02/28/2016
Lu DiGrazia added 5 new photos.
Just now ·
Hi All, I do not check in with this YSK page. I'm so sorry. I am writing all of the time, and that responsibility is very time consuming. My writing is related to explaining complex concepts of Yoga practice.
I get lost on the internet, and frustrated with the time it takes. My hanai daughter, Simone is going to help to maintain this page for me--so I'll be better knowing what you all are up to and your contact with me. Thank you so very much for your beautiful birthday wishes 3-4 months ago. I never saw them.
If you are interested I have composed a "2015 Hawai'i Yoga Prison Project Year End Report" I can send to you. Fascinating work and with great love I continue (since 1992). My students are pretty amazing and in the "report" I have many of their comments about our classes "inside." In case you don't know, I have 3 male inmate classes each week on Oahu. We are a 501-C-3 non-profit organization HYPP.
Also, a reminder: YSK, at our Lala Studio, teaches 200 and 300 level teacher training. I am disheartened that my former students are going to other schools for their TT. Maybe they don't know we do that training. Hey, I am a 43 year veteran Yoga teacher. Maybe you guys want the young bloods. I'd like to know that. I still feel pretty damn young! We don't do quickie courses. We have a year long mentoring program which is really cool. My graduates have learned probably more and deeper stuff taking their time to be in the field with us as mentors. My literature is original, and our library extensive. Our training is unique.
I am still an avid student and teacher of our great art and science of Yoga and its practices; the deep literature and ancient writing, as well as the new stuff.
I am feeling a little lonely over here in our quiet, out of the way school. I understand that. I want to put this out there because I need students now; especially ones who have an interest in the Public Safety work--which is amazing. We have beautiful quiet intense asana and pranayama practice here at YSK. I love love love to teach the many aspects of Yoga practice and have handouts, usually original ones related to our current lessons which are parallel with the inmates--sounds funny. Those guys are the greatest of students as they are the most interested in personal transformation. If I can say one thing, that is what I am about; personal ongoing growth and transformation.
Please come to class when you can. We have a donation system. Not everyone leaves anything; and we encourage people to leave what it means to them. We aren't financially independent, and support our HYPP programs. I was on the Big Island last weekend mentoring Becky, who is teaching at Kulani Prison over there. She is doing an amazing job with those men, and we need your support. She travels 2 hours each way from her home to get to that class! She is obviously dedicated; and needs help with gas money and some income! She is mom to 2 wonderful amazing kids 9 and 12, and has an awesome, loving husband.
I think sometimes that since we have a donation system, people mistakenly believe we are independently wealthy. Not true. We have a donation system so all people can come and be included. What I'm saying is since the new Power Yoga classes opened in Kailua our students have left our school. I'm not kvetching, believe me. I just feel lonely teaching to so few in our public classes at our home studio--obviously I'm not so good at advertising our classes. Sorry if it's not convenient for you. That is one of the beauties of our school--quiet, out of the way, conducive to practice, mindfulness, meditation, peace; longer and meaningful dialogue on the serious issues facing all of us in this ever challenging life. Private lessons are available as well.
Sincerely with Aloha, Lu
