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In the ever-evolving landscape of wellness, where ancient practices meet modern innovation, Yvonne Suzuki Licopoli stands as a beacon of harmony and transformation. At the helm of Yajamahe Yoga & Sacred Sound Sanctuary, Yvonne is redefining the yoga experience by seamlessly integrating traditional practices with contemporary technology. This article delves into her pioneering approach, exploring how she combines Hatha-Raja Yoga, sound healing, and virtual classes to create a holistic and accessible path to wellness.
The Essence of Hatha-Raja Yoga
Hatha-Raja Yoga is a profound blend of physical and spiritual disciplines, aiming to balance the body and mind. Yvonne emphasizes the authenticity of this practice, distinguishing it from the myriad of modern yoga trends that often prioritize novelty over substance. "We hold the poses; we don't heat the room," Yvonne explains, highlighting the focus on genuine practice rather than latest trends. This dedication to classical yoga allows practitioners to cultivate strength, flexibility, and a deeper connection to their inner selves.
Yvonne's approach to Hatha-Raja Yoga is deeply rooted in the understanding that yoga is more than just physical exercise. It encompasses ethical principles, breath control, concentration, and meditation. "Hatha is the postures, basically. Raja yoga incorporates more than the postures," she elaborates. "It involves the yamas and niyamas, which are the ethical rules. You don't lie, you don't steal, you don't harm. Then there's the asana, the physical practices, the postures, and there's pranayama, breathing, then pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi—focus and meditation."
Through this comprehensive approach, Yvonne guides her students toward a higher level of consciousness, helping them understand their true nature, which she describes as divine. "Beyond the body, beyond the mind, it brings us greater intuition and awareness of the divinity which surrounds us," she says. This philosophy not only enriches the yoga practice but also enhances the practitioner's overall quality of life.
Sound Healing: Vibrations of Wellness
Sound healing is another integral component of Yvonne's offerings, though she is quick to clarify that it is distinct from yoga itself. "Sound healing is not yoga; it's just a different thing that I'm into and love," she shares. Using instruments like crystal alchemy singing bowls and gongs, Yvonne creates sound journeys that promote relaxation and healing. The vibrations from these instruments are designed to align with the body's chakras, facilitating a state of balance and well-being.
"In my yoga studio in Northport, it's acoustically designed to deliver the vibrations without obstruction. There's nothing in the room, you know, like the bolsters and props and people's stuff, we put all that in a different room so it doesn't absorb the sound, so the vibrations can bounce off the walls unobstructed," she explains.
Anecdotes from her sessions reveal profound personal transformations, underscoring the power of sound as a therapeutic tool. Yvonne recounts a story of a participant who experienced a significant emotional release during a session. "Someone came to me afterwards and said, you know, I don't know what that bowl was that you played. But as soon as you struck that bowl, I started choking and coughing. And I had to leave the room. And I knew at that moment that I had to speak to someone at work who was being insubordinate. And that bowl was the throat chakra. It just opened up something in her."
The concept of entrainment, where the sound vibrations help the body's organs resonate at their optimal frequency, is central to Yvonne's sound healing practice. "The idea of sound healing, how it is healing, is that we are all vibratory beings. Everything vibrates, everything in nature vibrates, light is a vibration, sound is a vibration. And how healing works is by means of entrainment," she explains.
Embracing Technology: The Virtual Yoga Experience
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought about a significant shift in how yoga is practiced and taught. For Yvonne, this was an opportunity to expand her reach through technology. "I didn't even know what Zoom was until COVID," she admits, yet she quickly adapted by creating an online library of classes and offering virtual sessions. This transition not only kept her community connected during challenging times but also allowed her to reach students worldwide, from Canada to Australia.
Yvonne's virtual classes are not just a temporary solution but a permanent addition to her offerings, enabling her to share the benefits of yoga with a broader audience. She reflects on the impact of this technological integration, saying, "It's global now. I had clients in Canada and Australia and all over the place, and it was wonderful working with these women."
Aging Gracefully with Raja Yoga
The "Healthy Aging Through Raja Yoga" program is particularly significant as it addresses the unique challenges faced by middle-aged individuals. Yvonne explains that as people age, they often experience aches and pains that they didn't have before, many of which are due to inflammation, often from the foods we eat. "Once you hit a certain age, women, well men too, you start getting aches and pains that you didn't have before," she notes.
Through this program, Yvonne addresses diet, exercise, and stress, helping participants achieve optimal health. "We talk about yoga philosophy and breathing exercises and meditation to bring them back to their true nature and optimal health" she explains. The program's success is evident in the stories of participants who have experienced significant improvements in their physical and mental well-being.
One participant, a former police officer suffering from PTSD, found solace and healing through Yvonne's program. "She needed to lose weight, and she wanted to get her joy back and her creativity back, and it was just so lovely watching her bloom," Yvonne recalls. This transformation underscores the power of yoga as a tool for healing and personal growth.
Conclusion
Yvonne Suzuki Licopoli's work at Yajamahe Yoga & Sacred Sound Sanctuary is a testament to the power of blending tradition with innovation. By integrating Hatha-Raja Yoga with sound healing and virtual classes, she offers a unique path to wellness that resonates with people across the globe. As we navigate an increasingly digital world, Yvonne's approach serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom yoga holds and its ability to adapt and thrive in any context.
For more insights and to explore her offerings, visit Yajamahe Yoga & Sacred Sound Sanctuary online at https://yajamaheyoga.com. Whether you're a seasoned yogi or new to the practice, Yvonne's approach promises a journey of discovery and transformation. Her work not only enriches the lives of her students but also contributes to a broader understanding of how traditional practices can coexist with modern technology to create a holistic and accessible approach to wellness.
413 Fort Salonga Rd, 2nd Floor
Northport, NY 11768
(631) 402-3008
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