I began my study of Iyengar Yoga at age 19 in 1971. I was immediately hooked. Six years later I began teaching classes, and since then I have been even more enthusiastic with the challenge of teaching the subject. In 1983 I began annual study trips to our parent institute, RIMYI in Pune India. Being a student at our Institute has been a huge blessing in my life!
What I love about the study, practice and teaching of yoga the way the Iyengar’s have guided us is that it helps us to live an artistic life. Guruji has written often about the art, science and philosophy of Yoga. These three intersecting aspects, or perspectives, intrigue me and I try to share that curiosity with my students.
I love to study and share the philosophy of the Patanjali Yoga Sutra, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanisads among other texts. These works add color and texture to the asana and pranayama we practice. I also am amazed by, and try to share the science of the practice as it has been developed by our Guru BKS Iyengar. His penetrating understanding of human minds and bodies, and his innovative approach with props and sequences has us all appreciating the “laboratory” approach as we investigate the subject.
To live artistically we must all be acute listeners and appreciative watchers. We need to learn to be expressive – expressive and clear with our words, our movements, our actions, and our thoughts. And as artistic as the study and practice of yoga is, it is only on rare occasions a “performance art”. So there is no pressure to perform, and the ego need not worry itself over that possible strain. Yoga is for our own evolution and satisfaction.
As a teacher now with over 30 year’s experience, I am honored to have been given an Advanced Jr. 1 Certificate by BKS Iyengar. I am excited to share this focus of artistry with every one who attends my classes in the coming year.
Namaste,
Laurie
Great post, thanks or sharing
RE: News about Jessica Roberts
Wednesday night Level II Class and Others,
“His (BKS Iyengar’s) penetrating understanding of human minds and bodies, and his innovative approach with props and sequences has us all appreciating the “laboratory” approach as we investigate the subject.”
This statement above from Laurie’s newest blog titled “Living Life as Art” fits so well with my experience sharing class with Jessica, who brought so much to class and seemed to get so much out of class as she worked hard as many of us do and with the added challenge of having a missing lower arm. Her energy and enthusiasm encouraged me often when I had one of those flashes of inadequacy while working with a particular asana.
Jessica, has been missed in our class since she had an auto accident last year and I checked in this week to see how she is doing. The following was her response:
Hi Judith! Good to hear from you. I am recovering and in much less pain than I was. I just finished PT and am slowly working back up…I’m hoping to start yoga again but without head stand/ shoulder stand- I’m sorry to lose them as they were a personal challenge…but not a good idea for my neck at present. Please say hi to everyone-in my mind’s eye I’m in my spot every week! Sending you all good wishes! Stay warm! Jessica
j.c.