News from the Regions

IYACSR

At the end of summer, the Iyengar Yoga Association of California Southern Region (IYACSR) was honored to host Birjoo Mehta again in San Diego. In 2013, he lead the IYNAUS Conference and Convention Sarvabhauma Yog, and in 2015, he came to teach the Panchamahabhutas, Five Great Elements. This time, Birjoo taught the five vital airs, the Vayus. The topic was philosophical, practical, and inspirational.

We all learn and teach what to do in the asanas. We all strive to learn and teach how to do them. Birjoo teaches us why we do them. Whether he teaches Elements or Winds or gross physicality, Birjoo shares that any aspect of the practice that we focus on is an important part, something we can conceptualize. Just as there are many kinds of maps—topographical, Thomas Guides, the Waze app—so too are there guides for our sadhana. How one travels may necessitate a different sort of map (for example, Waze is no good to an airline pilot, and a globe will not help someone find a new yoga studio). Birjoo makes new yoga maps accessible to his students.

The workshop took place over four days, Aug. 31–Sept. 3, 2017, at the Williams Barn in San Marcos, a beautiful event space in north San Diego County. We were treated to a practice on hardwood floors, with mountains out the windows and glimpses of horses walking past our space. The 150 students in attendance came from San Diego, Los Angeles, Idaho, Michigan, Massachusetts, and Mexico to learn from Birjoo. This was a community-organized workshop, starting with the IYACSR Board and carried out by dozens of volunteers every day. In the end, every attendee contributed to the well-being of the group. The weekend was quite hot—Birjoo jokingly thanked us for the Mumbai-like conditions.

IYACSR appreciates the efforts of all who made space for a neighbor, who brought an extra fan into the practice hall, and

Stephanie Lavender supports Kim Mackesy in Adho Mukha Vrksasana during a demonstration at International Yoga Day in San Diego. Photo: Nancy Baldon

who looked out for fellow students as needed. IYACSR plans to share still photographs, captured by the gracious and talented Nancy Baldon, on our Facebook page and online at www.iyacsr. org. We also plan to release a video recording of the entire event, filmed by Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher (CIYT) Dan Guida, through Vimeo. Please visit our website for more information.

The collaboration extended beyond the region. IYACSR was delighted to work with John Schumacher and Unity Woods who hosted Birjoo Mehta in Virginia on the weekend after his time in San Diego. We see this as an opportunity and a model for interregional collaboration. We encourage our counterparts around the U.S. to communicate early and often about special events.

On Sunday, June 18, San Diego celebrated and honored International Yoga Day in historic and beautiful Balboa Park. IYACSR represented this method and the Iyengar Yoga centers in our region. Our Community Outreach Chair Stephanie Lavender arranged a booth space, which she and her team of volunteers decorated with photos of Guruji and copies of books written by B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta Iyengar, and Prashant Iyengar. Of the dozens of booths participating in the event, IYACSR was unique as a noncommercial entity. We were not selling classes or clothing or coconut water. We were simply there to share the method.

In addition to our displays, the IYACSR booth hosted a series of Iyengar Yoga demonstrations. Eleven volunteers showed poses in series for over an hour to an audience of onlookers that stood three deep. Practitioners from various regional Iyengar Yoga centers displayed asanas from all categories.

Outside our booth, Stephanie Lavender (CIYT Intermediate Junior I) taught a class on Surya Namaskar the Iyengar way and Kim Zanger-Mackesy (CIYT Intermediate Junior II) taught arm balances to large and mixed groups. The participants could experience for themselves the practice they had observed earlier.

This year, the Iyengar Yoga Association of Greater New York (IYAGNY) had our most successful Yogathon to date, raising the auspicious amount of $108,000. That wouldn’t have been possible without the support of our association teachers, which now number 164.

This year, we expanded our outreach to all of our association teachers by offering three free professional development seminars to all of our region’s CIYTs. The first was on financial planning, the second on developing a business model, and the third on using social media and marketing. All three were also broadcast on our website, which helped expand our reach to association teachers not in attendance and allowed us to continue the conversation online. We are looking forward to offering these seminars again next year on topics relevant to our teachers.

We’re also offering continuing education classes several times a year to help teachers hone and improve their teaching skills, whether assessment is imminent or not. We also regularly offer “Back From India” sharings with CIYTs who have recently attended classes at RIMYI, and we host a guest teacher series, along with various workshops and lectures.

This fall, we held a potluck to come together, celebrate our common bond of Iyengar Yoga, and thank our association teachers for all the ways we rely on them. We are truly grateful for all the support and the community.

IYALA

“Giving does not impoverish us nor does withholding enrich us.” — B.K.S. Iyengar

Reflecting on the happenings in our region over the summer and fall, it is clear that our members have heeded Guruji’s profound words about giving. Free classes, member workshops, and community outreach have brought Iyengar Yoga to new students, while teachers and students alike contributed in myriad ways to strengthen our practice, beautify our surroundings, and encourage us all to become better people.

The Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles (IYILA), now in its 33rd year of operation, has been enjoying a beautiful new studio, which was renovated last spring. We have fresh paint, new floors, and a well-organized and attractive props storage area— thanks to the hard work of many volunteers. Our inviting new lobby is adorned with photos of Guruji, obtained from the historical archive maintained by teacher Scott Hobbs and restored and installed by practitioners and IYALA members Alfred Bie and Joan Watanabe. Our new space is a refreshing change for continuing students and has drawn in many new

The new lobby at the Iyengar Yoga Institute of Los Angeles, adorned with archival photos of B.K.S. Iyengar

students for workshops and classes.

We continue to be blessed with a plethora of exceptional teachers in our region, many of whom offer regular classes and workshops at the Institute. One of the highlights was a course on menstruation taught by Marla Apt and Gloria Goldberg. Students immersed themselves in readings by Lois Steinberg and Geeta Iyengar and spent three days learning and practicing sequences and modifications for pre-, post- and during menstruation. Lectures by Dr. Lori Silver (OB/GYN) enriched our understanding of women’s bodies and how to respect the entire menstrual cycle by modifying the yoga practice throughout the month.

Our halls were also graced with the lovely voice of Gitte Bechsgaard (Toronto) as she led our community in chanting during a gathering for Guru Purnima on July 11. Gitte also taught workshops on yoga philosophy, supplemented with asana practice led by Gloria Goldberg, where students throughout our community came together to deepen their practice through understanding the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

In another major area of giving, Los Angeles and the surrounding community continues to be a venue for CIYT assessments, with the Institute hosting Introductory assessments in September, as well as Intermediate Junior I assessments in November. Other studios in the area also participate in assessments—Govinda’s hosted the Junior I and Yoga Daya in LA and Palm Desert hosted the Introductory in November. These assessments require generous contributions from both the hosting teachers as well as the students who volunteer for the classes.

By the end of 2017, Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics (IYT) will be completing a three-year teacher training program, created under the guidance of Guruji. A new one-year therapy training

The generosity of everyone involved in our community is appreciated, from faculty to students to staff. We look forward to celebrating Guruji’s centennial year in 2018 together with Iyengar Yoga practitioners around the globe.

program will commence in 2018 with Manouso Manos. The IYT program has extended into community outreach, whereby teachers are being placed into underserved communities in Los Angeles and Riverside through ongoing classes and workshops. Spanish-speaking parents, Russian immigrants, U.S. veterans, and children traumatized by violence are all experiencing yoga through the IYT outreach. For more information, see www.iyengaryogatherapeutics.com/events/iythelps-under-served-communities-3.

Our teachers continue to share their wisdom through both local and out-of-town retreats and intensives. In her efforts to widen the student population and deepen the practice of existing Iyengar Yoga practitioners, Marla Apt will hold a retreat at the newly opened learning center in Santa Cruz county, 1440 Multiversity, Jan. 7-12, 2018. Find more information online at https://1440.org/program/deeper-potential-iyengar-yoga. Marla will also lead two intensives at IYALA next year. The five-day intensives are an opportunity for a kind of urban yoga retreat, to immerse oneself in extended asana and pranayama classes as well as yoga philosophy discussions. On the same days as the intensives, she will offer a course for all teachers who want to refine their teaching skills. Mark your calendars and plan to register early for these retreat weekends, to be held March 19-23 and Oct. 8-12, 2018.

Our region extends far beyond Los Angeles and the Institute. Holly Hoffman, owner of The Iyengar Yoga Center Palm Desert, with the guidance of Senior Teacher Cathy Rogers Evans, hosted a five-day Summer Solstice Intensive in June 2017. In the Inland Empire, Amy Brown (CIYT Intermediate Junior I) offered a four-part series, “Foundations of Iyengar Yoga” in the Redlands area. Most of the students were new to the practice of Iyengar Yoga and were thrilled to find that the practice and its elements provide the framework for a mindful yoga experience.

We are grateful for IYALA Board members—especially our new president, Mary Ann Kellogg, who is a former dancer and choreographer. Mary Ann began practicing Iyengar Yoga in the early 1980s with Mary Dunn in New York City, after a fellow dancer—Twyla Tharp—introduced her to the method. We also welcomed Lori McIntosh (CIYT Intermediate Junior II) to our board mid-year. Continuing board members include Laura Baker (vice president and membership chair), Don Vangeloff (treasurer), Amy Brown (secretary), Jennifer Diener (past president), and members-at-large Holly Hoffman, Mike Montgomery, and Becky Patel. Longstanding practitioner and former board member Brad Sklarew is much appreciated for overseeing daily operations of IYALA and for his warm greetings to each person who walks through the doors.

The generosity of everyone involved in our community is appreciated, from faculty to students to staff. We look forward to celebrating Guruji’s centennial year in 2018 together with Iyengar Yoga practitioners around the globe.

IYAMN

The Iyengar Yoga Association of Minnesota (IYAMN) serves the upper Midwest region of Minnesota, western Wisconsin, Iowa, South Dakota, and North Dakota. Most of the Iyengar Yoga students in this region are concentrated around the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, but there are strong Iyengar Yoga communities outside of that region as well. One of them is the area where Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa meet—a beautiful part of the Midwest with deeply carved river valleys. In Decorah, Iowa, a town of only 8,000 or so, Iyengar Yoga is taught at two yoga studios and at the small liberal arts college in town. Across the Mississippi River is Viroqua, Wisconsin, which has fewer than 5,000 residents yet has its own Iyengar Yoga studio. LaCrosse, Wisconsin, is a vibrant community of Iyengar Yoga practitioners as well, a community built over the course of 35 years by Chris Saudek and Francie Ricks. IYAMN held its biannual Yoga Day in LaCrosse in July. Rachel Frazee taught an asana class to students from Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa.

IYAMN member and Matthew Sanford (CIYT) is a jewel of our community. A paraplegic himself, he has used the teachings of B.K.S. Iyengar to help people of all abilities heal their bodies and minds in unexpected ways. An article about him recently appeared in Yoga Journal China, and a dialogue with him about the nature of compassion in our lives is airing on public television in our region. Matthew is currently finishing his second book on his experience with Iyengar Yoga, trauma, and paralysis from the chest down. Here is an excerpt from the in-progress book, Waking Again:

With his profound emphasis on alignment, B.K.S. Iyengar not only revolutionized the practice of asana (yoga poses) for all who will follow, but also his approach revealed the possibility of energetic sensation for an aspiring paraplegic yoga practitioner. In my own yoga practice, part of why I was feeling awareness move through my paralyzed legs in Dandasana while sitting up on a blanket was that the simple alignment of bones directed the force of gravity through my body. This happens whether one is paralyzed or not.

IYAMN sponsored another weeklong workshop by Mary Obendorfer and Eddy Marks in October. Other activities in the region included a series of classes on Yoga for Women’s Health and a series on Developing Daily Sadhana, both at the Yoga Place in LaCrosse, as well as a workshop focusing on Muscle Imbalances by Julie Gudmestad of Portland, Oregon, held at the St. Paul Yoga Center. A particular highlight was the visit to both St. Paul and LaCrosse by premiere Indian yoga teacher Swati Chanchani in late August. She taught two extended classes at each place and included a visual presentation of art, architecture, and archeology titled “Yogini: Yoga Practitioners through the Ages,” which she narrated with a fascinating treatment of the history of yoginis.

IYAMW

The Midwest Region rolled out a major revamp of its website after many months of work, especially by Alex Hansen (Milwaukee). We are eager for everyone to visit it, become informed, and be inspired, at www.iyamw.org.

Iyengar Yoga Detroit continues to be at the vanguard of making Iyengar Yoga accessible to all. This studio hosts numerous Community Gift classes (sliding scale $5–$20) each month, including twice monthly Yoga Philosophy groups, which started this spring with Peggy Gwi-Seok Hong. The studio has been offering much-appreciated Restorative Classes on the second and fourth Friday nights of the month, as well as weekly Black and Brown Yoga specifically for people of color, Women’s Yoga, and Yoga for the Seasons (emotional health). Yoga for the Seasons is a new class taught by Erin Shawgo (CIYT Intermediate Junior I), who recently completed a Master of Social Work degree with a special focus on the use of Iyengar Yoga for mental and emotional health. She received a Community Engagement Grant from IYAMW to support this work. Iyengar Yoga Detroit celebrated its first anniversary as a cooperatively run center this fall. Every night when I go to bed, I think about everything I am grateful for, including a warm bed and a roof over my head. At the same time, I think about all the people sleeping out on the streets... — Ingela Abbott, IYANW

Midwesterners and beyond came together for the Annual Retreat Sept. 15–17 outside Chicago, themed “Time and Presence.” Mary Reilly and Peggy Gwi-Seok Hong taught asana and pranayama workshops and led discussions focusing on several sutras from the fourth pada. IYAMW was happy to provide six full needs-based scholarships to the retreat. Enlightening workshops, nourishing and delicious meals, comfortable accommodations, a beautiful campus, and the camaraderie of other Iyengar Yoga practitioners contributed to another successful retreat. Hope you can join us in September 2018. Details will be posted on our website.

IYAMW provided another $500 Community Engagement Grant to Kate Flock (CIYT) to help build the Iyengar Yoga community in Indianapolis. The money will go to support a new rope wall and student outreach. We hope the budding community there will grow and thrive, promoting the profound and healing teachings of the Iyengars.

IYANC

Now three years into our new location in central San Francisco, the Institute and larger community keep growing. In 2016, regional membership increased 33 percent, from 376 to 502 members and continues to increase in 2017. To address the needs of enthusiastic practitioners throughout Northern California, a group of Iyengar Yoga Association of Northern California (IYANC) Board members, CIYTs, and studio owners formed a regional subcommittee to facilitate connectivity, visibility, communication, and growth in our region. The region covers a large area and a variety of cultures and geographies from urban to rural to mountainous, and members on the committee represent our diverse locations. Plans are underway to convene our first IYANC regional event in 2018. In addition to strengthening the links between studios, teachers, and members throughout the region, the subcommittee aims to encourage and support activities that bring Iyengar Yoga to “yoga deserts,” communities that are underserved by highquality yoga instruction.

IYANC’s June 10 Yogathon, “Yoga Is One,” was a great success. We exceeded our goal, raising $56,000 to support the mission of the Institute. IYANC is deeply grateful for the generosity of our expanding community. Here are some of the day’s highlights:

CIYTs Mary Wixted (IYANE board member), Kris Manjapra, Nadja Refaie, Carol Faulkner, and Annie Hoffman (Community Service Committee Chair)

A creative and grounding asana class taught by Victoria Austin, Anne Barbaret, and Cynthia Bates, leading up to a supported Natarajasana

Heartfelt, powerful asana demonstrations by Athena Pappas, Maria Calabria, Theresa Marks, Zain Syed, Victoria Austin, Sachiko Willis, Renee Razzano, and Anne Barbaret, with direction by Julia Sterling and live kirtan by Francesca Nicosia

A lively community reception with delicious Middle Eastern food provided by Janet MacLeod and home-baked cakes from our dedicated volunteer, Greg Silva

The IYANC Board extends heartfelt gratitude to our teachers, students, and community members who contributed and were involved in making this year’s event a success. The IYANC Board continues to evolve. Lauren Fogel joined as secretary in February 2017. After four years of dedicated service, Chuck Han stepped down as treasurer, and Karen Woods, vice-president, is serving as interim treasurer. Richard Weinapple now chairs the Membership Committee and is leading the Subcommittee for Regional Development. Brian Hogencamp, Jeff Sikand, and Susan Wong run our Programming Committee. The board is currently seeking new members with a range of skills, including finance, fundraising, communications/marketing/public relations, and commercial real estate. If you are interested, please contact Athena Pappas at athena.pappas@iyisf.org.

In August, the Institute launched a monthly community night and invites those who are new to Iyengar Yoga along with current members and students to gather for a variety of fun and enlightening activities. Events will range from movie nights to sound healings to ayurvedic talks and, in November, a kids’ and parents’ yoga night. We hope to provide an opportunity for connection with those who may not yet know about Iyengar Yoga and help deepen ties for those who are already members of our local Iyengar Yoga community.

IYANE

2017 has been a year of many transitions for the Iyengar Yoga Association of New England (IYANE). Patricia Walden has completed her third three-year term as vice president of IYANE since revitalizing the association in 2009 and is stepping down at the end of the year. We thank Patricia for her unparalleled leadership and championing of Iyengar Yoga in our region. In recognition of her unique role in our community as a senior disciple of Guruji, the IYANE Board has unanimously voted to appoint her as Guiding Senior Teacher of our regional association. She will continue to advise the IYANE Board in her new role.

This year, Nancy Watson completes her term as IYANE’s representative to IYNAUS. During her time on the IYNAUS Board, Nancy was instrumental in organizing the 2016 IYNAUS Convention in Boca Raton. We are grateful to Nancy for her service and wish her all the best. The IYANE Board has appointed Jean Stawarz to serve as our new representative to the IYNAUS Board.

IYANE Treasurer Claire Carroll is also stepping down at the end of the year. During her tenure, Claire has greatly expanded IYANE’s scholarship offerings as chair of the IYANE Scholarship Committee. IYANE continues to offer scholarships for study in India and to assist deserving students in our region with funds for conventions, workshops, teacher trainings, and to study with local teachers. For more information about IYANE scholarship offerings, visit our website at www.iyengarnewengland.com.

IYANE Membership Chair Kim Peralta also steps down at the end of the year. During her tenure, Kim has instituted a monthly email blast to publicize Iyengar Yoga events in the region. We thank Claire and Kim for their dedicated service.

With so many board transitions, IYANE is in the process of holding regionwide elections for four board vacancies. The new board members will be announced at the IYANE Annual General Membership Meeting in December.

Kris Manjapra (CIYT Intermediate Junior I), in collaboration with the IYANE Community Service Committee, organized Yoga Days at the John D. O’Bryant Public School in Roxbury on June 13-14, 2017. Together with Massachusetts CIYTs Annie Hoffman (IYANE Community Service Committee Chairperson), Nadja Refaie, Tristan Binns, Carol Faulkner, and Lucilda DassardoCooper, Kris’s team taught approximately 200 students in six classes over the two days. The aims of Yoga Days were to

Jennie Williford (CIYT Intermediate Junior II), Ananda Johnson (CIYT), Erin Burke-Webster (CIYT), Dani DeLeon (assessing in October), Ashley Tetu (Teacher in Training), Julia Seaward (CIYT assessing Intermediate Junior I in September), Kisa Davison (CIYT and owner of Straight Blast Gym)

introduce 7th to 12th graders in this racially and economically diverse student body to yoga, to stretch the students’ imagination, and to give students an experience of relaxation, space, and wonder, in their first instrument: the body.

IYANW

The Iyengar Yoga Association of the Northwest (IYANW) is happy to report on new studios in the region and on our continuing dedication to giving back to our Northwest communities.

Yoga Northwest in Bellingham, Washington, which won the “Best of Bellingham” for the 11th year in a row, has dedicated itself to helping the local community. Ingela Abbott, founder of Yoga Northwest, has made combatting homelessness a particular focus this year:

“Every night when I go to bed I think about everything I am grateful for including a warm bed and a roof over my head. At the same time, I think about all the people sleeping out on the streets here in Bellingham—cold, wet, lonely, and filled with fear. There are things we can do to help this crisis.”

In September, Ingela took part in a 100-mile ride to raise money for a Bellingham organization called HomesNOW, which dedicates funds to building small homes for homeless. Ingela collected pledges from the Yoga Northwest community, and Yoga Northwest matched any funds Ingela raised in the event.

Yoga Northwest also took part in a Thanksgiving benefit event, where Ingela taught a class to raise money for the Lighthouse Mission.

IYANW has made it a mission for the region to spread Iyengar Yoga while also serving the less fortunate in our Northwest communities by creating our Community Service Grants. The grant is awarded to CIYTs who donate their time or need help paying for a program dedicated to underserved community members. You can find out more about this program at www.IYANW.org.

Looking for yoga in Boise? We are happy to report that The Iyengar Yoga Center of Boise is now open for business. It lies in the heart of Boise’s Historical North End, fitting in well with the active community. The new Boise yoga center currently has seven CIYTs and one teacher trainee, with an ever-growing population of students, many of whom began their study at the now-closed Boise Yoga Center.

The center offers 12 weekly classes, nine Boise State University classes, a monthly mini-advanced workshop, and a community class in which donations go to various charitable organizations.

The Boise community is grateful to long-time student, Lisa Bescherer for making this dream possible. We also want to thank Vickie Aldridge (CIYT Intermediate Junior I) for her willingness to share the experience and knowledge she gained operating the Boise Yoga Center, and Don Gura (CIYT Intermediate Junior II), who shares studio management and has been instrumental in organizing studio use.

Finally, we have a yoga vacation idea for you: Mountains, rivers, and Iyengar Yoga. Have you heard of Kalispell, Montana? If you are a National Park enthusiast or like to ski, you might recognize this small town as the gateway to Glacier National Park or the Big Mountain skiing in Whitefish, Montana. But if you are also an Iyengar Yoga enthusiast (which you most likely are if you are reading this), you might also want to come to Kalispell for a yoga class at Straight Blast Gym—yes, an unconventional name for a yoga studio but don’t be deterred.

In this small northwest corner of a big state, what we call the Flathead Valley, there are many wild and natural spaces to enjoy, but in our opinion, one of its greatest treasures is its energy and devotion to Iyengar Yoga. Straight Blast Gym has two studios dedicated to Iyengar Yoga, with five certified teachers, two candidates assessing this year, and a few more well on their way in apprenticeship.

Straight Blast Gym is the brainchild of a husband and wife team, Kisa and Travis Davison. Kisa has nurtured and developed an effective system to introduce the active Montana community to Iyengar Yoga in a fun and dynamic way.

We see big things for the future of Iyengar Yoga in the Northwest Region with Montana and the Straight Blast Gym tribe growing at the pace it is. Come visit for the view and the practice.

We have had a positive and productive year at the Iyengar Yoga Association of the South Central United States (IYASCUS) so far in 2017. Our yoga community is growing and reaching more cities and yoga practitioners around the region. New studios are opening or expanding to larger facilities. We are coming together to practice and learn each month with teacher trainings and workshops, thanks to the efforts of many of our dedicated teachers and leaders. Several studios are offering free introductory asana and pranayama classes as well as sutra study groups to ignite students on the yoga path.

At the Audubon Yoga Studio Teacher Training program in New Orleans, students learn more than just how to teach. They also learn to deepen their practice and come to understand the richness and integrity of Iyengar Yoga.

Our region consists of five states: Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, and Arkansas. We are excited to announce that the IYNAUS National Convention will be held in Dallas, Texas, April 12–19, 2019—taught by Abhijata Sridhar! Save the dates and plan to be here for this wonderful week of learning and fun with Texas food and hospitality not to be missed. Randy Just, our fearless leader, is already making plans and mobilizing volunteers. If you would like to be a part of the preparations, please contact Randy at BKS-info@tx.rr.com.

Exceptional teacher training this year has proven to be successful as many teachers have moved forward on the path, passing higher certification levels. In August, the B.K.S. Iyengar Studio of Dallas hosted a Junior Intermediate I assessment. Candidates came from all over the country to this wellorganized and calm assessment. In addition, several of our intermediate teachers in the region traveled to New York and were successful in moving up to even higher levels. Congratulations to all our teachers—we appreciate all your hard work and devotion to Iyengar Yoga.

In late August, Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast and brought destruction and flooding to Houston and many towns. Studios helped out through t-shirt fundraisers with proceeds going to the rescue and relief efforts.

This year we have been fortunate to study with our senior Iyengar Yoga teachers. In September, Mary Obendorfer and Eddy Marks were in Dallas, Jaki Nett was in Austin, and Rebecca Lerner in Houston. In Dallas, John Schumacher returned for his famous arm balances workshop, and in November Jawahar Bangera brought his wisdom to us. These wonderful workshops help us develop more understanding and deepen our practice. We are blessed to have Guruji’s teachings passed down to us by these teachers and thank them for traveling great distances to teach us.

Information and updates from our region may be found on our website at www.IYASCUS.org and on Facebook. Our region is thriving, and we welcome all of you to come visit us soon.

IYASE

The Iyengar Yoga Association Southeast (IYASE) sponsors general admission and teacher training workshops one or two times each year. Our schedule for workshops currently extends through 2019. In 2017, IYASE sponsored a joint Introductory and Intermediate Junior I teacher training taught by Kathleen Pringle (CIYT Intermediate Senior I). We also sponsored a “Yoga to Alleviate Anxiety and Depression” general workshop taught by Juliana Fair (CIYT Intermediate Senior I).

In March 2018, IYASE will sponsor an Intermediate Junior I and II teacher training workshop in Miami, Florida, titled “Taking the Mystery Out of Shoulder Balance” with Bobbi Goldin (CIYT Intermediate Junior III). In July 2018, there will be a workshop open to all with a focus on knees in Louisville, Kentucky, with Colleen Gallagher (CIYT Intermediate Senior I).

Registration is open now for the March 2018 workshop. For more information and to register, go to http://iyaseteachertraining-march18.eventzilla.net. Current IYASE members are eligible for scholarships and can download applications at www.iyase.org.

In August, a group of dedicated Iyengar Yoga practitioners and teachers completed our 2017 Audubon Yoga Studio Teacher Training in New Orleans.

The late Karin O’Bannon started the Audubon Yoga Studio Teacher Training program in 2009. It is taught by CIYT Intermediate Senior I teacher Randy Just. Over four weekends throughout the year, students come from all over the country to participate in the encouraging, fun, and challenging sessions. Many participants have gone on to pass various levels of Iyengar Yoga certification through the years.

In this program, students learn more than just how to teach. They also learn to deepen their practice and come to understand the richness and integrity of Iyengar Yoga.

The 2018 dates for the course are Jan. 19–21, March 2–4, June 1–3 and August 3–5. Please contact the Audubon Yoga Studio if you are interested in joining the program.

Now students practice with a rich array of props, including a trestle, benches, and a rope wall. The student body is diverse in age, ability, and experience. Marcus says, “We share a commitment to Guruji’s work and to sangha—community.”

Iyengar Yoga continues to grow in the Southeast. For almost 10 years, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers and students held classes at the multidisciplinary Rosemary Court Yoga Center in Sarasota, Florida. Susan Marcus (CIYT Intermediate Junior II) and Deborah DiCarlo (CIYT Intermediate Junior I), grew their community and imagined having a space of their own.

In August 2017, with Marcus at the helm, Sarasota Iyengar Yoga moved into its new home—literally a little house near the happening downtown. Now students practice with a rich array of props, including a trestle, benches, and a rope wall. The student body is diverse in age, ability, and experience. Owner Marcus says, “We share a commitment to Guruji’s work and to sangha—community. Some reside here year-round, and we welcome visitors, snowbirds, and new arrivals to sunny Sarasota. Come practice with us!”

The only Iyengar Yoga studio in Charlottesville, Virginia, Allied Yoga, was on the brink of closing earlier this year. However, two devoted students and a certified teacher stepped in to keep it open with the new name Iyengar Yoga of Charlottesville.

The new owners plan to devote a lot of energy to outreach and education and hope to introduce the magic of Iyengar Yoga to as many new students as possible. The community is grateful for their devotion.

IYASW

Through the punishing summer heat, Arizona Iyengar Yoga students stayed dedicated to their practice. Katherine Maltz of The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Studio of Tucson commented that “they had an active and busy summer despite the intense heat in Tucson.” SCC Yoga/Iyengar Yoga Center of Scottsdale also saw a greater number of students committing to ongoing practice.

This lead up to a busy fall as The B.K.S. Iyengar Yoga Studio of Tucson welcomed Dean Lerner for his yearly visit to the Southwest. All the Iyengar Yoga students in Arizona are thankful that he comes to teach, and all continue to be thankful that Katherine sponsors this event.

SCC Yoga/Iyengar Yoga Center of Scottsdale saw a record number of students register for classes in the fall. Many came because of their interest in studying Iyengar Yoga as the community continues to grow. This fall a new ropes class was offered, utilizing the new rope wall. SCC Yoga/Iyengar Yoga Center of Scottsdale in collaboration with IYASW also sponsored an Iyengar Yoga assessment in October, hosting candidates and assessors from around the country. Thankfully the weather had begun to cool so the visitors could enjoy the beauty of Scottsdale and the surrounding Sonoran desert.

Marivic Wrobel, president of IYASW, and Carrie Abts, treasurer, attended the Sedona Yoga Festival to represent Iyengar Yoga at this popular yearly event. They were joined by volunteers Michele Cook, Jean Saad, and Steph and Robin Rubin to operate a booth providing information about Iyengar Yoga complete with books, brochures, and their personal testimony as to the benefits of this practice. Marivic Wrobel taught an Introduction to Iyengar Yoga asana class that was very popular with the festival goers. Because of the success of this event in 2017, IYASW will participate again in 2018 and will offer more classes.

Congratulations to Terese Ireland of Tucson for passing Intermediate Junior I and Lily Tista of Pinetop for passing Introductory I in 2016. We are very proud of these new Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers and are very glad to see our community of certified teachers grow.

Lauren Barnert-Hosie (CIYT) and Carlyn Sikes (CIYT Intermediate Junior I) completed their three-year Iyengar Yoga Therapeutics Training for Teachers with Manouso Manos. These ladies also received their CYT from International Association of Yoga Therapists.

Carlyn Sikes completed a research article titled “Your Health is in Your Posture” through a grant issued by Maricopa County Community College District Professional Growth.

The current IYASW Board, which has done great work promoting the growth of Iyengar Yoga in Arizona, is completing its term of service in May 2018. The board positions of president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary are open. Please consider volunteering for the IYASW Board and continuing the work that has begun in making Iyengar Yoga more well known throughout Arizona.