Mandali Programs
Svaroopa® yogis nurturing their interconnectedness
Mandali programs are fun, monthly community building programs. Each month we do a different theme or activity. These support programs nurture community, build our relationships with each other and deepen our yoga practices.
"Mandali" is a variation on the term mandala. It was first used by a modern-day mystic, Meher Baba, to describe his students. He described them as "concentric circles". Those closest to their practice and the teachings are in the innermost ring. Just like when you sit close to a bonfire, you stay the warmest...when you stay close to the teachings and the yoga, you stay more connected.
As a teacher, I've always had a group of dedicated students, while some are less involved than others, they still enjoy the yoga when they are here. I love these programs because it allows us to all connect with fun activities that also deepen our experience of yoga "off the blankets" and in our lives! I hope this makes everyone feel more welcome and connected, no matter how often they attend classes.
Mandala/Mandali
The word "mandala" means sacred circle. It is pronounced "mawn-duh-luh,".
The word mandali means community or group, dedicated to a common experience or purpose.
April: National Haiku Day
Haiku is a Japanese poem of 17 syllables in 3 lines
five syllables in the first line
seven in the second line
five syllables in the third line
Traditionally, haikus focus on a moment in time, juxtaposing two images. Haiku creates a sudden sense of enlightenment, just as yoga does.
Write your own haiku, depicting your process of transformation. Email your poems to me at and I'll read them before class starts, or you can read the poem aloud yourself.
Our Haiku's ❤️
Ahhhh Shavasana
Diving inward into vast-
ness being present.
-Marianne Steenvoorden
Breathing in and out
exploring inward space and
present, be alive.
-Marianne Steenvoorden
In Sukhasana
Japa, Japa, more Japa
Meditate on That.
-Marianne Steenvoorden
Contemplate on NOW
follow the breath, be alert
presence, a present.
-Marianne Steenvoorden
Fullness of the moon
mystical appearance high
in the sky above
-Marianne Steenvoorden
Winter Darkness Gone
The Sun Moves High Around Us
Mother Earth Dances
-Michael Rocco
I source Light within
No waiting for others Light
I bring in the Light
-Sarita-Linda Rocco
Solid pillar strong
crystal center blinding bright
calmness through my mind
-Cynthia Kremer
Feeling centered now.
Firmly rooted in the earth.
Warm sun on my face.
-Mark Mohlinger
Like Growing Trees Reach
As Morning Rain Flowers Grow
I Will Do The Same
-Michael Rocco
We sit in wonder
Through all these years together
Newness still alive
-Michael Rocco