Meet Judith Lyon
You have an eclectic background in yoga. Who or what has been the greatest influence for your personal practice?
This is a difficult question because there are so many experiences and individuals who have been of great influence and inspiration. I've had the priviledge - sheer luck! - of studying with true masters in several fields, including yoga. In terms of yoga, I feel most indebted to Swami Satchidananda -to his wisdom, insight, singular sense of humor and wonderful laugh. I have never personally met Mr. lyengar, but through his writings and from his teachers from whom I have taken classes, I feel equally indebted. Both of their teachings frame the foundation of my practice. Also on the list: my yoga colleagues, outstanding workshops, JJs studio, my students, Stanley, and my two children. Ultimately, though, it is my maternal grandmother who taught me, by example, the greatest lesson -unconditional love.
What gives you the greates joy in teaching?
Serving. Teaching for me is a reciprocal process -a fine balance between "speaking (putting out)" and "listening (taking in)." It's about helping the student rethink all kinds of issues, such as habits and patterns, assumptions and concerns. It's about the joy derived from reinforcing both intellect and intuition. It's also about having fun, uplifting the mind and spirit. It's about being serious (employing the right effort and discipline) without taking life too seriously. And it's about the old truth that the teacher is finally the student.
What book would you recommend that you recently read and why?
As I answer these questions it is early winter and a time when I move particularly inward. A time when I catch up. A time when I like to reread books. One of these is Satchidananda's Beyond Words(1976). Like most great teachers, he has an uncanny way of condensing the complex into simple language. He asks, "Do you want peace? Then be willing to sacrifice a little and learn what it means to be a decent person." That's it in a nutshell - the essential yogic question and answer.
The Yoga Sutras are always by my side. And poetry as well. I recently finished Picasso's Paris a small book about the vital influence of "place" on consciousness and about the power of choosing that place. And now that's coming on to Spring, my book becomes our garden, where Stanley and I spend wonderfully long meditative hours tending it.
What has been one obstacle that you have encountered? How does yoga help you through it?
Worrying! I come from a long line of worriers, though worry is an emotional state I would prefer not to be a master of. So how does yoga help? In so many ways. I turn to the teachings to strengthen myself, especially the Yoga &itras which provide for me the understanding and tools I need. Most importantly is the yoga itself. In my asana practice I find that the standing poses, specifically the warrior poses, help me move from a warrior to a yoga warrior -grounded, focused, fearless. Exploring poses, facing the limitations they place upon me, observing, finding the balance, progressing - the whole sequence is a path to realize my own true nature. I also turn to yoga breathing, which immediately brings me peace - the kind of peace that allows me to let go, surrender, and give more.