About

Iyengar Yoga

The system of yoga known as Iyengar Yoga was created and developed over 75 years ago by Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. Iyengar devoted his life to the evolution of his approach to yoga, which is based on the traditional eight limbs of yoga taught over 2500 years ago by the sage, Patanjali. Iyengar believed that yoga goes beyond being a physical discipline—it is also an art, a science, and a philosophy, that he developed with this in mind. Iyengar Yoga is a powerful and sophisticated discipline that can be practiced in all stages of life. The benefits are far-reaching and will assist the practitioner in every aspect of daily living.

Iyengar Yoga Association of the Midwest

The Iyengar Yoga Association of the Midwest (IYAMW) is one of 12 independent, regional branches of the Iyengar National Association of the United States (IYNAUS) which conducts annual certification assessments, monitors the fulfillment of continuing education requirements, and maintains a code of ethics for teachers in the US Regional associations serve the students in their geographical area with regular communications about news updates, opportunities for study in the region, access to scholarships, lending libraries, special member-only events, and more. The region includes: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and eastern Wisconsin.

Our story

 

History

All associations, including IYNAUS, seek to educate the public on the art, science, and philosophy of the yoga system taught by B.K.S. Iyengar and his family. The regional associations may nominate one or two members to the IYNAUS Board of Directors, depending upon the region's number of members. The Pune Constitution, a guide approved by Mr. Iyengar for the governance of associations worldwide, calls for this representative form of governance with regional input. IYNAUS collaborates with the regional associations on education, outreach, and training. IYNAUS alone has responsibility for assessment and ethics.

Mission

The mission of IYAMW is to fulfill the educational goals of Mr. Iyengar in the Midwest. IYAMW performs its mission by organizing its annual retreat, serving as a resource for those who seek to teach or learn yoga, and awarding scholarships and community grants to allow all, regardless of means or situation, to study Iyengar yoga.

 
 

Board of directors

  • Melissa Argilan

    TREASURER, SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

    Melissa has been practicing Iyengar yoga in Ohio for 5 years now. Originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, she loves being outdoors and strives to learn and grow as an individual daily. Along with yoga, she enjoys teaching karate, painting, sewing and being with her family.

  • Patrina Dobish

    FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE CHAIR, SCHOLARSHIPS AND GRANTS

    Patrina Dobish lives in Chicago and is a Level 3 CIYT. Her intentions on the IYAMW Board include bringing to the public the myriad facets of what we call “Iyengar Yoga”. She is committed to the IYAMW mission and directs her focus on developing a culture of community, collaboration, and inclusion.

  • Kristen Kepnick

    RETREAT TASK FORCE CO-CHAIR

    Kristen is a Level 2 CIYT based just outside of Chicago. She was inspired to teach, and later get involved as an IYAMW volunteer, because of her belief in the importance of sharing the gift of BKS Iyengar’s teachings. Kristen is grateful she’s been able to travel across the US and to India, studying with senior teachers, participating in teaching assessments, and meeting the incredible individuals that compose the international Iyengar yoga community.

  • Tony Hirsch

    NEWSLETTER / WEBSITE COMMITTEE

    Retired. Living in Bloomington, Indiana. 37 years career in healthcare as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. Tony has been practicing Iyengar Yoga for almost 10 years. The middle elder years of his life are vital, focused, energetic, and giving. His goal with IYAMW is to be both helpful and useful in any way as gratitude is inspiration to be so.

  • George Rahme

    MEMBERSHIP CHAIR COMMITTEE

    Enthusiastic Iyengar Yoga CIYT LEVEL 1 teacher and student, George Rahme currently lives in Detroit and works as a member of Iyengar Yoga Detroit Collective. George Has spent most of his life committed to the arts/culture and healing.