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ABOUT US
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
In 1972, Sonia Sumar embarked on a life-changing journey when her daughter, Roberta, was born with Down Syndrome—a genetic condition that can affect development in various ways. Wanting to support Roberta’s growth, Sonia introduced her to Yoga and witnessed remarkable transformations. Inspired by these changes, she became a Certified Yoga Teacher in 1975.
At the time, Sonia dreamed of traveling to India to find a living Guru who could guide her deeper into Sadhana, her spiritual practice. Though financial limitations kept her from making the journey, she found wisdom close to home. She immersed herself in the teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda, whose books and philosophy were widely available in Brazil, and they became her gateway to a profound connection with Yoga.
In 1976, Sonia had a transformative experience when her Yoga center hosted Swami Nadabramananda, a disciple of Swami Sivananda. During his week-long workshop, she absorbed invaluable knowledge and felt a powerful connection to the lineage of Rishikesh—the city where Guru Sivananda had lived.
Just a few years later, in 1980, Sonia took a bold step forward by opening **Núcleo Cultural Sivananda**, the Sivananda Cultural Center. Her pioneering work in Yoga for All Abilities had gained widespread recognition, leading to invitations to speak and teach across Brazil, South America, and Europe. Through her dedication, she was helping shape a new era of inclusive Yoga education.
A Journey of Devotion and Transformation
In 1988, Sonia Sumar embarked on her first pilgrimage to India, visiting sacred temples and ashrams in search of a deep spiritual connection. While honored to be in the presence of revered teachers, she left feeling unfulfilled, still yearning to find her Guru. The following year, destiny intervened. Mataji Indra Devi, a legendary figure in the yoga world, spent a week at Sonia’s home, offering profound wisdom and lectures at her Yoga center. During the International Yoga Congress in Argentina that same year, a woman approached Sonia, sharing that Mataji had recommended that she visit her Guru in Brazil in the coming months. Would Sonia host him? She agreed, unaware that this encounter would reshape her path forever.
Finding Her Guru
In 1990, Sonia returned to Argentina to teach at the International Yoga Congress. Among the distinguished guests was Sri Swami Satchidananda, the Guru she had promised to host. As she greeted him, his gaze met hers with an indescribable depth, awakening something within her. At that moment, Sonia knew that her long search had ended. She had found her Guru, not in a remote Himalayan cave but on the stage of a Yoga Congress. From then on, she committed to following his guidance. She later traveled to the United States at his invitation, where he blessed her path, foreseeing her future filled with teaching, training, and transforming lives through Yoga for All Abilities. In a beautiful twist of fate, Sonia discovered that Gurudev was a disciple of Swami Sivananda, affirming that she had always been guided toward this meeting.
A Lifelong Mission
Sonia’s dream has always been to empower children with additional needs, helping them achieve their full potential and actively contribute to society. This mission resonates in the heartfelt letters she receives from parents, each a testament to the profound impact of her work.
A dedicated educator, Sonia holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education and has taught at the elementary level. She has led workshops and spoken at special education programs and symposia across North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and India.
In 1980, she founded the Integral Yoga Center of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, which is now led by her daughter Renata and her business partner Luciana Prakash.
In 2001, she established the U.S. headquarters of Yoga for All Abilities, the Satchidananda Yoga Center, in Evanston, Illinois.
Currently residing in Florida, Sonia continues teaching and offering specialized training worldwide.
Her book Yoga for the Special Child is available in English, Portuguese, and Chinese, with a Spanish translation coming soon. The eBook version is also available in English.
Recognized Leadership Sonia is a proud member of:
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Yoga Alliance (E-RYT & E-RCYT)
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Integral Yoga Teachers Association (IYTA)
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International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT)
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Yoga Alliance UK
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