Here’s an intriguing quote from Swami Nirmalananda’s May teaching article Metamorphosis:

“A body that runs on anxiety is much different than a body that runs on bliss.”

You know theres a difference. You know from your own experience:

How does your body feel when anxiety prevails?

How does your body feel when bliss prevails?

The difference is undeniably huge.

Anxiety triggers a cascade of stress hormones – the fight-flight response hormones. They produce a wide variety of physiological changes. Your heart rate increases and your chest may tighten, ultimately leading to cardiovascular issues. Digestion becomes poor, resulting with upset stomach, heartburn and constipation. Your body might sweat profusely and tremble. You feel nervous, restless or tense. Physical pain increases in intensity. You may experience difficulty sleeping and lower energy levels, leading to insomnia and fatigue. Your immune system weakens, making you more susceptible to illness.

Bliss affects your body (and mind) in the opposite way. Bliss triggers a cascade of “relax and renew” hormones. Your heart rate decreases and your cardiovascular function improves. Your digestion improves. Your body produces endorphins that are natural pain killers and mood enhancers. Dopamine levels increase, enhancing pleasure. Your sensory experiences become more vivid and enjoyable. Your body is in a more relaxed state, reducing stress hormones. You sleep better. Your immune system is stronger.

Gurudevi Nirmalananda adds in the above-mentioned article, that your biological age markers reverse. Even your brain changes:

“…When you experience bliss, your brain grows bliss synapses. … Your brain is reshaped by the experiences you are having — neuroplasticity.”

Gurudevi has written elsewhere: “When you get even a drop of bliss, all your biological systems stand down from red alert. You become human again.” You no longer snap or react like a cornered raccoon.

What is bliss? Bliss is what you feel at the end of a yoga class when you roll onto your side after yoga’s relaxation pose, shavasana. It’s very sweet.

In another article she describes bliss as: “the sensation of Self, like being wet is the sensation you have when experiencing water.” Thus, your Self is the ultimate source of all these positive changes to your body (and mind) brought about by bliss.

When you are anxious, it’s mainly because you are out of touch with your Self. When you are blissful, you are in touch with your Self. You are experiencing your Self.

Svaroopa® yoga gets you in touch with your Self. By releasing your body’s tension, calming your nervous system and quieting your mind, your anxiety dissolves, just like a caterpillar dissolves within its cocoon. Your inherent nature — your full potential — unfolds, like the wings of the butterfly unfold upon arising from the cocoon. You are free to rise above whatever holds you back in life. You are free to be you.

You become more energetic and feel more alive. Your body moves more “youthfully.” Your mind and memory become sharper.

A butterfuly chooses to live on nectar. A caterpillar chews leaves.

We hope you choose to be a Svaroopa® yoga butterfly, and that you enjoy the nectar of bliss.

“Life’s ultimate goal is the discovery and the ongoing experience of the bliss of your own Self, within your own self.”

~ Swami Nirmalananda