In Tribute...
I stepped into my
first yoga class during the summer of 1992, atop a big hill in San
Francisco. The large room was filled with young, fit bodies who dropped
into prayer upon the first cue. As if being guided by an invisible
force, they all followed a choreographed pattern of movements unlike
anything I had ever seen before. As a dancer and fitness enthusiast, I
was certainly used to working my body, but this hour and a half moved
me from the inside out. This was an Astanga yoga class, and was the
initiation into the adventure that would eventually change my life
completely.
On Monday, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, the formidable and beautiful creator of this practice, left his body. Although I studied directly with him only a few times, his impact stays with me at the deepest level. Discipline, commitment, and consistency tempered by joyful exploration and breath, were the lessons I learned, not only through his own teachings, but via the vast legacy he created. Every one of my guides on this yogic journey has been touched by Guruji, either directly, or by those who chose the practice on their own paths.
The practice of Astanga lives and grows in a thriving community around the world. Even for those of us who were called to follow a different path, its lessons and beauty remain. I honor and thank you Guruji.
I arrived in New Jersey 10 years later, having gorged on yoga like a child in the most abundant candy store. It was different here, and I became convinced that there was no yoga to be found. A very special and important person changed that perception for me.
Jyoti Crystal, a powerhouse, a pioneer, and a truly graceful spirit, opened my eyes (and heart and body) to the infinite worlds of yoga lying outside the only one I knew. I was introduced to yoga as healing, yoga as community, yoga as right action, yoga as prayer and devotion. Jyoti challenged me, expecting nothing less than the best I could be. She taught me it is not enough to find satisfaction in a limber, able body, but to use my practice to explore the reaches of my thoughts and actions, as well as the softness of my heart.
Several weeks ago Jyotima surrendered her body to cancer, and her spirit to the Great Mother. Her loss is palpable. I am still amazed to find the extent of her reach. We in the NJ yoga communities have her to thank for so many yoga centers created by those under her wing, as well as the hundreds of yoga teachers blessed by her wisdom. We know you are still touching us Jyoti, and offer all our gratitude.
In reverence for the great among us,
On Monday, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, the formidable and beautiful creator of this practice, left his body. Although I studied directly with him only a few times, his impact stays with me at the deepest level. Discipline, commitment, and consistency tempered by joyful exploration and breath, were the lessons I learned, not only through his own teachings, but via the vast legacy he created. Every one of my guides on this yogic journey has been touched by Guruji, either directly, or by those who chose the practice on their own paths.
The practice of Astanga lives and grows in a thriving community around the world. Even for those of us who were called to follow a different path, its lessons and beauty remain. I honor and thank you Guruji.
I arrived in New Jersey 10 years later, having gorged on yoga like a child in the most abundant candy store. It was different here, and I became convinced that there was no yoga to be found. A very special and important person changed that perception for me.
Jyoti Crystal, a powerhouse, a pioneer, and a truly graceful spirit, opened my eyes (and heart and body) to the infinite worlds of yoga lying outside the only one I knew. I was introduced to yoga as healing, yoga as community, yoga as right action, yoga as prayer and devotion. Jyoti challenged me, expecting nothing less than the best I could be. She taught me it is not enough to find satisfaction in a limber, able body, but to use my practice to explore the reaches of my thoughts and actions, as well as the softness of my heart.
Several weeks ago Jyotima surrendered her body to cancer, and her spirit to the Great Mother. Her loss is palpable. I am still amazed to find the extent of her reach. We in the NJ yoga communities have her to thank for so many yoga centers created by those under her wing, as well as the hundreds of yoga teachers blessed by her wisdom. We know you are still touching us Jyoti, and offer all our gratitude.
In reverence for the great among us,
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