For years I have studied the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and have always enjoyed a journey through the Bhagavad Gita. But, the Hatha Yoga Pradipika has never really called to me—until now. For years I disparaged the book, mistakenly thinking that it was not appropriate for my practice, or might be frowned upon, or even considered a passing fad. I am finding out, however, that perhaps the reason it exists is a huge value in and of itself.

We have all heard different terms used to describe yoga classes. Most people who are familiar with yoga have heard the terms Hatha Yoga, Vinyasa, Ashtanga Yoga, and Iyengar Yoga. What do these terms actually mean and are they used correctly, and why does it matter?

I often feel motivated to sit down and write a little something to share.  For whatever reason, the inspiration hits and I’ll take time to put my thoughts on paper.  Sometimes I never post what I write.  I just go through the process and see what comes of it.  I just allow the words flow from my head to my fingers to the keyboard.  This happened just recently.  I wrote a piece without much thought going in and I just let the thoughts flow onto the laptop screen.  When I wrote it, even while I was writing it, I knew it was a tad bit harsh.  I share the piece with Deborah and she confirmed my concerns.  We both agreed that what I had written was not ready for primetime.  At the same time, though, we both that the message was important and that it was worth explaining my thoughts that went into that first strongly worded draft.  So here goes.

Lindsay Majer, the most recent addition to our family of teachers at Iyengar Yoga Asheville, describes four of her personality characteristics as follows: the ability to adapt to new situations, a continuous learner of life, a deep curiosity about the natural world, and a passionate interest in exploring the subtle inner body.

Most of us are familiar with yoga poses (asana) and often times when we think of yoga that is what we think of. Images of some contorted body position are what come to mind when someone mentions yoga. However, asana is only third limb of the eight limbs of yoga although it does serve as a great way into the practice. So then what is pranayama, how do I practice “it” and what would it be like to attend a pranayama class?

…if you gravitate towards the ideas of the important though controversial German philosopher Martin Heidegger and other existentialists, then you already have much in common with our student of the month, Leslie MacAvoy, who has been a professor, in the Department of Philosophy and Humanities at East Tennessee State University since 2000, and is ending her 12-year position as Chair of the Department this June. Leslie’s Ph.D Dissertation from McGill University was titled “The Dialogicality of Dasein: Conversation and Encounter with/in Heidegger’s Being and Time.”

I will share the concept of parinama, which means transformation. I should speak for myself, but I would venture to guess that most of us intend to leave practice or class "changed" or "transformed." If I’m the same old me after practice or class, what's the point? I want to leave class or practice more intelligent, wiser, or calmer or, or, or...

Hello friends! A month ago, I left the house for one of my standard road bike rides. I headed up and over the mountain behind my house, making my way along Windswept Drive. Heading downhill, a flattened front tire was too soft to control the combined torque of deceleration and a hairpin turn. I smashed into the pavement directly onto my left hip. I felt the femur separate. Within an hour, I was at Mission Hospital where I would stay for emergency surgery and post-operative care.

Get to know IYAVL student, Jim Samsel in this lovely student feature written by yoga student and community member, Deborah Morgenthal.

Jim Samsel’s soft-spoken, modest, and convivial manner, punctuated by a wry sense of humor, are balanced by his passion and dedication to his profession. An architect for more than 40 years, he has built a regional reputation for downtown adaptive projects in Asheville and sustainably designed mountain homes in the surrounding area. In addition, his work is heralded for responsible stewardship and civic responsibility. And he’s a dedicated yoga student at Iyengar Yoga Asheville.

Have you ever known someone who warmed the room simply with his or her presence, or perhaps calmed a tense situation just by being there? What kind of effect would you have on the world around you if you were the embodiment of friendliness? How would the world be different if we were all the embodiment of compassion? What would it be like, if through our practice, we were the inspiration for joy?

How can we respond to this resistance we find? How about starting by not believing your thoughts? Do you really not have five minutes to spare? How about challenging that belief by opening your mat and taking one single pose that you like? Maybe try your favorite pose and then see what happens.

A dedicated yogini at Iyengar Yoga Asheville, Gail Ferguson is a collector, caretaker, and rescuer … of old houses and antique furniture; of dogs and cats (she has fostered dozens of cats); of husbands (just three of those!); and in her 31-year career as a social worker, of people who she has helped. Gail rejects the label of “rescuer” as it pertains to people she assisted, instead describing herself as a problem solver. “I enjoy coming up with solutions to the practical problems of daily living.”

Mapping the Inner and Outer Landscape

It’s a suitable metaphor, and one that would embarrass him greatly, to describe scientist and Iyengar Yoga Asheville teacher Ned Gardiner as an example of deep space: a man of many layers. A global thinker, outdoor enthusiast, motorcycle rider, banjo player, husband, father, dedicated yoga student, and eager yoga teacher, Ned likens his ongoing interest in satellite imagery to Pratyahara, the fifth limb of yoga, in which we practice withdrawing the senses from the outer world in order to heighten our inner awareness. Ned sees this practice as taking a “snapshot of our internal self” so that gradually we come to learn who we truly are.

Interested in the intersection between yoga and Ayurveda? Check out this post by Greta Kent-Stoll, Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher and Certified Ayurvedic Practitioner.

A fascinating tenet of Ayurveda is that nothing is right for everyone and everything is right for someone. This phrase may sound radical, but it points to Ayurveda’s highly individualized methodology. By understanding your constitution, patterns, and tendencies, you can make thoughtful decisions that help keep you in balance. Read the full article HERE.

Laura Peery has been transforming porcelain into ceramic works of art for nearly 40 years. If you’ve ever worked with clay—either wheel thrown or hand built—you know that the delicacy of the finished form belies the strength, dexterity, and steadiness required to create it. In Laura’s case, her functional vessels, whimsical figures, and other objects start as slabs of porcelain that she rolls and pounds to reach the desired thickness, cuts into pieces and assembles, and then finishes with details such as flowers, leaves, swirls, and buttons. Not surprisingly, Laura appreciates yoga for the combination of form, grace, physical stamina, and inner and outer balance it requires. Her work and her practice fit together like the distinctive porcelain pieces she skillfully fashions.

Have you ever been curious why we say the invocation to Patanjali at the beginning of class? You can find out more about why we do that here!

What does it mean to be a yoga beginner? Are there advantages to being a beginner? Is Iyengar Yoga appropriate for beginners? All of these are good questions.

Her name suits her to a tee: Spanish for “life affirming,” Viva has enjoyed a life-long pursuit of learning—especially concerning the health of our oceans—personal and spiritual exploration, and a passion for travel and adventure. Those who know her well appreciate her distinctive laugh: steady and quiet at first, it builds to an enthusiastic release that lights up her face, a face meant to smile.

It’s no surprise that Cathy Eising’s students at Iyengar Yoga Asheville describe her as well-prepared: she meticulously plans the sequence of what she calls “the next event” with careful attention to the needs of each student as she strives to enable everyone to derive the physical, emotional, and mental benefits of asana. Her students will also tell you she’s kind, generous, and dedicated to their wellbeing.

We received a great response to the survey we sent out in October. Thanks so much for sharing your views. It’s very important to us to regularly understand how we’re doing in meeting your needs.

Here are the highlights.

It just makes sense that Tory, whose 41-year career in nursing included six years in patient safety, would align herself with Iyengar yoga: all that precision and attention to detail is a perfect match for her careful and dedicated nature.

I would like to start this dialogue by paying tribute to Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We should all be grateful for her dedication and hard work. I found the news of her passing particularly troubling. It seems as if our political environment, our natural environment, and the world around us continues to spiral out of control. This latest news, and the possibility of more chaos to come, has pushed me to a breaking point. Thoughts were going through my head like “Okay, no more news!”…“I’m done paying attention to any of this!”… “I’m checking out.” I imagine I am not alone with these thoughts and feelings. Some of you may have already passed this point.

Perhaps you were fortunate to met Thomas in person in yoga class last year when he and his wife, Micheline, spent a few weeks in Asheville on their way to their summer home in Windsor, Vermont. Or perhaps more recently you’ve shared Zoom class with him when Randy teaches asana or leads Sutra studies. Tall, rangy, with a long white beard and rumbling deep voice that casting directors might call “Old Testament,” Tom is a man of impressive professional accomplishment, wide interests, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating charm. He, with a laugh, describes himself as a bit “of a nerd and a long-time road dog.”

Perhaps now more than ever, the Fourth of July means different things to each of us. As I ponder the meaning of this American holiday, a question arises, namely, what does it mean to truly experience independence and freedom? Here’s one clue: according to B.K.S. Iyengar, “Unless freedom is gained in the body, freedom of the mind is a far-fetched idea.”

Traci Carroll insists that she’s not a risk taker, but her life story to date suggests otherwise, revealing a person drawn to challenge, who embraces change with determination, and whose natural equilibrium serves her well—whether she’s balancing work and family, staying steady in Tree Pose, or gliding down a river on a paddleboard.

Dynamic, accomplished, warm, decisive, nurturing, independent, and adventurous are some of the words that describe Tammy Martin, a long-time yoga practitioner and founding student member of Iyengar Yoga Asheville. Born and raised in Eastern North Carolina, Tammy loves to travel, but is attached to the Southern mountains of this beautiful state where she has lived for decades.

During this challenging time, we are awarding all of our students with the title Student of the Month in recognition of your dedication, willingness, generosity, and commitment to your yoga practice and to our IYA community. As the first part of our mission statements announces: “We are a growing community rooted in the foundation of practice…” and this truth is evident in the different ways you have reached out to stay connected to the studio and your fellow community members.

The next time you enjoy the rope wall at Iyengar Yoga Asheville, you may want to offer up a heartfelt thank you to Martin Fletcher, whose expertise and hands-on effort were critical to its construction. In fact, Martin’s years of experience as a carpenter and construction manager were instrumental in the renovation of the entire studio. Ned and Randy contributed hours of sweat equity, too, but Martin was definitely the crew “boss” for which we are most grateful!

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What is your intention when you come to class? I typically start class with the assumption that the students in front of me are there to learn. If that’s the case, what’s the most beneficial approach so you can progress and discover? Seems simple enough…right?

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Travel was a routine part of her life when Dr. Lulu Shimek was a child, and for a time she imagined becoming an airline stewardess so she could explore the world. Fortunately for her many patients, students, and clients, Dr. Lulu chose a different path that led her to become a naturopathic physician here in Asheville. Like many explorers, the path she followed included a number of side journeys, all of which shared a pursuit of health and wellness. Four years ago she founded the Epione Clinic for Integrated Healing.