YOGA NOW

Yoga is that which stills our mind, calms our body, nurtures our energy, so we remember our spirit, and in that remembering, recognize our innate sacredness.

These are the Yoga Marga — the four paths of yoga. Jñana, Bhakti, Karma, and Raja Yoga. Notice how asana (postures) are only one facet of one of these paths. There are so many different ways we can bring the mind to stillness, the body to responsiveness rather than reactivity, reclaim and root our energy, and realize / recall our inherent joy.

Many yoga students, myself included, find that a combination of these paths supports them in their yoga sadhana. Some enjoy them all throughout their day / path / life.

Lately I have been releasing the structured raja path for integrating more loving presence and service with my family in Karma yoga.
Appreciating the sacredness of my partner, children, dog, and plants has been some of the most profound teachings of Bhakti yoga for me.
The power of noticing and understanding patterns within myself and the world around me has shifted the way I approach everything thanks to Jñana yoga.

How are you enjoying yoga in your life these days?
In what ways is yoga supporting you?

🙏 xo

Dear Friends,

Our beloved friend and teacher, Rolf Sovik, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 29th.

A student and teacher in the Himalayan Tradition for more than 50 years, Rolf touched the lives of thousands with his warmth, clarity, and compassion. To be in Rolf’s presence was to feel an immediate sense of calm.

Rolf met his teacher, Swami Rama, in 1973. In the ensuing years, Swamiji taught him to meditate and opened the way for trips to India, Nepal, and Tibet, which provided opportunities to learn more about meditative traditions. Rolf soon began teaching at the Himalayan Institute, and later, with Swamiji’s encouragement, returned to graduate school for doctoral studies in psychology. Rolf held degrees in philosophy, music, Eastern studies, and clinical psychology.

Rolf’s life was one of service. In 1991, Rolf and his wife, Mary Gail, became co-directors of the Himalayan Institute of Buffalo. For the next 20 years, Rolf taught regular hatha yoga, meditation, and philosophy classes around the world. During this time, he also served as the Spiritual Director for the Himalayan Institute, and continued exploring the teachings of the Himalayan Tradition under the guidance of Pandit Rajmani Tigunait. In 2012, Rolf and Mary Gail relocated to the Institute’s headquarters in Honesdale, where Rolf served as President for 10 years.

Rolf was a gifted lecturer and writer. When expounding on the Yoga Sutra or exploring lessons from his favorite text, the Bhagavad Gita, he inspired students and teachers to refine and expand their personal practice. He is the author of Moving Inward and co-author of Yoga: Mastering the Basics as well as a regular contributor to Yoga International magazine and to the Himalayan Institute's educational platform, HI Online.

The Himalayan Institute is grateful for Rolf’s life of selfless service. He performed his actions skillfully, selflessly, and with love. Rolf’s legacy will live on in his body of work and in the minds and hearts of his students, friends, and loved ones.

The Institute anticipates holding a memorial gathering at its Honesdale Retreat Center later this spring. When details are available, we will share them with our community.

With love and gratitude,
The Faculty, Staff, and Community of the Himalayan Institute

Join our beautiful community in this amazing class on Saturdays offered by our founder, director, and gem of a teacher:

Susi has been sharing Himalayan Hatha Yoga with Omaha and beyond for more than 43 years! She is a master in her field, though so humble she would never claim to be, and is now a published award winning author too with her foundational book,

Experience her healing voice and wisdom in person in our center and also live online via zoom. $15 drop in with a maximum of 15 students in person per class. We also offer a 4 for $40 first time pass to welcome you to our loving community!

🙏 xo

[ a background of mountains and blue sky speckled with some clouds with Susi sitting, one knee bent inward and fingers laced holding the bent leg in the foreground, her name ‘Susi Amendola’ in white text above her and white marker font to the left reading: “Yoga for the Seasons Saturdays 9:30-10:30am” ]