Hamilton Yoga Blog

It is through significant encounters like these with Abhijata Iyengar at the 2023 Iyengar Yoga Australia Convention, that my respect and love for Iyengar Yoga and itslinage is kindled yet again and renewed.

After such long break from being able to travel, meet and learn with the Iyengar community, it felt extremely special to be part of this event.

Held at the Twin Waters Resort in Maroochydore Queensland from 8-12 February 2023 the convention was attended by 250 yoga teachers and Iyengar practitioners from around Australia, eager to be taught by and learn from Abhijata Iyengar, the granddaughter of BKS Iyengar. With a focus on the science, art and philosophy, the various sessions and talks stimulated many aspects of our Iyengar yoga practice and were led to discover new depths and layers to many well-familiar asanas.

As participants, we all could experience the wisdom, generosity, and personality of Abhijata Iyengar, always scattered with wit, her own stories, struggles and insights.

While each session in the big hall filled with more than 250 yoga mats and bodies was a highlight in itself, I was lucky and privileged to be asked to demonstrate on stage next to Abhi on the second day of the convention.

To by one stage for 3 hours in the presence and the demands of an Iyengar family member made each demonstration twice as hard, twice as rewarding and twice as special.

My chest has never been lifted so expertly before!

Unnoticed to most, but very much so felt by me, was my recently injured heel, as I was trying torefrain from the attention seeking pain throughout the 3 hours I was on stage.

My favourite moment on stage was demonstrating pavritta trikonasana with Abhi pointing out areas of attention within this pose. I had my back revolved to the room and was just been lifted following her instructions.

Being in the spotlight on stage I was trying to work the pose properly and to the best of my ability. Abhi must have wanted me to just show the form pose rather than actively engage which in my eagerness I didn’t pick up on before.

While she was talking about the pose, she suddenly asked me in a calm voice with her hand on my back “Just relax!”. Instantly, I felt my body deflate like a balloon, into a fully effortless version of the pose.

One yoga colleague later even told me that this softening was clearly visible from the back of the room.

Firstly, I was stunned that this little moment with Abhi was noticed from afar to that degree, secondly, I felt there was that moment of relief of being allowed to be at ease in the pose and not working it hard as I had thought to begin with, thirdly, I had that special experience of her expertise in reading my body and directing me to what she was actually wanting me to do, a true teacher/scholar moment.  

While I was experiencing a difficult time personally, I can say from first-hand experience, how yoga practice is such a fantastic and efficient balancing tool for mind, soul and body. If it hadn’t been for the practice and inspiration at this event with Iyengar’s granddaughter, Abhijata, and the humble support of true friendship, my coping mechanisms would not have been sufficient.

For many years to come, I will treasure those memories from this National Iyengar yoga convention with all the positive and strengthening experiences, its many uplifting encounters, and all the inspirations I gratefully received.

The recordings of the sessions with Abhijata are now made public to purchase for anyone who might have missed out on travel or would like to explore Abhijata Iyengar’s teachings from home. Click here.

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