Now the Time for Yoga
In 1999 I became a resident of the Kripalu Center where I was extremely fortunate to have Yoganand Michael Carroll as my Teacher. I had planned to stay for a few weeks, but ended up living there for over two years. My time at Kripalu was transformative and it changed the path of my life forever. I left with an appreciation for the benefits of having a regular, daily Yoga practice supervised by an experienced teacher.
Ashtanga
When I left Kripalu I left behind my community and my teachers. I had a recording of Yoganand leading a posture flow which I used to keep me motivated for a few months. I still have no idea why, but one day I bought David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Practice Manual and started practicing as best I could. I remember looking at Guruji's picture in the front pages of the book and thinking how great it would be to meet him one day. I also remember reading in David's book, and in the sutras, how important it is to practice under the supervision of a qualified Teacher. Lucky for me my friend Jonathan was in Toronto and invited me to take practice with him. Studying with Jonathan was a special time for me. To this day I am still benefitting in my practice from his guidance.
In 2005 I was fortunate again to meet a wonderful teacher, well actually this time it was two wonderful teachers! I became a student at Paul and Rachelle's Ashtanga Yoga Shala in Toronto. I feel especially blessed and honoured to be a student of Paul and Rachelle. As Authorized teachers they have devoted themselves to studying and teaching the Traditional Method of Ashtanga Yoga on a daily basis. Their commitment to the method and to their students has inspired me continually in my daily practice.
'When the cats are away'
I have also been fortunate to spend several months practicing daily under the guidance of two more Authorized Teachers, Matt Corigliano during a few separate periods, and recently, Gary Damsky.
One of the few workshops I have seen as beneficial is David Swenson's Ashtanga Yoga Intensive. It was inspiring to hear David share his lifetime of experiences with this great practice.
Sri K Pattabhi Jois
In 2006 my wife and I attended workshop with Sri K. Pattabhi Jois in San Francisco. It was with great honour and humility that we practiced with him during that short time. During this workshop our appreciation for the tradition of Ashtanga yoga deepened. In 2007 we made our first trip to Mysore, India and for three months we practiced with Guruji, Sharath, and Saraswati in the main Shala. We were so inspired by the experience that we returned the following year. Being in Mysore deepened our gratitude to the Jois Family for sharing the practice with the world. We also developed a greater appreciation for the teachers who prepared us so well, mainly Paul and Rachelle Gold.
Made in India
Shortly after returning from India we realized that we had brought back more than a few books and practice rugs. Just eight months later our first child was born! Having Jackson in our lives has helped us appreciate even more the blessings Yoga has brought us, our son being the greatest one of all.
'Long time you take practice'
Fortunately for me, Paul and Rachelle remain dedicated to teaching on a daily basis. Knowing the challenges of practicing without a teacher, and having taken the benefits of regular practice in the correct method, I am grateful to be their student, and for their guidance.