://www.parayoga.com/event/parayoga-nidra-enlightened-sleep-a-parayoga-master-training-with-yogarupa-rod-stryker/


Some suggestions to strengthen your overall immunity – physical and mental.

  • Three times a day, stop, settle and practice smooth, deep breathing, for a minimum of three minutes.
  • Practice the General Healing yoga nidra from the Sanctuary app. We recommend you do it as often as possible, even daily.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Drink more than the usual amount of water: warm water is best.
  • Consider doing the research and increasing your intake of immune boosting foods and herbs.

I pray that you remember to nurture the part of you that breathes life and strength into you. Always. I look forward to seeing you on Zoom.

With love, Yogarupa