Students at a recent Ropeyoga class reach for deeper personal growth, as they perform a series of movements on mats connected to rope and pulley systems.
August 2004 | Feature
On the Ropes
Pulling for Self-Awareness
by Sava Alcantara
“Be the change,” is the motto behind Ropeyoga and its creator, Gudni Gunnarsson, who has adopted the words of Gandhi to make clear that his type of yoga is first and foremost about personal transformation.
Standing more than 6 feet tall, with a clean-shaven head and clear blue eyes the color of the sky in his native Iceland, Gunnarsson looks—and speaks—every bit like the life coach, spiritual advisor and physical trainer that he is.
After working as a physical fitness trainer for 10 years in his native land, Gunnarsson, who was also a lifelong student of yoga, refashioned a new system of yoga using ropes, hoping to help people not only to achieve physical goals, but also to accelerate personal and professional growth.
Ropeyoga™ is performed lying flat on a mat that is connected to a system of ropes that are harnessed to one’s feet and serve as pulleys. A series of movements engages the core abdominal muscles to improve digestion on a physical and emotional level and, more often than not, lead clients to new levels of energy and self-awareness. With improved basic digestion and elimination, energy is freed to tackle other issues that may have been blocked by fear.
Central to Ropeyoga™ are the Seven Steps of Transformation that mirror, to some degree, the classic system of seven chakras. Beginning with awareness and moving to the seventh level of gratitude, Gunnarsson works with clients to identify what is holding them back from achieving the growth they desire.
Many of his students offer enthusiastic testimonials. “Six months and many Gudni-sessions later, I find that I would rather spend my energy enjoying myself, inside of a life I have designed by conscious choice. I simply would rather show up in life free of self-doubt, self-loathing, fear and regret,” explained one woman.
“Until you are committed, the universe will not recognize you,” asserted Gunnarsson in a way that immediately made it clear he has no doubt as to how to manifest abundance.
“When you commit, you show up and, in that process, your heart starts to open. You are the one who determines your prosperity or scarcity.”
A Student’s Perspective
On a recent visit to the intimate Hollywood studio, Gunnarsson coached me through a brief session of Ropeyoga™ as Scarlett Rouge, a teacher at the studio, performed a series of movements on a mat next to mine. After being harnessed in the ropes, I followed instructions to move my legs and arms, emphasizing the movement from my core abdominals, rather than from my legs or head or arms.
Throughout, it became clear that I tended to “use my head” and that the strength of my legs tended to take over. Patiently, Gunnarsson pointed out my patterns of movement.
I found the movements meditative, once I was able to adopt a rhythm and overcome my initial awkwardness in using the ropes. Following my session, I experienced a noticeable sense of calm. While it was only a sample, it is clear that Ropeyoga™ may be a useful tool in opening the door to greater physical health and wellbeing on many different levels.
Ropeyoga™, 1639 N. Las Palmas Ave., Hollywood. 818.769.2563, www.ropeyoga.com.
Sava Alcantara is a yoga teacher and writer based in Los Angeles.
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