People on the Journey
by Emily Gretz
In 2006 at Crofton Yoga, I began Yoga Teacher Training (YTT). At the time it was a dual certification as both a Pranakriya (PK) and Kripalu yoga teacher. In the two decades since, I’ve often forgotten about the Kripalu certification - the lines blurring. What I haven’t forgotten is the people I met when I first started on this journey. I remember our collective state of being overwhelmed, exhausted, churned, and sore. I remember the lifting-up that was done for me and that I did in return as we muddled and shined through the nine weekends. I remember watching two of my peers faithfully use their breaks to pump mother’s milk for their newly born babies while another peer grew month-to-month with her unborn child. I remember sadness and joy - and tears for both emotions. I remember my “Turtle” friends from my small group, the bond I made with my future business partner, and the moment Yoganand told me the class I offered became so much more when I smiled.
For twenty years I have crossed paths with many of our cohort of graduates. We continued to educate ourselves with Yoganand and other directors. We babysat each other's children. We taught together. Over time our roles changed, but our learning continued and our knowledge expanded. The circle of Pranakriya people grew with each new training at each host studio.
In 2013, many of us met in the chaos and mystery of India to learn and grow on Swami Kripalu’s path, rekindling our shared love of Pranakriya and the traditions we follow. The experience rekindled a fire in me for this school and the work we do. Reconnected with my cohort and introduced to new relationships with people from other parts of the U.S., I came home grateful for the people on this journey and with a renewed passion for PK.
In October I travelled to Whole Body Yoga in North Wales, PA to offer Musculoskeletal Assessment. Familiar faces and new ones welcomed me with such warmth. They too were looking for that PK community feeling to be reignited. Last month I was able to be at Crofton Yoga in Maryland, back to my home studio. I was welcomed by hugs and greetings that warmed my heart. I was back with people who share my love for Pranakriya and its teachings. Finally, last weekend I was in Massachusetts visiting family, and took advantage of being in close proximity to Niisa Morton, Executive Director of Pranakriya, also my classmate from twenty years ago. As we sat down for coffee it was like no time had passed and we picked up right where we left off.
The people on this journey have influenced me beyond measure. The friendships, partnerships and acquaintances have impacted my teaching, my decision making, my communications, and ultimately the way I show-up for the world. I pray that you are equally blessed by this PK community.
Care to share your PK story? We’d love to hear from you and share it with other people on the journey. Send your story to info@pranakriya.com
