News From the Regions

IMIYA

The Intermountain Iyengar Yoga Association (IMIYA) held its 2nd Annual Yoga Day on Saturday, Oct. 5, 2013. IMIYA board members—Kelly Moore, Jonathan Dickstein, Susan Abernethy, Lisa Longton, Angie Woyar, and Melody Madonna—worked tirelessly to promote the event through advertising in local publications, with brochures and posters distributed to Iyengar studios and local businesses, and with a banner and sandwich board positioned outside of the Iyengar Yoga Center of Denver where the event was held.

The event started at noon with introductions and an overview of the mission of IMIYA by Kelly Moore, followed by chanting three aums and the Invocation to Pantanjali led by Jonathan Dickstein. After the introductions and invocation, everyone went off to their classes. We had access to all three studios at the center. Students could sign up for individual classes for $15 each or buy an all-day pass and take up to four classes ($25 for members and $35 for nonmembers). All proceeds supported IMIYA’s professional education and outreach efforts.

The following classes were offered: – Using Your Arms and Legs to Lengthen Your Spine with Gail Ackerman – Atma Darsana: Reflection of the Soul, B.K.S. Iyengar (video screening) – Opening the Hips to Grow a Lotus with Leslie Bradley – Yoga for Healthy Knees with Melody Madonna – What Exactly Is ‘Classical’ Yoga? with Jonathan Dickstein – How to Practice Yoga with Gary Reitze – Backward Extensions with Emma Addison – Sanskrit Chanting of the Yoga Sutras with Angelique DeSilva – Forward Extensions and Twisting Poses with Angie Woyar – Pranayama and Chakra Meditation with Kevin Durkin

Students work on standing poses at the second annual IMIYA Yoga Day. (Photo by Melody Madonna)

The Iyengar Yoga Center of Denver hosted the second annual Yoga Day on Oct. 5, 2013. (Photo by Melody Madonna)

Students had 15 minutes between classes to grab snacks and drinks of water or cups of chai donated by Leslie Bradley (Intermediate Junior III and incoming IYNAUS Certification Chair, starting in 2014). The event concluded with a vegetarian potluck for staff and students.

The IMIYA board would like to thank all of the teachers and volunteers for their time and effort that made our 2nd Annual Yoga Day a success! We couldn’t have done it without you.

IYAGNY

The tree of Iyengar Yoga is now growing in Brooklyn as envisioned years ago by Mary Dunn. This summer IYAGNY finally opened the doors to a new Brooklyn Institute, and in September, we had our official grand opening event. The day of free classes began with director James Murphy and one of our original association teachers, Kevin Gardiner, who now lives in Budapest. After the asana classes, students filled a pranayama class led by a special guest teacher from Mumbai, Firooza Razvi. After the class, she gave a talk on yoga philosophy, enlightening us with her simple and clear perspective inspired by years of study and a Ph.D. Razvi also shared stories about herself and her study with the Iyengars. She said she was very happy to teach a free class because she began her studies by taking free classes with Father Joe Peirera when she was an 18-year-old struggling college student. She became a regular, and Father Joe asked her to take over teaching the class when he had to move. She then began studies with B.K.S. Iyengar, who used to teach in Mumbai on the weekends. We were the lucky recipients of her expert teaching and her generous spirit. Many thanks to all of the donors, board members, faculty, adjunct faculty, staff, and students who are making sure our new Brooklyn Institute thrives.

IYAMN

The Iyengar Yoga Association of Minnesota (IYAMN) hosted several events in 2013. We celebrated guru purnima day with a free asana class for members of the association, followed by brunch and time for socializing. Michael Moore donated his teaching for this event, which brought students and teachers together, mostly from the Twin Cities area. Earlier in the year, the association organized a popcorn movie night—all part of its mission to build community and educate students in the area about the Iyengar method. Both of these events were well attended and enjoyed by all.

In September, IYAMN was privileged to host Senior Teacher Laurie Blakeney. About 35 people attended the workshop, which drew students from as far away as Iowa and Wisconsin.

The workshop was held at the West Side Yoga Studio, newly opened in Saint Paul and dedicated to the teaching of Iyengar Yoga. Laurie began on Friday with a pranayama class, the first of three such sessions held over the course of the weekend. Her teaching of the asanas gave us insight into the subtleties of the poses, but everyone really appreciated the opportunity to explore the practice of pranayama under her expert guidance throughout the weekend. Most who attended the workshop also appreciated Laurie’s question-and-answer sessions, and everyone enjoyed listening to the stories she integrated into her teaching, drawn from her experiences in Pune. The association looks forward to planning more workshops in 2014.

IYAMW

The Iyengar Yoga Association of The Midwest (IYAMW) held its second annual Fall Retreat the weekend of Sept. 27–29, 2013, at the beautiful Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, Ohio. It was a great success, providing attendees with nine hours of topquality asana and pranayama instruction, time to relax in a restful and lovely venue, and the opportunity to get to know other yogis and spend time with good friends. This event is held each year in a different location Students work on Kurmasana at Maumee Bay. (Photo by Sue Salaniuk) throughout the five-state region and is unique in that it features top senior and talented intermediate junior teachers in a workshop setting with small classes of about 20 students. It is a true retreat in the sense that everyone is able to put aside their daily concerns, relax, and open their hearts to the subject of Iyengar Yoga and their fellow travelers on the journey of self-learning.

Maumee Bay offered not only comfortable accommodation and lovely views but also a nature preserve with trails and migrating fall birds. Senior Teacher Mary Reilly and Intermediate Junior II Teacher Karen Allgire provided excellent classes based on the theme of Guruda and Kurma: the Wisdom of the Eagle and the Stability of the Turtle. The group also had an evening outdoor fireside talk by well-known herpetologist Dave Mifsud, who gave some fascinating facts about turtles and their lore. Next year’s event will be held at Starved Rock State Park in Utica, Ill. (near Chicago)—dates to be confirmed. Contact info@iyamw.org for more information.

The IYAMW Fall Retreat provided a great opportunity for students in the region to build community. (Photo by Sue Salaniuk)

IYANC

As we head into our 40th year, we are excited to announce that we are moving. We have secured a larger, more modern space for the Iyengar Yoga Institute of San Francisco and have begun renovations. The new location is in the Lower Pacific Heights neighborhood, centrally located to more people and businesses and blocks away from three of the city’s major medical facilities. This move is part of the larger strategic vision we have to expand our reach to include the entire region, serve more people, and enhance our programming. By current projections, we will physically move in December 2013 and open with an expanded schedule of classes in January 2014.

To make this move happen, we have launched a capital campaign to raise $325,000. We are using this as an opportunity to bring our community together around a common goal. We have many teachers across the region who are hosting benefit workshops and events as well as volunteers coming in to help with everything from mailings and phone calls to working on the actual build-out of the new studio space. For more information on the move, go to www.iyisf.org/wearemoving or contact us at info@iyisf.org to get involved.

IYANE

The end of 2013 marks the completion of the Iyengar Yoga Association of New England’s fourth year as an association. Since 2010, IYANE membership has grown from 97 members to more than 160. As part of a membership drive, certified teachers in New England continue to offer free workshops to association members.

Benefits of membership include discounted pricing for association workshops, regular email news including information on Iyengar Yoga workshops in New England, and two hard copies per year of The Beacon, the IYANE newsletter. We are fortunate to have many local teachers and students contributing to this publication.

In 2013, the association’s scholarship program awarded Dahlia Domian its yearly $1,000 grant for study at RIMYI. The association also provided funding to Colleen Duggan to teach developmentally disabled adults in Maine in 2012.

In 2013 IYANE sponsored an anatomy workshop with Roger Cole as well as two Sanskrit workshops with Leslie Freyberg. IYANE hopes to grow and increase the number of events, programs, and services it offers to help bring the five-state community together.

The current board includes President Jarvis Chen, Vice President Patricia Walden, Treasurer Karen Bump, Clerk/Secretary Mary Wixted, and Membership Chair Kathleen Swanson. Our board wishes to thank outgoing board members Greg Anton, president, and Lynnae Leblanc, treasurer, for their efforts and service to our community.

IYASC-LA

Karin O’Bannon Memorial The Iyengar Yoga Association of Southern California, Los Angeles, hosted a memorial in Karin O’Bannon’s honor on July 13. More than 70 people gathered for music, memories, and readings of Karin’s poetry. Jennifer Edwards organized the magical evening, which included community members who represented more than 20 years of history with Karin.

The institute glowed with marigold garlands and roses. Pictures, candles, and soft tabla music greeted everyone as tributes were read by Diane Gysberg, Lisa Walford, Aida Amirkhanian, Robyn Harrison on behalf of Eric Small, Lani Daniels, Anna Delury, Julie Adler, and Manouso Manos. Scott Hobbs, Nancy Sander, Donna Mungen, Larry Heliker, Tulsi Laher, and Kishor Stein shared memories, while Linda Nishio and Jennifer Edwards read several of Karin’s poems. Lisa explained that Chris Stein had taken Karin’s ashes to be disbursed in Mayapur, a quiet place of refuge along the river in India. Jamie Kostura played tabla and sang, and Liliya Jandov danced Bharat Natyan.

Karin’s spirit infused the evening as tears, laughter, song, and silent moments held everyone enthralled. The evening ended traditionally, with the requisite chocolate cake and generous food contributions. Many many thanks to Jennifer Edwards for enabling this community celebration of the life of a very special teacher.

Marla Apt Earns Leadership Award On Sept. 28, the B.K.S. Iyengar Institute of Los Angeles was ablaze with color, music, garlands, and joy as the community gathered to celebrate and honor Senior Teacher Marla Apt with the Manouso Manos Leadership Award. More than 150 teachers, students, friends, volunteers, and supporters converged on the Institute to find colorful Indian tablecloths strewn on the floor picnic-style, bolsters and blankets to sit on, and happy faces. After getting our boxed vegetarian meals and sitting down to eat, we were treated to an outstanding program of entertainment and inspiration created and produced by Lisa Walford.

Manouso Manos was in attendance and opened the celebration with the garlanding of Patanjali, followed by the invocation led by Chris Stein. Lisa then led a group of three teachers—Allen Mulch, Keri Lee, and Lori McIntosh—through a brilliantly choreographed demonstration of Iyengar Yoga therapeutics. Each selected posture was presented in three therapeutic versions as demonstrated by the teachers using the vast range of props available in the Institute studio. Lisa spoke about the three different versions and then the next pose was elegantly staged. It was like a beautiful dance of postures! Bravo to the teachers for their work!

The next element of the evening was a staged reading of slokas from The Bhagavad Gita, featuring actor Mark Harelik as a very believable Lord Krishna, Garth McLean as the narrator, and

three student-teachers—Laura Lenee, Mary Ann Kellogg, and Dora Hasenbein—representing Arjunas’ Yoga of Wisdom, Yoga of Action, and Yoga of Devotion. Each one revealed her personal search and question for Krishna, based on real-life situations. It was not only very moving to hear the true stories from each yogini, but it revealed The Bhagavad Gita as highly relevant to everyday life as we live it here and now. Bravo, Lisa, for this fabulous way to bring the ancient wisdom into the current lives we lead!

The third element of the evening was a lively version of Yoga Jeopardy, with teacher Larry Heliker as host, teacher Andrea Isco as demonstrator, and three other teachers—Vladimir Jandov, Koren Paalman, and Ed Horneij—as the contestants. Larry read a description of a pose from Light on Yoga, and Andrea demonstrated behind the backs of the contestants. The contestants then guessed which asana was being demonstrated just from the instructions. This was a lighthearted moment that elicited lots of laughter from the guests. Koren Paalman was the winner amid much hooting and hollering!

Attendees also were treated to musical intervals between elements. The first singer was Nadine Pita, a singer-songwriter from New Zealand who presented her own work. Later, Beth Andersen, accompanied on the guitar by Bob Thiele and backed up by singer Billy Valentine, sang a song she created for and about Marla.

Finally, Manouso Manos, with very eloquent words of appreciation, presented Marla with the carved crystal award. Marla spoke simply and directly about her path to Iyengar Yoga and shared her thoughts about being honored. Jennifer Diener, event chairman, then presented Marla with a gift of a handblown glass vase from Correia Art Glass. Marla drew names for the raffle gifts, and finally Bob Thiele and Billy Valentine serenaded Marla and the whole room with a beautiful song written by Bob. It was a most beautiful ending to a very satisfying evening.

Then the room had to be “struck” and returned to pristine class condition for Manouso’s workshop the next morning. With our amazing volunteers and staff, the whole Institute was cleared and finished within an hour. The evening raised more than $40,000 (before costs), led by a $5,000 donation from Yoga Journal as the event sponsor. YogaWorks also was a high-level sponsor. The community really put on this event together, and the results are a fitting testament to its strength, generosity, and gratitude for our teachers. It was a great evening. Thanks to all who participated in any way!

IYASCUS

Peggy Kelley (Intermediate Junior III) has been busy helping with various assessments in the United States and in Mexico. Austin Yoga Institute has moved to a new location in South Austin. The local teacher-education program under Peggy’s direction has started up for the year. Devon Dederich assists that program. Anne-Marie Schultz will be offering some yoga sutra study sessions in that group in the new year. Devon Dederich (Intermediate Junior II) often guest teaches in Midland. Clear Spring Studio will be hosting Laurie Blakeney and Joan White next year. The Friday advanced practice continues to be a highlight of the weekend of many Iyengar yogis and yoginis.

Austin is pleased to welcome back Sheryl Abrams (Introductory II). Sheryl began her yoga teacher training here in Austin but relocated to the Minneapolis area for several years. We are happy to have her back.

Randy Just has been busy running teacher trainings in New Orleans, taking leadership in that group after the passing of Karin O’Bannon. Randy also offers workshops throughout the Texas area, Midland and San Angelo. He even travels far beyond the confines of our region to Boise, Idaho. The B.K.S. Iyengar Studio of Dallas continues to bring in senior teachers such as Mary Obendorfer and Eddy Marks, Lois Steinberg, and Manouso Manos.

The Houston Iyengar Center, also in a new location, recently hosted Laurie Blakeney, Rebecca Lerner, and Dean Lerner. Alcove Yoga is offering an Advanced Asana Series with Pauline Schloesser. The Iyengar community is growing in San Angelo and Midland as well. The Boerne yoga community is alive and well, hosting George Purvis and Arun regularly.

There are also exciting Iyengar Yoga offerings at Yoga Sol in Columbia, Missouri. In St. Louis, Bruce Roger has an informative blog about yoga, http://yogastlouisblog.wordpress.com. The Yoga Center of Lawrence, Kan., continues to offer many Iyengar Yoga classes and sponsor workshops.

IYASW

Ross Temple teaches Bharadvajasana I during a mock assessment at Scottsdale Community College on August 20. Students left to right: Cynthia Gable, Jeannine Disken, Jean Saad, Lisa Henrich, and JoAnn Auger. (Photo by Marivic Worbel)

Fond greetings and happy birthday to Guruji from all of us in the Southwest Chapter. We are grateful for his continuing guidance and nourishment.

With 80 new members, the Southwest chapter of IYNAUS is growing by leaps and bounds! For many years, there were only two certified teachers in Arizona. Thanks to the hard work of Katherine Maltz, the Tucson community has continued to grow through the sponsorship of workshops with Senior Teachers Rita Manos and Dean Lerner. While Phoenix is sad to lose Jennifer Shonk (Intermediate Junior I) who spent the year in the Phoenix area from the northwest, Tucson welcomes her as she finishes her studies.

Josephine Lazarus was the only certified teacher in the Phoenix metro area until four years ago. Carlyn Sikes (Introductory II) has developed a yoga program at Scottsdale Community College based in Iyengar Yoga. This year, there are six candidates going up for assessment. Therese Ireland of Tucson completed her Introductory II assessment and rewarded herself with her first trip to Pune. Instrumental to this growth in the Phoenix area has been the support of Senior Teacher Carolyn Belko, who has been travelling to Scottsdale three or four times each year to give weekend workshops and to conduct teacher training intensives.

It is thrilling to be able to spread the Iyengar method more widely throughout the state. Candidates for assessment come from all over Arizona including Prescott, Tucson, and the Phoenix metro area.

Karen Smith demonstrates setting up the belts with Jennifer Shonk while Raghavan Narayanan and Elizabeth Hitchcock look on. (Photo by Josephine Lazarus)

Karen Smith, certified teacher From Tucson, came to Archana Yoga in Gilbert, Ariz., to give a workshop titled “Inspiration From San Diego, Sarvabhauma,” on June 29. This workshop was co-sponsored by IYASW as the first chapter member appreciation event. Members of IYASW received a 50 percent discount on the workshop. Karen shared with those in attendance her aha moments from the convention.

Significant to Karen was how Birjoo used the elements as they manifest in nature to explain how to work within, through, and without the confines of our bodies. He talked about finding sameness in all asana and watching to see when—or if— fluctuations manifest within the body and/or mind when doing the poses. He taught how to not create so much movement that struggles ensue. Karen attempted to expand Birjoo’s teaching by incorporating ideas about steadiness in asana as explained by Prashant Iyengar in his book Chittavijnana of Yogasanas.

Raghavan Narayanan does Parivrtta parsvakonasana. (Photo by Josephine Lazarus)