WELCOME TO THE WINTER 2016 NEWSLETTER

Transcription

1 In this newsletter: WELCOME TO THE WINTER 2016 NEWSLETTER Yoganusasanam In this issue, we have stories and reports from all around the Canadian Iyengar Yoga community and beyond. Guruji s birth anniversary Bellur yoga hall A sutra to ponder Just one asana Visiting teachers An AIT s view New books Community outreach Recent Assessment results Feeding the yogis Humour & fun Calendar of upcoming events Action vs Movement Action is movement with intelligence. The world is filled with movement. What the world needs is more conscious movement, more action. B.K.S. Iyengar, Light on Life Jewels of Yoga As a goldsmith weighs gold, you have to adjust your body so that it is perfectly balanced in the median plane. As pearls are held on a thread, all the limbs should be held on the thread of intelligence. B.K.S. Iyengar page 1

2 GREETINGS FROM YOUR EDITOR Rejoindre Carole au: Contact Carole at: Happy new year! Bonne année! Welcome to our first newsletter of In this issue, we have many stories from India Yoganusasanam 2015, the celebration of Guruji s birth anniversary, and the opening of the new yoga hall in Bellur. But, we ll also hear from many of your colleagues about what they ve been doing in Canada. Two of our stories are from lifetime members Leslie Hogya (Victoria BC) and Ingelise Nherlan (Vancouver BC). A wide variety of stories: Which one pose to teach or practise A look at one of Patanjali s yoga sutras Who came to share knowledge Building the community What it s like being an assessor-in-training Some ideas for feeding the yogis m.c.carpentier@sympatico.ca Some news and updates: A very special Google Doodle Results of the recent Introductory II assessment in Ottawa New books by Guruji and by Prashant Upcoming events across Canada and beyond And, of course, some fun and some humour: A new yoga word puzzle The solution to our last puzzle (including a mistake ) Savasana comics Deadline for next issue: 20 April 2016 [check out the submission criteria at the back of this newsletter] Don t forget we d love to hear from you. Nous attendons des nouvelles de chez vous! We re looking for stories from your Iyengar Yoga community... Comment répandez-vous la richesse du Yoga Iyengar? How are you spreading the word about Iyengar Yoga? Which one pose would you teach or practise? Quelle posture serait votre seule posture? La bouffe yogi? How are you feeding your yogis? Ressources pratiques Resources for teachers and students blogs, websites, apps, books, des livres, autres choses... page 2

3 YOGANUSASANAM: Geetaji's classes in December December 2015 For eight days in early December, more than 1200 people from 52 countries around the world gathered in Pune, India. They gathered to celebrate Geeta Iyengar s 71 st birthday. They gathered to learn from this great teacher. They gathered to delve more deeply into the teachings of her father, BKS Iyengar. Twenty-six Canadians made the trek to Pune to participate in asana and pranayama, and in the sharing of knowledge, of stories, of memories. Our days were full, with two morning sessions of asana and pranayama, followed by lectures, discussions and music in the afternoons. The aural tsunami of 1200 aums rolling across the room. Canadian thoughts from Pune... It was incredible! A fantastic experience to inhale and exhale simultaneously with so many others. Photo: Instagram It was a privilege to be a part of such a well organized and richly taught Yoganusasanam. Photo: Carole Carpentier page 3

4 YOGANUSASANAM: Geetaji's classes in December 2015 continued... Photo: Carole Carpentier Canadians in Pune Standing, L to R: Marlene Miller, Sidney BC; Teddy Hyndman, Edmonton AB; Jacqueline Dumas, Canmore AB; Marie-Andrée Morin, Québec QC; Evelyn Nixey, Saskatoon SK; Lisa Lelliot, Bridgewater NS; Cathie Smith, London ON; Karen Major, London ON; Sylvia Guenther, Toronto ON; Mark Smith, London ON; Jim Loupos, London ON; Ann Kilbertus, Victoria BC; Jim Pope, Oakville ON; Charles Sanderson, Charlottetown, PEI; Louie Ettling, Vancouver BC; Raj Patel, Toronto ON; Judith Mirus, Edmonton AB. Kneeling, L to R: Corinne Skrobot, Vancouver BC; Nancy Sandercock, Edmonton AB; Beena Parekh, Toronto ON; Alisen Stewart-Milne, Vancouver BC; Mat Rezaei, Toronto ON; Joy Cowell, London ON; Leslie Hogya, Victoria BC; Carole Carpentier, Toronto ON; Rohan Parekh, Toronto ON. More Canadian thoughts from Pune... Geeta's sharp sense of humour bringing lightness to a very intense experience "No! Not so far apart! You think you are BKS Iyengar?" during Utthita Pada Sirsasana in which we were to focus on not taking the legs too far apart. Thank you for this opportunity to stand happily among yoga friends and colleagues. Collegiality rules! The Canadian photo (above) expresses the very group experience that was Yoganusasanam This was my fifth trip to Pune, and the most collegial yet. There was a sense of togetherness not only with other Canadians, but with fellow sadhakas from the 52 countries represented there. Jawahar Bangera on stage in a perfect Sukhasana, not moving a muscle for half an hour as Geeta talked. page 4

5 YOGANUSASANAM: Geetaji's classes in December 2015 continued... Photo: Carole Carpentier Guruji watching over us, and showing us correct form. To once again be in front of the Teacher... Photo: Ulana Switucha Geetaji taught with joy and passion. Geetaji is teaching us how to teach. Photo: Instagram More Canadian thoughts from Pune... Geeta smiling, surrounded on stage by the next generation of Indian teachers an outward expression of the possibilities for a healthy future in Yoga based on this remarkable tradition. The next generation and the next? Photo: Ulana Switucha page 5

6 A CELEBRATION OF GURUJI S BIRTH ANNIVERSARY 14 December Over one thousand people came together at Govinda Gardens 14 December 2015 to celebrate the 97 th anniversary of Guruji s birth. Long-time teachers and students from around the world told us of their personal experiences with Guruji how he was funny, and daring, and demanding; how he loved to travel at top speed; how he was, after all, an ordinary man, a husband, a father, a Photo: Instagram householder. Prashant spoke last, giving us his unique A view of the stage and some of the attendees at Govinda Gardens. perspective on his father as a great teacher seeking always a great student. Leslie Hogya, of Victoria, spoke on behalf of the Canadian contingent. Here are some of her thoughts... My last visit to Pune was on the occasion of BKS Iyengar s 95 th birthday. He told us then that BKS stands for beauty, knowledge and serenity. These three words were the inspiration for my talk. I recalled highlights from Guruji s three visits to Canada. His first visit, in 1984 The trip from Vancouver to Victoria was by private sailboat. The owner of the boat said, I can t practise, there is no space. Well, Guruji soon had people hanging upside down from bunk beds and any other supports as they crossed Georgia Strait. Landing in Canada, Guruji stood up in all his majesty and announced, I am the only one here who speaks Kanada (the language of his home state, Karnataka). Guruji riding the roller coaster at the West Edmonton Mall. Guruji in a yellow slicker, riding on the Maid of the Mist below Niagara Falls. I talked of my personal connections to Guruji, which often happened in the library, that intimate space where anything could be happening Guruji writing an article in long-hand, an interview you could listen in on, worktables covered with archival materials spurring interesting discussions as we organized or pasted things in books. Photo: Leslie Hogya Leslie with Parizad Zarthoshtimanesh Two years ago, I had written to Guruji, seeking his help to overcome a severe shoulder injury, with torn muscles, and dislocation. He wrote back, Do not come unless you are willing to face unbearable pain. Well, that got my attention! And I did not rush to buy a plane ticket. It took me a long time to decide to come. But I came; it was to be my last visit with Guruji. I am grateful every day for his help for his beauty, knowledge, and serenity. Google honoured Guruji with a Google Doodle Namaste. page 6

7 HONOURING GURUJI WITH A NEW YOGA HALL IN BELLUR And so it came to be... After Yoganusasanam and the celebration of Guruji s birth anniversary in Pune, Geeta, Prashant and Abhijata proceeded to Bellur to mark the official opening of the new yoga hall. George Dovas of the Iyengar Yoga Centre of Hong Kong was in Bellur and tells us about his experience. In December 2015, I visited Guruji s birth village, Bellur, for the inauguration of the new Yoga Hall that has been built in the village. I had last visited, during Guruji s 90th birthday celebrations in Visiting the village seven years after my first visit was analogous to seeing a sapling having now grown into a healthy blooming tree. In this small village, in addition to the school and hospital that had been built earlier, there is now a Yoga hall, an accommodation wing for visiting students and a large dining hall. The Yoga Hall is a wondrous structure without being imposing. It is interesting in its geometry and practical in its design. There is a paved path leading to the main double doors that open up onto the practice space. There are also other double doors along the sides of the building that give the hall a sense of being open to the surrounding countryside. Photo: Instagram Photo: Instagram Several windows, some at eye level and others located closer to ceiling height, allow for generous air and light to flow through the space. The hall feels spacious but still contained; there are tile floors and a large separate room for the storage of props. Photo: George Dovas page 7

8 HONOURING GURUJI WITH A NEW YOGA HALL IN BELLUR continued... Rajvi Mehta...inauguration of the yoga hall in Bellur on December 17 followed by free classes by Geetaji and Prashantji on December 18 and Yoganusasanam Facebook page Prashant Iyengar, as the Chairman of the Bellur trust, spoke at the inauguration ceremony. He declared that as the chair - man all he did was sit in a chair and thus he gave credit to the many people who were involved in the project and made the Yoga hall a reality. Over 200 students attended the classes taught by Geetaji and Prashantji. Photo: Iyengar Yoga Hong Kong George Dovas tells us more about the opening of the Yoga Hall in Bellur. Photo: Instagram The following day Prashantji led us through a practice that had us in deep contemplation at moments and laughing at other moments. Geetaji led us through a class where she had the young students from Bellur at the front of the classroom and the adult students placed behind the children. She started the class dynamically with jumpings and called for the adults to keep up with the younger students. Another student comments... Prashant spoke of the need to experiment to do the Photo: poses Instagram with different intentions for different effects and see what happens. Apart from the Yoga hall, an accommodation facility has been built with rooms to house visiting students. Attached to this accommodation facility, there is a large dining hall. This is a large open space covered with a very high ceiling yet open on three sides, providing views of the surrounding plains and village. When we were there, a huge screen had been installed in the dining hall to show archival footage of Guruji teaching in London. All who were there for the inauguration dined in the hall and had a taste of what the future may hold for Bellur. To me, it felt like the beginning of a new era for Bellur, and for Iyengar Yoga, and, that Guruji s vision and hopes for Bellur were flourishing. page 8

9 THE YOGA SUTRAS OF PATANJALI Sadhana Pada: Sutra 49 tasmin sati'svāsa pra 'svāsayoh gativicchedah prān āyāmah Pranayama is the regulation of the incoming and outgoing flow breath with retention. It is to be practised only after perfection in asana is attained. Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali BKS Iyengar Patanjali writes in Sadhana pada sutra 49 that Asana has to be mastered before Pranayama can be undertaken. Patanjali has NOT insisted on the sequence for any other stages of yoga study. It is through Asanas that we can understand Yoga completely. Guruji said, People see only my asanas, but I see the whole of yoga in my asanas. Pranayama is the control of the breath. Since the breath is very subtle, Asanas allow us to develop a base from where the breath can be felt. With regular Asana practice we first develop awareness of the body and slowly but steadily progress towards awareness of the breath. An alert student will be able to feel the differences in the breath in different Asanas. In the Surya Namaskar cycle, the breath moves fast but in forward bends, the breath slows down. The body is a container in which the breath enters and exits; as the shape of the body changes in Asana, the breath moves in the body in line with the shape of the Asana. In Supta Baddhakonasana, the breath spreads widthwise as the legs are separated, but in Supta Virasana, the breath climbs upward as the legs are bound closer. Movement of the arms also changes the way the breath moves. In Urdhva Hastasana, a deep inhalation can be felt immediately but when we stand casually, the breath is comparatively shallow. Standing-balancing Asanas like Ardha Chandrasana teach us the skill of concentrating on a particular part of the foot to maintain balance. This single pointed concentration is Dharana. With practice we can develop an overall body consciousness in Asanas; this is Dhyana. Dhyana is when the body is steady, firm and peaceful. The mind is not fluctuating and the breath is steady and smooth. Asana practice teaches us to draw the senses inward; as the senses are quiet, the mind is not exposed to unnecessary stimuli. This is Pratyahara. Niren Pandya teaches in Toronto. As the student practises Asanas, he notices changes in behaviour, moving towards the Yamas and Niyamas. All the aspects of Yoga described above can be experienced if the student is alert. Alertness comes from Asana, so Asana is the base from which the entire subject of Yoga can be experienced, and, particularly, as Patanjali states, what is needed to begin learning Pranayama. page 9

10 JUST ONE ASANA... TO TEACH Jocelyn Hollman, Toronto ON Chair Sarvangasana If I had to teach one pose it would be an inversion and that would be chair sarvangasana. The physical and mental benefits of inversions are well documented, but of all the inversions, sarvangasana, known as the mother of asanas, is by far the most mentally and emotionally soothing. The effects on emotional stability and mental clarity are immense. It can relieve insomnia, reduce anxiety and depression, and support the endocrine system. However, if sarvangasana is rushed, or performed when students are tired, without a good lift in the armpit chest, they will struggle to hold it and will miss out on the benefits of the pose. From Light on Yoga That is why chair sarvangasana is an important part of teaching and understanding the asana. It can improve the lift in the chest by teaching the turning of the arms and pressing down of the elbows. Students can come onto the seam of their shoulders more readily and lift the armpit chest region. They can hold it longer without struggling and receive the benefits of the pose. From Light on Life It is often used for therapeutics, but by connecting the actions of chair sarvangasana to salamba sarvangasana for regular classes, this important asana will become light and effortless. JUST ONE ASANA... MY FAVOURITE Jayne Lloyd-Jones, Salt Spring Island BC My favourite pose is Utthita Trikonasana. It s a pose that lures me especially when I m out in nature beside Lake Tahoe, on the rim of the Grand Canyon, in Arches National Park. Exhilarating, dynamic, involving every part of the body. Never gets old. From The Art of Yoga page 10

11 JUST ONE ASANA... TO TEACH Ann Toelle, Quathiaski Cove BC - Savasana! Most of us are pretty good at doing, it's the not doing, letting the body and mind be quiet and still that is often difficult and harder to grasp. In that stillness of Savasana, opportunity may come. From Yoga A Gem for Women From Light on Yoga JUST ONE ASANA... TO TEACH From Light on Yoga Lisa Lelliott, Bridgewater NS Sirsasana. It's a wonderfully challenging pose to teach - everyone has to be absolutely on the spot. The practice must be developed enough to enable this, so there's a kind of investment required which gives it so much substance. People often surprise themselves in Sirsasana. With just a little help up and the right props, the pose is more accessible than a doubter might think. That seems to encourage, engage, even empower, in a remarkable way. Once one knows the King (of poses), the gift of quiet, enduring strength can be received. Wandering mind is stabilized, fears are faced, spirits lifted. Can any other pose address so many obstacles?! WELL DONE! RECENT ASSESSMENTS Introductory II Ottawa November 2015 Isabelle Tremblay, Montréal QC Inga Norkute, Calgary AB Kim Lu, Calgary AB Sigrid Zimaro, Calgary AB Tricia Miller Kelowna BC Laurie Debray, Kelowna BC Behnaz Amery, Toronto ON page 11

12 JUST ONE ASANA... TO PRACTISE Ingelise Nherlan, Vancouver BC Sarvangasana and variations WHAT IF????? It is now many moons ago. I was teaching a series of classes with focus on a balanced practice throughout one month. Standing, Inverting, Forward extensions, Back extensions, Twists, Balancings, Restorative, Savasana. All to bring equal harmony through Mobility and Stability. One morning this wicked little thought came to my head: WHAT IF I was allowed to practise ONE ASANA -- ONLY, for the rest of my life? From Yoga A Gem for Women The answer came quickly and with NO DOUBT: Sarvangasana. I could not then nor now think of a more complete asana. Are not all categories built into this asana with all its variations? The three Bandhas. Deep shoulder and hip work. Deep acupressure on the sensitive and often tight shoulder muscles. Padmasana made easier when gravity is reversed. Urdhva Mukha Paschimottanasana, touching deeply all the spinal muscles; Halasana and Karnapidasana; Eka Pada; balancing with Niralamba Sarvangasana; and more. This marvelous asana with its many variations is still today the one and only should I be challenged with this hard choice. Since that is not going to happen it is an amusing and useful concept to ponder. After a 20-minute practice in Sarvangasana I feel a peacefulness, to a great extent due to RAJA, TAMA, SATTVA all having been touched equally. Is Sarvangasana not also accessible for beginners due to the many pre-poses/ movements which lead into this difficult but rewarding asana? From Light on Yoga I think back to my first visits to Pune. Sarvangasana did not at all come with ease for me. Guruji worked tirelessly with me my first experience of his compassion and tireless, humble work to find a way. Trying a variety of approaches. Trying different props. I remember a Medical Man (as Guruji would often call doctors) in the class being called over to observe. Many of you will remember such moments of gratitude and the awakening of understanding of correct approach in the practice and teaching of all asanas. So for me... the WHAT IF question is answered. Thank you GURUJI for my first lesson in practice and teaching page 12

13 VISITING TEACHERS Father Joe Pereira We rise from Savasana with gratitude for the wonder of our being. And thus ends another amazing workshop with Father Joe Pereira. This has been my ninth year of study with Father Joe, the last 3 years at my Winnipeg studio. My Sadhana has been greatly enhanced by this beautiful individual who was a dedicated student of Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar for 47 years. I ve noticed that Father Joe never just says yoga, but always Iyengar Yoga, as if it were one word. It s the only yoga he knows, and the only one he teaches. As many people know, Father Joe has dedicated his life to working with people suffering from alcoholism, drug addiction and HIV/AIDS. He was awarded the Padma Shri Award for Social Work in 2009 for his work in the field of addictions. What sets the Kripa Foundation recovery homes apart from other recovery centres is the use of Iyengar Yoga in the recovery process. Guruji was so pleased and honoured to have Iyengar Yoga brought into this field, he gifted Father Joe with a melding of the Iyengar name with the Kripa Foundation name. Although time did not permit us to show the workshop participants the videos of Guruji and Geetaji on the occasion of Kripa s 10 year jubilee, I was able to view them after the workshop with Father Joe. I couldn t prevent the tears that welled up hearing Guruji say how proud he was of Father Joe for bringing Iyengar Yoga to the poorest of the poor in health. And Geetaji with her big black glasses on, reading a lovely tribute she had written for Father Joe, expressing how much it meant to her that her father s work was being brought to so many in need. Father Joe (L) and Sandra Stuart (R) support a student in Urdhva Dhanurasana Photo: Sandra Stuart Father Joe says Guruji is his Pingala and Mother Teresa his Ida. Father Joe s many years of friendship with Mother Teresa have been a guiding force in his life. To help those in need, to bring light where there is darkness, to forgive, and to love until it hurts are the words Father Joe lives by. He invites us to heal ourselves through Iyengar Yoga so that we may be a healing force in the world. He asks us to consciously and consistently use our practice to move away from a self-centred focus to a heart-centred focus, to do the work that allows us to connect with our own inner darkness and our own inner grief so that we may connect with our fellow human beings who are suffering. Father Joe reminds us that we must know our own self-worth, our own wholeness and holiness in order to make something beautiful of our lives. I am grateful to Father Joe for shining his bright light on this path I walk, and I am grateful for his willingness to come each year to Canada to further promote the work of Guruji B.K.S. Iyengar. Sandra Stuart is the principal teacher and founder of Prana Yoga Studio, Winnipeg page 13

14 BEING IN THE BEGINNER S MIND AGAIN Photo: Calgary Iyengar Yoga Samantha Lopeter-Lloyd lives, practises and teaches in Fernie BC. In October, I attended my first assessment as an assessor-in-training (AIT), in London, Ontario. There were six candidates, four assessors and one other AIT. In the Iyengar system, this system of checks and balances, constant learning and duty, practitioners may wear many hats - student, always; teacher; studio owner, perhaps; teacher trainer; AIT; and, beyond assessor, moderator, assessor of AITs. I have passed four assessments and am also now a teacher trainer. Yet I am still in awe of those students who choose to start this journey. As the first assessment, Introductory II is particularly daunting. We know it takes guts, determination and dedication. But, I was in awe, too, of the assessors, of their sincerity in this role, and in their choice to contribute yet more in this system. Far beyond the immense knowledge required to score a candidate s practice and teaching, assessors must develop a compassionate way to communicate, the ability to listen so that everyone is heard, acknowledging, redirecting, focussing. They also need time management and administration skills, even math! It takes a team, and the assessors and community in London were an excellent one. Being an AIT is being back in training mode. Observing. Listening. Learning. Reviewing. We learn how to choose poses for the candidates assessments. We learn how to observe and mark a candidate's practice and teaching. We review and compare the marks we ve given with those given by seasoned assessors. We listen to why they marked the way they did, with objectivity and experience. We consider and we adjust. Of Sutra II.46 sthira sukham asanam, in Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Mr. Iyengar says that the asana has five functions: cognitive (action), conative (observation of action), mental (adjustment), intellectual and spiritual. All the training we ve received in observation and adjustment in our own asana practices kicks in for an AIT. We observe, mark, listen, adjust and observe again. Letting go of any defensiveness to defer to more experienced, wiser eyes brings us back to 'beginner's mind' so that learning can occur. And I learned a lot in London - that it's still nerve-wracking being a newbie; that assessing is so much more than just numbers on a page; that the assessors really want the candidates to pass, but, if the marks don't add up, a candidate won't pass; that assessing will make me a better teacher and a better teacher trainer; that it's vitally important to have cross-pollination of assessors at each event to maintain the cohesiveness of Iyengar yoga in Canada; that it s a long, tiring weekend, so, the more assessors we train, the lighter the load for those that have taken on this duty. Most of all, I learned that it takes a team so much larger than just the people in the studio during the assessment to make the weekend go well, that London is full of great cooks, and that Karen Major has a wonderful community. The AGM next year is in good hands. Hope to see you there. page 14

15 NEW BOOKS FROM GURUJI AND FROM PRASHANT It is a well-known fact that athletes are prone to injuries - worse still, recurring injuries. Many competitive athletes suffer from what is known as overuse syndrome. Sportspersons who perform repetitive movements often end up with tight, overused muscles that become vulnerable to pulls and sprains, and underused muscles that progressively get weaker. It is this classic syndrome that countless athletes experience at various points in their careers. In a life spanning over eight decades, Yogacharya BKS Iyengar has taught several sportspersons, right from Professor DB Deodhar, the grand old man of Indian cricket, to the willow-andwicket genius, Sachin Tendulkar, the finer points of yoga. Two new books from the Iyengar family were announced during Yoganusasanam and Guruji s birth anniversary celebrations in Pune in December An anthology of the discourses given by Prashant Iyengar in Marathi in the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yog Institute, Pune. This is the first edition to be translated into English. Yog is a science, a faculty, a philosophy, a religion and a culture. The discourses were given to student, scholars and sadhakas of Yog. Yoga For Sports shows how yoga can train the mind and body and help sportspeople become more agile, stronger and focused. Yoga is based on the principle of integrating the body as a whole and shifts the emphasis to the quality of the movement. With precise discussion on the human anatomy and detailed techniques for performing over 100 asanas and pranayama; with asana modifications, props and specific sequences for varying body and mind conditions, this book views a sportsperson s wellbeing from a holistic point of view. Anyone, from any walk of life can dip into this book and find something of value that they can use to enhance and enrich the quality of their health and well-being. Available in hard copy. Available as e-book or in hard copy. page 15

16 PASSING THE IYENGAR BATON Community Outreach When I moved to Salt Spring Island, BC, in mid-2014, I was fortunate to have the guidance of a mentor and long-time island resident to help me settle into our new B&B Hedgerow House. She not only gave me the low-down on island life but generously passed on to me many of her props, and even introduced me to several of her students to help me build my classes. This true yogi is Sheri Berkowitz. Sheri had lived on Salt Spring Island for many years. She had created her own studio and as the only Iyengar teacher among many yoga instructors, had built up a loyal following of students who came regularly for her teaching. Fast forward 18 months, and Sheri is now living in Victoria where she is often called upon to substitute at the Victoria Iyengar Yoga Centre, and I am teaching on Salt Spring. I teach at my newly created Iyengar yoga studio, Yoga In Salt Spring, with views to the garden along one entire side and plenty of props. We (actually my wonderful husband is shouldering this task) are currently building a rope wall that should be installed when we reopen our B&B and yoga studio this February. In addition to inheriting some of Sheri s props and students, I ve undertaken a number of activities to keep building a vibrant Iyengar yoga community: I teach at the island's wellness centre; this way, I can introduce students to Iyengar yoga. I run a few small workshops over the year to bring in new people and potential students. I offer complimentary sessions (1 month of yoga, for example) when asked to contribute to auctions or fundraisers. I invite senior Iyengar yoga teachers like Ingelise Nherlan to the island to teach workshops. I sub for other teachers (of other approaches to yoga) which also gives me the chance to introduce Iyengar yoga. I offer classes to our B&B guests to introduce them to Iyengar yoga and can often direct them to a class near their home town. Jayne Lloyd-Jones lives and teaches on Salt Spring Island Photo: Yoga in Salt Spring page 16

17 FEEDING THE YOGIS(I) During the IYAC conference in May 2012, in Toronto, I was billeting two participants. Since I was also going to be at the conference, meals were going to need some advance planning. I am a big soup fan, so a giant pot of soup was definitely part of the plan. GRILLED CORN SOUP (adapted and made my own from a recipe found long ago, somewhere) A dozen ears of corn A large carrot, diced A stalk of celery, diced A large onion, chopped Chicken or vegetable stock Whole cloves Bay leaves Fresh thyme Crushed chilis Sea salt Freshly ground black pepper Extra virgin olive oil Grill the corn on a charcoal grill until the kernels are nicely charred. Using a sharp knife, strip the kernels from the corn and set aside. In a large, heavy pot, sauté the onion in the olive oil for a few minutes. Add the garlic, carrot and celery. Sauté a little longer. Add the corn, cloves, bay leaves, thyme crushed chilis (to taste), sea salt, black pepper. Add enough stock to cover the vegetables plus several centimetres. Cover and allow to simmer for about an hour. Carole Carpentier cooks in Toronto! Discard the bay leaves and thyme branches. Run the soup through a blender or food processor until smooth, adding additional stock to reach the desired consistency. Return the soup to the pot; adjust stock and seasonings as needed. Serve hot or at room temperature. Notes: The quantities are all approximate; adjust to suit your tastes! FEEDING THE YOGIS(II) Call-out for recipes from Yoga Centre London! Yoga Centre London is the host for the 2016 IYAC conference. One of their related projects is to pull together the first edition of an IYAC/ACYI cookbook that will be offered for sale at the Conference! Many of you have hosted National Assessments, and each time the assessors rave at how much they love the food prepared for them! In light of this, we would like to gather recipes from across the country. If you have kindly prepared meals for assessors in the past, or have something delicious you would like to share, please submit your recipes to Sue at susan.brimner@gmail.com. This has been something that has been discussed for a long time and we are very excited to offer the first edition featuring recipes from across the country at our next AGM. Thanks for contributing! page 17

18 A YOGA BRAIN TEASER En n utilisant que les lettres I Y E N G A R combien de mots pouvez-vous créer? Using only the letters I Y E N G A R how many words can you make? Seulement des mots qui existent, au complet Mots français ou anglais Aucun minimum pour le nombre de lettres On ne peut utiliser une lettre qu une seule fois Only real, complete words English or French words No minimum number of letters Any given letter can be used only once YOGA HUMOUR शव सन Savasana page 18

19 IYAC CALENDAR OPPORTUNITIES FOR DEEPER STUDY Pune Practice - Louie Ettling/Linda Shevloff Frequent Fridays 2016 Vancouver BC Pune Practice for Teachers & Trainees Frequent Fridays 2016 Vancouver BC Going Deeper with Louie Ettling Frequent Fridays 2016 Vancouver BC Intermediate Certification prep weekends Feb/29 Ap-01 May/11-13 Nov 2016 Vancouver BC Going Deeper with Louie Ettling Feb 2016 Montréal QC Mexico Retreat with Jawahar Bangera Mar 2016 Puerto Vallarta Iyengar Yoga in Cuba! Mar 2016 Jawahar Bangera Intensive Mar 2016 Victoria BC Classes with Jawahar Bangera Apr 2016 Kelowna BC Extra Classes with Jawahar Bangera Apr 2016 Kelowna BC Weekend Workshop with Louie Ettling April 2016 Edmonton AB Going Deeper with Louie Ettling May 2016 Winnipeg MB Salt Spring Island Retreat June day Intensive in Italy with Louie Ettling June 2016 Summer Urban Retreat with Louie Ettling July 2016 Vancouver BC Intensive for Introductory Teachers in Training July 2016 Victoria BC Intensive for Certified Iyengar Yoga Teachers Aug 2016 Victoria BC 40-Day Sadhana 14 Nov - 23 Dec 2016 Vancouver BC UPCOMING TEACHER ASSESSMENTS Introductory II 30 Sep - 02 Oct 2016 Saskatoon SK Nov 2016 Fredericton NB Nov 2016 Calgary AB Intermediate Junior I Mar 2016 Kelowna BC Sep 2016 Montréal QC (en Français) Intermediate Junior II May 2016 Edmonton AB Sep 2016 Montréal QC (en Français) Intermediate Junior III Jun 2016 Victoria BC Intermediate Senior January 2017, details pending OTHER EVENTS International Day of Yoga IYAC Annual Conference & AGM 21 June 2016 Worldwide 20 to 23 October 2016 London ON Go to for information on individual events. page 19

20 A YOGA BRAIN TEASER > solution to our previous puzzle < Q V K K R S F Z M T X Y A N K C Q I Y E N G A R M Z C I I T L A M L N P A G O Y A R H G Z I A Y Y V L M U S B P B V S E A D B I A K X U E W R T N F T R E B Z N L K I S A H P D S G E E T A S A R N O C U C F L P Q C M P P A R T S M M L P G A X Y U S R D I O T U K N I J C X A K T A Y A R J I A R J S C H W O B N V horizontal and vertical answers 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18 Q V K K R S F Z M T X Y A N K C Q I Y E N G A R M Z C I I T L A M L N P A G O Y A R H G Z I A Y Y V L M U S B P B V S E A D B I A K X U E W R T N F T R E B Z N L K I S A H P D S G E E T A S A R N O C U C F L P Q C M P P A R T S M M L P G A X Y U S R D I O T U K N I J C X A K T A Y A R J I A R J S C H W O B N V diagonal answers 1, 4, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18x2 PUZZLE CLUES + ANSWERS 1 They've come from India to teach in the last few years Raya, Zubin 2 What we practise and teach Iyenga r, yoga 3 We go head over heels for it sirsasana* 4 Where it all started Bellur 5 Where we go to study RIMYI, Pune 6 It's the start of a name we all know BKS 7 Some of us will study with her in December Geeta 8 The name with which we honour our teacher Guruji 9 Where we put our feet and hands and head and body mat 10 It's a prop with two names block, brick 11 He's followed in his father's footsteps Prashant 12 It's another prop with two names belt, strap 13 It's just one of the things we do asana 14 In this practice, we focus on and observe our breath pranayama 15 Who we are IYAC 16 We discuss them during Sadhana s utras 17 We use it in salutation and valediction namaste 18 When we say it, it is usually three times om * * Ooooops! There was an error in the puzzle re Clue #3. Apologies! page 20

21 IYAC NEWSLETTER LES NOUVELLES DE L ACYI SUBMISSION GUIDELINES DIRECTIVES POUR LA SOUMISSION D ARTICLES This is your newsletter. It will be what you make of it. We welcome feedback on the newsletter and, more importantly, your contributions. What do you think other IYAC members would like to read about? That is what you should be contributing, either in English or en Français. In addition to the topics found in the current newsletter, possible contributions could include recipes, interviews, heartwarming stories about interaction with your students, visits to Pune or to Iyengar Yoga schools in other countries, why you decided to become an Iyengar Yoga teacher. The list could go on and on! A few things to keep in mind: Please keep submissions to under 500 words. Please make submissions in an editable format (i.e., not in.pdf format). Photos should be in.jpg format, and should be identified as to subjects, occasion, location, date, and photographer (we will give a photo credit). Please include your name, location and a short bio. Please note that we may edit the submission for length or to fit it to a page. We may decide to hold your submission until a future newsletter to accommodate space constraints or to group articles into themes (we will advise you of this). While we welcome all submissions from members, there may be some situations where the newsletter is not the appropriate vehicle for a particular item (we will discuss this with you). There is no classified section, so ads or items for sale are not generally accepted. All submissions, and any questions, should be sent to the editor at m.c.carpentier@sympatico.ca. We also welcome comments, feedback and suggestions. NEXT ISSUE SPRING 2016 The newsletter is published four times per year. The submission deadline for the next issue is 20 April page 21