Respecting Traditions
When I went to my first yoga class I had no idea how it would change the course of my life. From the very beginning I was intrigued - what is this thing called yoga. I will be forever grateful that my teacher Carole Baillargeon is so passionate about the tradition of yoga and our place in the lineage. Its seems like from the first class I started learning about BKS Iyengar and the Iyengar family, seeing their pictures and hearing Carole's stories about them. I never imagined that one day I would travel to India and study in Pune with them. My first experience there was on the occasion of Mr Iyengars 90th birthday.
left : With Carole and BKS Iyengar at his birthday celebrations.
Regardless of where you do yoga you are a part of a larger yoga community. Sometimes I think we under estimate the value of community and the support it can provide us. I know that when I'm finding it difficult to practice or I'm feeling a bit jaded knowing that I am part of something much bigger than myself is very soothing. When I first heard about the SE Asian Iyengar Convention In Kuala Lumpur I was very excited. The convention will be taught by Abijhata Iyengar, Mr Iyengar's granddaughter. I first saw Abi when she accompanied Geeta Iyengar on her visit to Australia in 2009 and then did some classes with her in Pune on my next visit. Since Mr Iyengar's passing Abi has started teaching internationally and is carrying this tradition and lineage into the future.
Along with the teaching at the convention there will be a coming together of community from all over SE asia and beyond. An opportunity for us to meet old friends and make new ones and over five days immerse ourselves in the practice and tradition that is yoga. Then afterwards when we return home to our smaller communities share our experiences, tell our stories and be a part of ensuring that this ancient tradition continues to grow and thrive.
When I went to my first yoga class I had no idea how it would change the course of my life. From the very beginning I was intrigued - what is this thing called yoga. I will be forever grateful that my teacher Carole Baillargeon is so passionate about the tradition of yoga and our place in the lineage. Its seems like from the first class I started learning about BKS Iyengar and the Iyengar family, seeing their pictures and hearing Carole's stories about them. I never imagined that one day I would travel to India and study in Pune with them. My first experience there was on the occasion of Mr Iyengars 90th birthday.
left : With Carole and BKS Iyengar at his birthday celebrations.
Regardless of where you do yoga you are a part of a larger yoga community. Sometimes I think we under estimate the value of community and the support it can provide us. I know that when I'm finding it difficult to practice or I'm feeling a bit jaded knowing that I am part of something much bigger than myself is very soothing. When I first heard about the SE Asian Iyengar Convention In Kuala Lumpur I was very excited. The convention will be taught by Abijhata Iyengar, Mr Iyengar's granddaughter. I first saw Abi when she accompanied Geeta Iyengar on her visit to Australia in 2009 and then did some classes with her in Pune on my next visit. Since Mr Iyengar's passing Abi has started teaching internationally and is carrying this tradition and lineage into the future.
Along with the teaching at the convention there will be a coming together of community from all over SE asia and beyond. An opportunity for us to meet old friends and make new ones and over five days immerse ourselves in the practice and tradition that is yoga. Then afterwards when we return home to our smaller communities share our experiences, tell our stories and be a part of ensuring that this ancient tradition continues to grow and thrive.
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