I’m in a Relationship
written by Emily Gretz, Board President
Twenty years ago I met Pranakriya (PK). I say met, because it’s a relationship I have – one that’s grown, morphed, and been shared over two decades. In the early years, it brought joy, sadness and sometimes anger. If you are in a relationship with PK, you know what I mean. When the exhaustion of YTT hit on a Sunday after six workout classes, I wanted to cry. When Yoganand invited us to hold Upward Boat longer and longer while practicing in a 300hr module, I wanted to curse – yet on another occasion it was blissful. The relationship may sound tough, but it makes me look at my own actions, words, and other relationships, and holds me responsible. It asks that I take care of myself when my container is weakened. It invites me to raise my energy in all kinds of circumstances and feel more fully alive. This relationship reminds me that I am just one of many in this life and that my needs don’t supercede another’s.
So, despite the difficult moments, I’m grateful for the relationship. Even more so, I’m grateful for the human relationships that have come from this encounter twenty years ago. Whether on retreat, in modules, or over a cup of coffee, I’ve had the privilege of meeting and connecting with so many inspiring individuals who regularly teach me and guide my human frailty.
On this journey, I’ve held many roles - the most recent being your new Board President. Along with the rest of the Board our 2026 focus is on:
Raising scholarship and operating dollars to continue the school Yoganand began
Increasing attendance at our 200hr and 300hr modules
Operating as a primarily volunteer-run organization
Offering community gatherings in the form of reunions and retreats
Continue to find ways to support our host studios
In the last quarter of the year we have advanced the mission of the school substantially by:
Migrating the PKTA to a new, more interactive platform - linked to The Sangha
Offering daily & weekly classes on The Sangha - with replay access.
Hosting “Serene September” a community based fundraiser
Upgrading to new accounting and newsletter providers to reduce operational costs
Welcoming Niisa Morton as the new Executive Director
Establishing the Hester Lee Furey Scholarship
Launching the 2026 schedule
Planning “Awakening the Seed” a reunion/retreat this March in Duck, NC
Pranakriya runs on volunteers and each of our Board members, along with the silent helpers who stand behind the organization helping to lift her up, is dedicated to continuing the Tantric Hatha Yoga tradition shared with us through Swami Kripalu and Yoganand Michael Carroll. Are you interested in helping us with our mission? Here are some ways you can help.
Write for the Prana Post - poems, thoughts, essays - anything that supports our mission & vision
Do administrative tasks that pop-up (like setting up all the zoom meetings for the year)
Offer your Strategic Planning, Marketing, Finance, Law, or Admin skills by joining the Board
Assist with Canva post creations
If you’re reading this, you’re in a relationship with PK. We look forward to seeing you online or in-person this year so we can all connect and continue to grow in the tradition. Join us in Duck this March if you are able.
May you be strong, present , and FULLY ALIVE!
Jai,
Emily
