In Sanskrit, suvarna means “golden’ and a sutra is a “string or thread.” Put them together and you have suvarna sutra, or golden thread, which inspires our name, SuvarnaSutra. Here’s why:

• In teaching good posture, I often refer to an imaginary golden thread, tied at the base of the spine and running up along the back into the skull and out through the crown of the head, gently lifting the head, lengthening the spine and allowing the shoulders to drop back and down. I have found that it is simple to remind my students of their golden thread (or suvarna sutra) during class and they easily understand what to do correct their posture without me having to break the meditative mood to offer instructions or corrections. 
• A “sutra” in yoga is often a teaching broken down to its most compact and efficient form. Sometimes the teaching isn’t obvious and the thread must be unraveled to reveal the lesson. In this way, SuvarnaSutra tries to present yoga practice and principals in a simple form that invites exploration, discussion and interpretation by every student as they unwind the thread. 
• In Patanjali’s “Yoga Sutras,” there is the lesson of pratipaksha bhavana, replacing negative thoughts with positive ones. Sometimes this negativity is in our physical environment or the mental images we create. I encourage students to contemplate the suvarna sutra when faced with negative thoughts. Not only is the golden thread beautiful to envision, but hopefully, the body also responds to the signal to lengthen the spine, lift the head, breath deeply and fully and allow the mind, body and spirit to return to a more peaceful and balanced place. 
• Perhaps this is a repeat of the previous point, but – well, it’s a beautiful thing, this golden thread. The studio is quickly being filled with pillows, wall hangings and other golden objects that celebrate the golden thread, suvarna sutra, and I enjoy the peaceful feeling they inspire.

What does suvarna sutra mean for you?

OM shanti, OM peace

Deian Dharmashakti

 
Bliss is your birthright.