Dear Silvia

Dear Silvia,
Today I heard that you surrendered to the light. I chanted and prayed that you have found the freedom that you sought. The news was shocking to me, because somehow in my mind, I thought you would return to the studio. Since I opened the studio, you were a full supporter. When I look back, I realize you were one of the pioneers of Iyengar Yoga in South Florida. 

We met at The Point in Aventura, where you started classes with me, probably 18 years ago. I remember you warning me that you couldn’t put weight on your neck because you had had cancer of the throat in the past. You were always thin, but you decided you wanted to get strong enough to stand on your head. And you did. I recall your dedication to your practice, despite the obstacles you encountered along the way. With dedicated effort, you cultivated a valuable yoga practice.

When you missed class, it was usually because you were travelling or you had sustained an injury. I remember you dragging Julian (your son) to class when he was out of school. I saw you happily practicing during your two pregnancies. We were all thrilled when your husband began a yoga practice, and even more thrilled when Barrett and Meadow (your children) followed suit and began taking the kids class with Jo. 

I will never forget the day you wanted to hang on the ropes. You were scared. No, petrified. and you kept giving up. I was hard with you that day, because I already knew that when you set your mind to something, you could do it. You kept saying you were scared to go up. So I asked you: Do you WANT to go up or not? You kept answering, “I’m scared!” and this went on for a few rounds. I walked away, and said, if you want to, I will help you. If you don’t want to, you won’t. And then you said, I want to. And you did. and you smiled, because we both knew you were capable of anything. And you loved hanging upside down from the ropes.

And you sure were courageous. You decided what you needed, and even though your body began to lose strength, your mind never wavered. You chose your battle, and you fought it the way you knew you wanted to. And you won. Because you realized the most important person was YOU. And for the first time in your life, you surrendered the needs of others to fight your biggest battle. The one for yourself. I applaud your strength, even when you didn’t have any. I admire your courage, for going at it alone, fighting for your life. 

Thank you for touching my life with gracious silence. Thank you for being one of the pioneers of Yogarosa, and for leaving us the legacy of your children. Like you, the yoga practice has touched them and has helped them to endure this wave of change. 

You have learned the basics with us. Maybe right now in heaven you are able to study with Mr. Iyengar directly.  You are ready for him now! 

I will always carry with me the memory of your endurance, strength,and determination. I will not say good bye, instead, Hasta la Vista. I wish you peace in your eternal Savasana. 

OM NAMO NARAYANAYA

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