Today in India and across the globe dedicated yoga practicioners are celebrating Guru Purnima. It’s a day to celebrate the Guru. A guru is someone who brings someone from darkness to light or from ignorance to awakening. On the path of yoga having a good guru or teacher is imperitive. My teachers have gone out before me and help me down the path into the unknown.
I was blessed to meet my first Iyengar teacher eight years ago. She was the first teacher who helped me understand my body in yoga. I didnt have much body awareness at all and learned through her work about having scoliosis. Four curves in my long spine. All i knew was that when I practiced yoga I always hurt my back. Karin studied with Mr. Iyengar for years in India and developed her work on “alignment and the asymmetric body” which she generously taught me through the process of beginning to heal my own body. To be truly seen and encouraged was so powerful for me. Its like she knew me more than I even knew myself. I’m still honored to have her as my teacher and dear friend.
Fast forward to a two years ago to a point of complete rock bottom in my life. This is when my second Guru showed up. I had nearly given up on yoga and myself. Tricia was much the opposite of Karin. She asked for a year of diligent study w her and no other forms of yoga or exercise so once again I could see what Iyengar Yoga could do for me. I obliged. Two years later and weekly study as my mentor through the process of teacher training, I can say she helped me save my life. She certainly didn’t baby me and its good because I needed that stern resolve in my life to move forward. I do believe that when the student is ready the teacher will come. She had been a rock and pillar for me and I am eternally grateful.
Even though I never met Mr. Iyengar in the flesh he is the ultimate Guru. His work lives on through all who study Iyengar yoga and truly it is life changing. I believe we always need teachers. Learning is never done. Having had the opportunity to study with his granddaughter Abijata this year was an enlightening experience and a feeling like we were in the room with greatness. She too is a Guru guiding the next generation into the the unknown.
Last but not least I want to thank my clients and students. Each of you are my teacher! I learn so much from you and am eternally grateful for your love, support and trust. My life’s work is only just beginning really. I am excited to share the path of yoga with you all for the rest of my life.
Written by Dina Georgoulis
Owner of ZOE Yoga Lifestyle Center