Para Yoga
"Para" means supreme, highest, ancient and culmination of all efforts. Para Yoga, developed and created by Yogarupa Rod Stryker, is a holistic approach to yoga. It teaches a way to unite all aspects of our lives—from practice on the mat or in meditation to family and work—with the supreme, highest intelligence. The goal is to support people to thrive and live the best lives possible. In July 2011, Rod released his first book dedicated to that process, The Four Desires: Creating a Life of Purpose, Happiness, Prosperity, and Freedom. He named Sue as one of two national consultants for the book.
Para Yoga combines the three rivers of Classical Yoga, Tantra, and Ayurveda into a comprehensive system to facilitate self-discovery and self-mastery. It is based on science and grounded in tradition and lineage. Classical Yoga is about clearing away the dust so the light can shine: removing obstacles to remembering your highest, most supreme self. Tantra’s focus is working with energy, weaving the fabric of life to bring about transformation of the whole person. Ayurveda‘s focus is harmony with the forces of the universe, of body, breath and spirit.
Sue‘s approach to Para Yoga, based on her studies with Rod, weaves asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), bandha (locks), mudras (body positions or attitudes of practice), kriya (energy internalization to purify consciousness), laya (elimination of unwanted behavior patterns), chakras (energy centers), kundalini (awakening of dormant energy), visualization, self-reflection, chanting, meditation and mantra (sacred word). Under this style, a teacher is necessary as a guide to accelerate the journey. Para Yoga offers personal meditation practices designed to overcome obstacles and bring about individual clarity and vitality. It helps identify our life‘s purpose so we learn to grow our personal "shakti" (potential) and live fearlessly and joyfully.
Sue‘s goal in teaching is to help each and every student awaken body, breath, mind and spirit on a journey to well-being. Her classes are custom-designed to meet her students’ needs. Classes have a central theme with the intention of building knowledge, strength, flexibility, balance and a deep sense of connection to the higher self. While encouraging self-acceptance, Sue introduces Tantric meditation techniques to bring the student into a state of vibrancy combined with "sattva," clarity and light. "Every time I teach a class and my students open soft eyes, reluctant to move or leave, I realize why I am teaching yoga," Sue says. "Students experience awakened energy and a deep feeling of inner peace and connection. I am grateful to be able to share this ancient science with them."
Para Yoga is connected to a 5,000-year-old unbroken lineage of Himalayan masters that has been passed on by word of mouth. Sue also studies extensively with Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, spiritual leader of the the Himalayan Institute, in Pennsylvania and her teacher’s teacher. The Institute’s mission is to "Share, Serve, Make a Difference". Specifically, Panditji seeks to provide education, training and an environment conducive to discovering our full potential, then investing that potential to bring about a change in ourselves and the world at large.
