Internationally acclaimed yoga teacher Elena Brower announced on Wednesday that she has chosen to resign her Anusara yoga certification
In our eyes, Elena has been one of the most influential purveyors of the Anusara yoga tradition, especially here in NYC, since we can remember ever even hearing the words “Anusara yoga”. We have had the pleasure of working with Elena on several amazing events including last year’s Wanderlust Yoga in The City in NYC, and we have always admired her passion, dedication, and truth in her teachings and the way she lives her life.
Like most of us, Elena’s “Announcement of Gratitude” comes to us as somewhat of a surprise this morning, but we respect and honor it, and we will support her and all of her future endeavors nonetheless. Please read it in her words, taken from her website below:
“This is the whole thing. To listen to the voice of the Heart.” -Rodney Collin
This past week, after over a decade, I’ve chosen to resign my Anusara yoga certification, in order to honour the method by hereby dispelling any confusion about what I’m teaching. While my work is entirely informed by the brilliant Universal Principles of Anusara as designed by John Friend, my process is decidedly touched by other potent understandings. My teaching will not change; I continue to serve your heart, right from my own, with deep gratitude. Virayoga studio will continue to flourish as it is, populated with all of our beloved Anusara teachers, adding a few more offerings in traditions such as Iyengar and vinyasa for the new year.
Thank You, John. I will forever be your student. As I move forward as a student of the world, I will always be informed by the past eleven years with the highest gratitude. Thank you for all the years you’ve studied, devised, written, planned and articulated the method of Anusara yoga. Thank you for teaching me how to let my heart speak. Thank you for teaching me how to stand up for myself. Thank you for teaching me how to talk about Universal Love, and mean it. And for showing me why it’s important to share that understanding with anyone who’d care to listen.
Thank you for teaching me how to welcome myself to a strong, challenging, meticulous, playful practice, and how to make it mine. Thank you for being
the catalyst for several of the best friendships I will ever know in this lifetime. Thank you for supporting me through a few very strong times. Thank you for trusting me with a few of yours. Thank you for teaching me about radical generosity (especially and particularly how to have a basket at the end of a retreat to collect tips for the workers at the venue! The best!). Most importantly, thank you for teaching me how to SERVE.
P.S. To my peers since the early days in the Anusara world: LOVE YOU, thank you. Huge respect for each of you. From the beginning, you’ve unwaveringly supported and held me; this moment is no exception. I am bathed in your love, presence and wisdom in these days.
With respect & gratitude,
E
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We love you Elena, you rock! Stay in the flow w Elena at www.artofattention.com
