Gratitude

My yoga journey began quietly, almost before I knew it had. As a child, I watched my parents and grandparents move through their practices. Most influential of all was my grandfather - yogi in his spirit - who lived yoga beyond asana, embodying a way of being that felt both grounded and expansive.

Once curiosity had slipped out of the bag, I spent many quiet afternoons when the house rested, pulling books from hidden shelves, wandering through philosophy and postures alike. At 19, yoga found me again, this time as a summer project to stay fit during college break. Instead, it reawakened something far deeper. Under the guidance of my first formal teacher, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Gyaneshwar Puri at Vishwaguru Deep Ashram in Jaipur, India, the practice opened a doorway to the spiritual, transforming what began as movement into a lifelong journey.

Since then, yoga has never stopped teaching me - through my body, my life, all my students (especially my husband for being lovingly honest with his feedback, and trusting me with his practice over the years), and every teacher who crossed my path. I am endlessly grateful.

To those who shaped me directly: Leah Gillman, Kara Contreary, Leonora Willis, Mary Beth Ray, Jovida Ross and Tako Odo from my first teacher training at Barefoot Movement in Oakland - thank you for laying such a thoughtful and heartfelt foundation. To my 300-hour teacher, Mark Stephens, for deepening my practice with an emphasis on research and anatomy, validating my belief that science and spirit can walk hand in hand. To Thích Nhất Hạnh, whose writings and teachings on mindfulness continue to guide me both on and off the mat. And to the teacher who once pressed too firmly on my right knee in butterfly pose - your lesson came through in unexpected ways, reminding me of resilience, awareness, and care.

There are also the teachers I stumble upon only occasionally, yet who leave me with magical moments - Keric, Jenny Wildes, and others whose practices spark something within me each time.

This path has been lit by so many hands, near and far, and I carry each of you with me in my breath, my movement, and my teaching.

With love and deep gratitude,
Disha