Dipika, Issue No. 53 of the Iyengar Yoga London Journal

Welcome to another online edition of Dipika.

We have been through frightening and depressing times but there are things that may have changed for the better. Zoom has kept us connected to our weekly classes. There are two articles which demonstrate that our regular classes not only keep us flexible and sane, but keep us connected to our teachers and fellow students as well (p.2 and p.12). For many who have embraced this online learning, it has even increased the frequency and intensity of practice. Those of us who follow the path of yoga know that it is not just for the body and the mind but can help with creativity and artistic pursuits too. Four longstanding students working in creative fields share their views (p.6). Richard Agar Ward, who is one of the most senior teachers in the country and a teacher at Iyengar Yoga London, reveals to us he got into Iyengar yoga and shares memories of his first meeting with BKS Iyengar. Iyengar teachers often mention parts of our anatomy that we may not have known before but which we certainly feel after a strong class. There are also some “Iyengarisms” which are not true anatomical definitions, like the ‘‘armpit chest’’. Alice Chadwick, Dipika’s co-editor, provides us with an illuminating article on the actions and effects of the armpit chest (p.34). Finally, and very close to my heart, is the quest to find the house where the first UK Iyengar yoga class took place exactly 60 years ago. Having researched the subject for a long time, and with a good amount of serendipity and luck, I found the birthplace of Iyengar yoga in the UK. Dipika is certainly more than just a newsletter; it’s a magazine where important facts about Iyengar Yoga London and Iyengar yoga are documented for posterity.

With gratitude and wishing you some happy reading,

Korinna, Editor