So there we were! Eight hundred and fifty, give or take, yogi and yogini teachers, traveling from near and far, who have dedicated their teachings to the tradition of Mr. B.K.S. Iyengar. We landed smack dab in the middle of some of the most beautiful mountainous country that Colorado has to offer and the scenery became a metaphor for what was to transpire in each of our hearts in the conference.
Personally, I intended to go to this conference flying way under the radar in the hopes of being able touch base with Mr. Iyengar, wish him well, and welcome him to Colorado. What transpired was beyond my hopes and dreams of what I think community interaction can be. Out of the 850 + or - teachers there, I was able to connect with at least half if not more. Seeing old friends, greeting new ones and being acknowledged for my work with Mr. Iyengar in 1993 in Ann Arbor as well as an article I had just written for this publication by people with whom I had a relationship and those of whom I had just met was such a boon to my inclusion in our yoga family. My being in rural America in New Mexico has taken me away from this community physically but now I see, not psychically, not spiritually.
Being graced with Mr. Iyengar's attention was the icing on the cake. Our ability to work and do yoga is such a blessing for me. I had been practicing Ardha Chandrasana and Virhabadrasana III at home in preparation for the conference. When he had me do those poses it was not only confirmation that my practice is in tact, but also that I am able to quickly take and execute his directions and attention in the midst of ALL that energy. I felt so focused and present. I felt everyone pulling for me and lending their energy to mine. Thank you. And, the inclusion of Christin and Lee's sutra chanting brought such a centering, calming atmosphere. I felt we all were grateful for and used their hard work and dedication to our best benefit. We lifted the room's energy as we chanted these sacred words of Patanjali.
It is such a blessing that we were able to all come together to honor this master of his craft; this genius who is so in touch with the body, mind, and soul and how to be more freely present in all levels of consciousness.
Had I not been well practiced in Mr. Iyengar's tradition of yoga in 1990 when I lost my leg, I wouldn't now be able to do the yoga that I do. I wouldn't be able to let the beauty I love and have such passion for be what I do. There are a thousand ways to kneel down and touch the ground: Mr. Iyengar's tradition of Hatha Yoga is definitely one that inspires and motivates me to go to my mat daily and give thanks that I am alive and well and living on this Earth.
Namasté