what is sva sadhana?
Sva Sadhana is a nine-month Yoga and Ayurveda training that teaches you the tools and practices from these ancient sciences to live a healthier, more holistic, and more connected life. Sva translates as 'of the Self', and sadhana is 'an instrument, or means.' The Sva Sadhana training is an invitation to a journey of radical self-discovery with the support of a dynamic group along the way.
Whether you're relatively new to Yoga and Ayurveda, or have studied for some time but don't yet feel like you're taking your practice off the mat, this training invites you to begin to live these sciences — taking them from something you do to someone you are. A way of being that permeates and shapes your daily life.
Ayurveda, the science of life, is used to create the level of wellness needed to do your work in the world. Yoga is the science of self-knowledge, that allows you to see clearly the true nature of yourself. Using the sister sciences of Yoga and Ayurveda, the Sva Sadhana Training delivers tools from these ancient sciences that will shape your modern daily life to bring you greater health, purpose, and clarity.
Sva Sadhana leads the way to living your Yoga, discovering the innumerable benefits of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, cultivating a friendlier relationship with your mind, and finding a community to support you in these practices.
this isn't self-study. it's a held container.
Nine months. Monthly weekend immersions. Twenty-five weekly classes throughout the program duration. A private coaching session with Kara. A training partner to support your practice between sessions. And a cohort walking this path with you, many of whom stay connected long after graduation.
You're not learning alone. You're being guided, held, and supported as you build a practice that actually works for your life.
Do you have two days a month to create a happier, healthier, more integrated you?
“The training was a perfect fit for what I had been seeking, as I did not want to do a 'teacher training' and have always been curious to delve into Ayurveda. At the end of every weekend I felt and feel so grateful for the breadth of your wisdom, the culmination of our time together and the togetherness I feel with my fellow yogis.”
—Jen Wendling Holm, 2018
who is this training for?
This training is for the student who's tired of wellness advice that doesn't work for their body. You’re done with one-size-fits-all routines that don't stick. You want tools that are built for YOU — your constitution, your rhythms, your real life.
You might be relatively new to Yoga and Ayurveda, ready to go deeper than weekly classes allow. Or you’ve been practicing for years but haven't figured out how to take it off the mat and into her daily life. Or you’re a yoga teacher who's spent so much time holding space for others that her own practice has gotten thin.
Wherever you’re starting from, you’re ready for something different. A practice you can actually live. A community to support you. And a guide who knows how to help you get there.
the committed beginner
You're determined and curious. This training will connect the dots and give you a deeper foundation than you'll find in weekly classes.
the established yogi
You're ready to take your practice off the mat and into your daily life. This is your chance to live these sciences, not just study them.
the yoga teacher
You've been holding space for others. This is your opportunity to focus on your practice, your growth, your healing.
The experience of Sva Sadhana provides the tools for self-exploration, growth, and transformation within the supportive container of a community. Our students represent a large span of ages, levels of Yoga experience, and life paths. We learn from each other as much as we learn from the teachings of Yoga and Ayurveda. You'll graduate the program with a community of friends who are walking this path with you.
A minimum of six months of Yoga asana experience are required prior to the start of Sva Sadhana. If you have completed less than six months of regular, in-person, guided asana practice, then an on-demand, foundational asana course with Kara will be required prior to the start of the program.
This training also counts towards Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Yoga Alliance registered teachers.
the path to practice; how you’ll engage the teachings
In this 150-hour training, focus is given to creating a supportive container for growth and exploration.
In addition to weekend immersions, this training includes 25 weekly classes, a private session with Kara, a 100+ page course manual, and digital resources. This course will use asana as just one tool on the path of self-mastery, and will focus on exploring the extensive practices of Ayurveda as well as the subtle aspects of pranayama, meditation, bandha, mudra, and Yoga nidra. Sva Sadhana will provide you with tools that you can use at home and off the mat, in your everyday life.
The group will meet live (online or in-person) September 2026 through May 2027. Each month you'll have self-study, at-home practices, guided practices, and a training partner to support your continued learning between sessions.
the steps of practice; what you’ll learn
Ayurvedic theory & self-application: doshas, bhutas, gunas, vayus, and so much more
Yoga philosophy & classical texts including the Yoga Sutras & Bhagavad Gita
Asana: alignment, six categories of asana, sequencing, and doshic approaches
Āyurvedic diet & lifestyle: theory and self-application
Āyurvedic recipes & cooking
Dinacharya: the science of daily rhythms and routine
Sanskrit Terminology: understanding the basics of this language unlocks a deeper understanding of the science
Bandha & Mudra: how to accelerate your evolution within your asana practice
Pranayama: the science of breath
Meditation: the science of the mind
Yoga Nidra: the science of Yogic sleep
Mantra: the science of sound
Tantra: the science of energy
Living your Yoga off the mat
Yoga through the lens of cultural appreciation vs cultural appropriation
I had been curious about the training for a couple years, but there was always "something" whether it be life circumstances or finances. It didn't feel like the "right" time in my head. Though, gaining a push from an outside perspective, someone who had completed the training nudged me in the direction to take the leap. I'm grateful the universe pushed to take the step when it did.
— Laceey McClain, 2024
“Kara is such an incredible teacher that I honestly feel like she could teach me how to change a light bulb and I would learn something new and insightful. The way she teaches and breaks complex things down into bite size, easy to digest chunks is absolutely incredible. I learned so much in this program and it was so digestive for me to be here. Sva Sadhana strengthened my foundations in Yoga and Ayurveda and has made me a better human... oh and also a better practitioner, Yoga teacher, and partner, too.”
— Kristin Linde, 2023
your guide on the path
Kara Aubin . CAP, E.RYT, AYT
Kara’s dharma is teaching. Whether instructing Yoga asana, educating clients clinically, sharing the tools of Āyurveda that foster increased health and wellness, or imparting the theory of these beautiful sciences - Kara makes these ancient and profound Vedic sciences accessible and practical. With her guidance you’ll find yourself living your Yoga and Āyurveda .
She brings 20+ years of teaching Yoga asana to the mat. She’s an Āyurvedic Practitioner, Āyurvedic Doctoral student, Āyurvedic Yoga Therapist, ParaYoga certified teacher, an E.RYT 500 with Yoga Alliance, and the founder of the Ayurvedic Wellness Center. As such, Kara is part of a cohort conveying a living tradition of Yoga that is committed to improving individual lives and the world we live in.
Kara is one of a handful of practitioners internationally that has been invited to work alongside her teacher, Dr. Vasant Lad, at his Vasanta Institute of Ayurveda in Pune, India. She’s been blessed to teach AyurYoga, clinical skills, herbology, and Āyurvedic bodywork therapies in residential learning programs, as well as clinically oversee pañchakarma clients.
She also serves as faculty for various national Āyurvedic Health Counselor programs.
Her passion for these sciences is contagious, and her commitment to your healing and evolution on and off the mat means you have a teacher and an advocate in your corner.
Kara is aware of how crucial these practices of physical and mental wellness, capacity, balance, and self-knowledge are, particularly in times like these. She welcomes you to a nine-month experience of growth, discovery, and connection.
training format
The 2026-2027 Sva Sadhana training is designed to fit into the demands of a full life. You can attend sessions in-person in Kalamazoo, join virtually from wherever you are, or choose a hybrid approach - attending some weekends in-person and others online.
We've found that certain sessions have more impact when you're physically present (particularly when we're working with asana alignment, cooking together, or diving into the more experiential practices), and we'll recommend those weekends for in-person attendance if your schedule and location allow. But we also know that life happens, and flexibility matters.
As a Sva Sadhana student you'll have private access to a virtual student portal where you'll access learning materials, submit assignments, and connect with your classmates online.
Due to the personalized instruction you'll receive in this training and the importance of one-on-one attention, this cohort is limited to 20 students.
weekend intensives
The 2026-2027 Sva Sadhana training begins September 2026.
We meet for one weekend intensive (1.5 days) a month, for nine months.
Saturdays: 8:45a-5:30p ET
Sundays: 12:45p-5:30p ET
This format fits well with the demands of a full home and work life balance and allows enough regularity in meeting to keep you committed and on the path of practice.
2026-2027 dates:
- September 12-13, 2026 (in-person recommended)
Yoga Theory
- October 10-11, 2026
Āyurveda Theory
- October 31-November 1, 2026
The Science of Asana (in-person recommended)
- December 12-13, 2026
Rhythm & Routine (in-person recommended, includes Ayurvedic cooking session)
- January 9-10, 2027
The Science of Prana
- February 13-14, 2027
The Science of Mind
- March 13-14, 2027
Going Beyond Mind
- April 10-11, 2027
The Science of Tantra (in-person recommended)
- May 8-9, 2027
Dharma + Graduation (in-person recommended)
*please be flexible with end times. It’s possible we’ll run over occasionally, as we follow a teaching to completion.
weekly classes
To support your integration of the weekend intensive learning, you will be enrolled in 25 classes with Kara throughout the program duration. The majority of these sessions will be held Wednesdays at 5:30p ET. Please reserve this time upon registration. You may participate live or via recording if needed. Class enrollment details will be available at the start of the program.
location
In-person weekend intensives will be hosted at the Ayurvedic Wellness Center in Kalamazoo, MI. Local lodging with group participants may be available. Please inquire if interested.
The livestream teaching of Sva Sadhana will occur in a hybrid classroom. The technology set-up is optimized to give you an engaging experience that’s easy to see and hear, creating a rich learning environment.
tuition & application process
tuition includes
Nine weekend intensives, over 108 contact hours
Monthly at-home guided practices to deepen your learning and understanding
100+ page training manual (a forever resource you can come back to again and again)
Online learning student portal, with learning cohort connection
Asana alignment, energetics, sequencing, and modifications
Instruction in foundational Āyurvedic theory
AyurYoga practical application
Āyurvedic food instruction + cooking class
In-depth pranayama instruction in over 10 techniques
Instruction in a variety of Vedic meditation techniques
Yoga Nidra teaching
Cultural appreciation in Yoga teachings
sva sadhana exclusives
Access to the six part, Six Directions of Asana course
Audio/video recordings of select techniques for personal practice
Video recordings of each weekend intensive for your review
Private coaching session with Kara
25 weekly classes with Kara to support and reinforce your weekend intensive learning (in-person or livestream classes)
A special discount on the 2027 Āyurvedic Spring Cleanse
I’ve never felt more aligned with the true essence of who I am. My home practice has never felt richer. My life has never felt more vibrant. It has made me a better mother and better in my work, and helped me to see why I’m here. The friendships I’ve made are profound. The wellness center feels like a home away from home. Kara is a gifted and skilled teacher who made me laugh, cry, and contemplate my path from here.
— Megan Kolaja, 2024
The greatest gift I gave myself was being open to this entire process. The idea of a long weekend away from my family felt daunting and I marveled each weekend at how quickly they went. I truly appreciated the time dedicated to all subjects and the variation in lecture, asana, group circle, and group breakouts.
— Kara Markovich, 2024
I loved the opportunity to be in a dedicated learning environment where I could take a deeper dive into and develop a better understanding of a number of topics that have been included in Yoga classes I've taken over the years (i.e. the Yoga Sutras, Sankhya theory, Prana, the Kleshas).
— Lucia MacLeod, 2024
“While it is a huge commitment, it is worth every second of the time and energy that it needs. It is such a beautiful gift to yourself, which in turn helps others. This program exceeded ALL expectations that I had. I would do it again in a heartbeat.”
— Wendy Horton-Bierema, 2020
investment
We offer sliding scale pricing to create equitable access across a range of financial circumstances. This structure is designed so that people at different points of financial capacity can participate in this work. Read more about our sliding scale and how to determine where you fall here.
Tuition Options:
Full Price: (unlimited spaces available)
- paid-in-full: $3390 due August 15 or
- 3 payment plan: $3495 - $300 Deposit + 3 payments of $1065 (Aug 30, Nov 30, Feb 28)Middle Price: (three spaces)
- paid-in-full: $2590 due August 15 or
- 3 payment plan: $2685 - $300 Deposit + 3 payments of $795 (Aug 30, Nov 30, Feb 28)Minimum Price: (three spaces)
- paid-in-full: $1890 due August 15 or
- a monthly payment plan: $1990 - $300 deposit + 9 payments of $187.80/month (Aug 30 - Apr 30)Pay it Forward Price $3990+ (unlimited spaces available)
Repeat Graduates: enroll at the minimum price tier.
take the next step
Sva Sadhana leads the way to living your Yoga, discovering the innumerable benefits of an Ayurvedic lifestyle, cultivating a friendlier relationship with your mind, and finding a community to support you in these practices. Are you ready to experience the benefits? This life-changing program is the next step.
Early Bird Registration closes June 30.
Space is limited to 20 students, and the registration + pay-in-full deadline is
August 15, 2026.
1. Submit your application by clicking above. 2. Once your application is complete, you’ll be redirected to complete payment.
After we’ve received your application and deposit, you’ll receive a welcome email with all the information you need to begin your Sva Sadhana journey and be invited to create a log-in on our private student portal!
free info meeting
Join Kara for a FREE info session on Wednesday, June 24th at 7:00p to learn more about this program and ask any questions. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend live.
You’re also invited to attend The Practice, Kara’s weekly asana practice as a guest prior to the meeting, Wednesday, June 24th at 5:30p.
“I'm stronger and more grounded mentally, energetically and physically. I'm more in control and confident of my thought patterns and my voice. I move through the day with a conscious effort of curiosity over judgement and can more readily remind myself of the non-duality of life's happenings. Clearly I have more work to do, but I am ready with tools for the journey. I see more clearly who I am and why and enjoy a knowingness of my purpose.”
— Bridget Timmeney, 2021
FAQs
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Students will have the option of participating in-person, an in-person/virtual hybrid option, or a virtual only option. Experience has shown that students find the in-person sessions invaluable. If, due to travel, a student can only attend a few in-person sessions, we’ve suggested certain sessions based on topic. You can find those above in the list of dates.
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We generally suggest that students have at least six months of asana experience before Sva Sadhana. We have had students with just that amount under their belts when the program began and Yogis who have been practicing for decades. This is a non-competitive, all levels program that welcomes students from all backgrounds. What we know to be true is that small actions, taken regularly, equal big change! If you have less than six months practice, or want to familiarize yourself with Kara’s teaching style, we offer an online yoga asana series you can take as a prerequisite to prepare. This course is included with your tuition.
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We meet for 1.5 days each month. Each month you’ll also have some type of home practice to engage with, plan for a few hours each week (most of these are short 15-30 minute practices you’ll do three or more times a week).
There are 25 weekly classes included in the Sva Sadhana curriculum. These 60-90 minute classes will be held mostly on Wednesdays nights, and can be completed via recording if live attendance isn’t possible.
We also work through a few books over the course of nine months, so you’ll want to create some time for reading. -
Upon registration, we expect you’ll reserve the live program dates and attend each session of the training. We ask any planned absences be submitted before the program starts. We also understand life happens. If training hours are missed, students will make up the session via recording and submit any applicable homework by the requisite dates.
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While teacher trainings focus on helping you obtain the skillsets to convey the teachings to others, Sva Sadhana is about your learning, your process, and your transformation. The process is designed to help you digest and integrate the teachings. There will be a monthly home-practice focus, reading, an accountability system to help you meet your goals, and a personalized approach to help you craft diet, lifestyle, and Yoga practices that will help you thrive.
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Registered Yoga Teachers (RYTs) attend Sva Sadhana each year and report that this program grounds them into the teachings and their practice in different and deeper ways than they experienced in their YTTs. Sva Sadhana is an opportunity to focus on your own practice and digest the teachings for your own evolution and not for the transmission to anyone else. This training also counts towards Continuing Education Units (CEU) for Yoga Alliance registered teachers.
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Part of an individualized practice is about learning to modify a practice to meet your needs. Asana is absolutely part of this training, but it is only one part. We are committed to helping to make these teachings and practices accessible to anyone with the willingness and commitment to participate. Students with injuries or other physical concerns typically find that together we are able to make physical practices accessible. You’re also welcome to contact us to inquire about your particular circumstance.
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If you’re looking for a purely theoretical training, one where you receive information but don’t engage in the practical application of the teachings this program won’t be a good fit.
If you’re interested in Yoga as a purely physical modality, this training won’t be for you.
If you’re interested in the broad expansive of capital “Y” Yoga, in all its aspects, this training will be a great fit.
the fine print
- A $300 non-refundable deposit reserves your space in this training (fee applies to total tuition payment).
- Tuition does not include travel, lodging, required/recommended reading.
- Paid-in-full payment due: August 15.
- Installment payments are possible, please see contract for terms.
- See contract for additional terms.
“I have learned so much about who I am, what my values are, and how I can live my values. I feel as if I am no longer racing through life expending energy every which way. Sva Sadhana has taught me Yoga: to SLOW down, contemplate, direct and keep my prana, correct doshic imbalance, react better to adversity, appreciate nature, and take care of myself. Sva Sadhana is the ultimate self care!”
— Lisa Keller, 2023