Sri Patanjali outside Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI)

As soon as I disembarked from the plane, it was clear I was in India—the air is different, there’s a thickness, I could feel it and smell it. It made me smile. It’s not always easy to be in India, but I’m so happy to be here now.

Usually, while here for a month, one would join in the weekly classes at Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI). This month, they have held a two-week intensive, the first of several intensives to celebrate the Institute’s 50th anniversary. The days have been long and full, and these two weeks have flown by. I’ve enjoyed the classes immensely.

Some of the classes were regular asana classes. Other times the institute teachers gave a presentation—the many ways to use props to do Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (two leg inverted staff pose), which was followed by a two-hour practice session so we could experience the many ways to do the asana using the various prop setups. This was one of my favorite sessions. The local teachers helped us as we practiced. There was one particular setup that I was very hesitant to try—lying down along the top of the trestle and arching backwards over the edge until the hands came down to the floor; to get out, the legs get flipped overhead, the feet joining the hands that are on the ground. I watched several people do this. There were three teachers helping each person. Eventually, I made myself hop up on the trestle. Even though I was uncertain and scared, they helped me get into position, letting me stay as long as I wanted, before helping me flip my legs over. Sometimes all we need is a little support to build the necessary confidence.

Throughout practice, we are all students; teachers help teachers. We support each other and learn from each other. During another practice session, I worked with my teacher Chris Saudek and fellow teacher Faith Russell. We helped each other, giving support while dropping back from Sirsasana (headstand) to Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana (two leg inverted staff pose), recognizing how we each move differently. And then it was on to Mandalasana (circle asana), inspired by one of Raya’s classes.

It was the last time I was in Pune that I first learned Mandalasana. While it isn’t something I’ve added to my regular practice, I was surprised at how my body retained the knowledge from four years ago. My attempts this time had the requisite stability in the arms and upper back to keep me centered on my head, combined with the necessary movement in the waist and hips to walk my feet around myself, lifting one leg over the other and flipping the pelvis over itself. Last time I was confused and a little scared, this time I had fun!

One morning, we met for class; no one was on the stage so we looked at each other wondering who would be teaching. Turns out, Geeta Iyengar would be teaching; they played a recording of one of her classes. It was bittersweet to hear Geetaji leading the chants to start the class; I couldn’t help but tear up. My friend Tori and I both felt as though Geeta was there in the room with us—we did our asanas as though Geeta’s eyes were on us. You couldn’t escape her watchful eye when she was teaching!

greetings from pune!

you have to find out . . .

with a little help