Snapshots from KYTA Conference 2001

Happy 10th anniversary, KYTA! More than 300 teachers gathered at Kripalu June 21-24 to celebrate yoga, each other and our work in the world. For the opening festivities on Thursday evening, conference co-directors Vandita and Kim Chandler came up with a clever scavenger hunt that offered a unique way for us to network and get to know one another. (And the really, really big cake was really, really good.)

Here's Todd Norian demonstrating an assisted posture in his workshop, Flowering Into Lotus: Advanced Hip Openers and Forward Bends, one of 19 workshops offered by KYTA members on Friday and Saturday.

A highlight was Shobhan Richard Faulds' presentation on the evolution of Kripalu Yoga. Shobhan took us through an unbroken lineage that began with the emergence of Tantra 5,000 years ago and continues to Kripalu Yoga's current manifestation as what Shobhan called "a comprehensive approach to human development." He spoke to the evolution of Kripalu Center as well, from an ashram following the guru-disciple paradigm to a non-hierarchical sangha, " a group of people sharing an intention to grow and transform." (Shobhan's talk was recorded and KYTA members will receive the audiotape in November.)

Friday evening's session on "The Spiritual, Business and Yoga" featured a panel of eight teachers with experience in all areas of yoga-related business. The discussion ranged from the nuts and bolts of incorporating and promoting your business to dealing with burnout and the fear of competition. Panel members included, from left, yoga business owners and directors Kim Chandler, Paula Heitzner, Vandita, Suzy Rubin, Kathleen Sullivan, Sheila Demagalhaes, Priti Robyn Ross and Sudhakar Ken McRae.

Why do these people look so happy? Because they're dancing to Shakti Fusion, of course. "I love the energy of everyone coming together," said yoga teacher Ana Slater-Steede of Saturday night's concert. (At right, the Shakti Fusion musicians.) The rhythm of drums and song permeated the conference. Bhavani Lorraine Nelson, Chaula Hopefisher and former KYTA Director Christopher Ken Baxter each found time during the weekend to lead us in chanting together.

Here are four of the seven amazing women who received Outstanding Service Awards during Sunday morning's closing ceremonies. They are, from left, Amy Weintraub, Mary Lou Buck, Paula Heitzner and Georgette DuBois. (For more on these and the other OSA winners, see box at right.) We also honored those who have been integral to the creation and development of KYTA, including Daniel Bowling (Vasudev), Mark Yeoell, Cynthia Casterella, Joel Feldman and former directors Christopher Ken Baxter and Sudha Carolyn Lundeen. KYTA is "about service, about purity of intention, about heart and soul," Shobhan said before the farewells began. "You're here for one thing-to honor your own growth and the growth of others."

Yes, we've got e-mail, but nothing beats connecting face to face. There were lots of opportunities to share our experiences, joys and challenges throughout the weekend. See you next year: Mark your calendar for the 2002 KYTA Conference, Oct. 24-27.

Photographs by Mary Schjeldal