I made the list
Certain Conversations Remain Forever
To my surprise and delight, I learned I had made the only list that matters, as someone who is professionally sharing Yoga with you for healing purposes. It was a list my Yoga role model, reference point, inspiration, TKV Desikachar, was making in the final phase of his life. My last meaningful 1:1 experience with TKV Desikachar is truly etched in my mind, echoes in my heart and also fuels my faith in what I do and how I do it. His blessing means infinitely more than any certificate or certifying body endorsement, although he signed his name on my Teacher, Teacher Trainer and Yoga Therapist certificates.
On the humble and powerful 4th Cross Street in RK Nagar, Mandaveli, Chennai, fortune was with me. I had just arrived to Chennai, to Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, on my last trip there. Fortunately for me, Sir was there, out front. It must have been around 4-5pm, when he served as consultant for new students seeking Yoga as healthcare at KYM. Many a time during my internship, I’d be there at that time, and have the great fortune of him asking if I’d like to observe his consultation. To observe him at work was nothing short of a dream come true for me, a sincere student in his father’s lineage there to learn what they are complete experts in: Yoga.
He invited me to walk with him, a rare privilege. Usually, I talked when we walked. And he listened, sagely. This time he talked, and I listened, silently. He told me I was on his list he was making. He mentioned a few other names that were on the list, students of his. The only one I remember was J Krishnamurti, of all people! I had no idea what that meant, and to this day I can only speculate. Nevertheless, to be on his list, with one of India’s greatest philosophers may the biggest mic drop of my professional life. Besides when he told my Father I’d be a famous Yoga Teacher one day.
Sometimes, people may wonder why I practice and teach with steadfast conviction. It’s these experiences, learning and engaging with Krishnamacharya’s family, Desikachar and his students. Their faith was passed on to me everytime I sat, interacted and learned. Everytime I sit, interact and learn. My Śraddhā, conviction and trust in these teachings, has a solid foundation in watching them work and experiencing them work, for health, healing, personal and spiritual transformation.
In facilitating long-term relationships between people and their practice, I can tell you one thing: If you are making lists, planning or overthinking while practicing, it’s time to adjust your approach, attend class to refresh the quality of your engagement or update your practice. We teach strategies to ward off distractions from your peace in every single class. Mechanical practice is contraindicated, so if you are going through the motions only, results are self-limiting. Seasonal adjustments are generally a good idea, as each season comes with its own unique shifts. Like getting dark later and increasing daylight hours, a welcomed shift after the coldest winter.