The Anusara Bulletin – This is Anusara 13 Years of Heart and Growth
- seadhna Treacy
- Dec 1
- 5 min read
This is Anusara
13 Years of Heart and Growth
by Gianni Chavez
Professional Development Director
The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga
It all began in 2012 — the Year of the Water Dragon, marking the end of a profound cycle in the Mayan calendar: the baktun. It was also the moment that birth was given to The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, a spark born from vision, love, and the unwavering spirit of service.
On November 7th, 2012, a small group of passionate teachers—Doc Savage, Jane Norton, and Benita Galvan—joined forces with a global community of dedicated practitioners. Inspired by a deep reverence for the transformative power of Anusara Yoga and a shared commitment to its future, we dared to dream of a different kind of organization—one rooted in the integrity of teaching, the philosophy of heart-centered practice, and the legacy we wish to pass on.
Thirteen years have passed since that first breath of collective intention, and in that time, we've grown, adapted, and faced challenges that shaped us. We've experienced moments of uncertainty and joy, missteps that taught us humility, and triumphs that reaffirmed our purpose. Every step has been part of a larger unfolding—an ongoing dance of evolution and grace.
Thirteen is the code number for transformation, rebirth, and spiritual growth across various traditions and cultures. While many view it as an unlucky number in Western superstition, its deeper, sacred meaning reveals a rich tapestry of significance.
None of this—none of what The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga is today—would be possible without you. Each of us bears the torch of this lineage. Every practitioner, every student, every teacher witnesses and feels the profound transmutation that occurs through our methodology. And within every event, retreat, workshop, or gathering lies an open invitation—to circle inward, to reconnect, and to find ourselves anew in community. I am thrilled and eager to weave a memorable moment together at Samavesha 2026. The school is pouring heart and soul into crafting a wondrous gathering, a celebration of this lineage of Grace.
From the depths of my heart, I want to thank all of you who answered the call, who said “YES” with open arms and hearts, and who dedicated your time and energy to serve this shared vision.
To Benita Galvan, Doc Savage, Jane Norton, Jacalyn Prete, Deb Payne, Andrea Boni, Kai Hill, Jayendra Hanley, Barbra Noh, Karen Claffey, Christy Nones McKenzie, Benjamin Finnerty, Adam Ballanger, Tiffany Wood, Jane Goldstein, Jaye Martin and Peter Goodman—your devotion has laid the foundation of everything we cherish.
And to those extraordinary souls—board members and volunteers—whose unwavering commitment over the years has kept our mission alive:John Seelye, Letizzia Wastavino, Atha Panou, Andres Pérez, Donna Hilderband, Bill Dorigan, Daniela Jaron, Sarah Powell, Christina Fu, Grazia Orlando, Aida Ponce de Castillo, Aat Boss, Giovanni Nigris, Cecile Gayet, Laura Casini, Jen Harbour, Alex Biondo, Tezra Bryant, Eric Mann, Jessica Tenzer, Elisa Bei, Jennifer Benning, Beatriz Almazan, Leslie Salmon, Chun Yan Li, Martin Svitek, Royce Battleman, Anna Polleti, Eva Peza, Adolfo Fernandez Sauri, Desiree Eastman, Donna Savage, Chaya Spencer, Kevin Taplin, Christel Maulebroeck, Alessandra di Prampero, Karen Sprute Francovich, Gail Corvette, Will Doran, Cat Mc Carthy, and Lisa Long.
To those who have tirelessly held the banner of coordination across nations—Leah Kline, Julia Schlenkert, Stella Iglesias, Melby Villanueva, Ulrik Notlev, Carolina Ramirez, Diana Gonzalez, Vanesa Paladino, Marie Helene Delacroix, Hristinka Malarska, Sarah Powell, Paula Restrepo, Andrea Vasquez, Lea Udri, Fernanda Lima, Ericka Vera, Courtenay Willis, Elina Muller, Bianca Wilmsmann, —your dedication bridges continents and hearts.
And to all who serve and had served behind the scenes—Aline Franco Flores, Beth Steltz, Ory Brown, Kim Friedman, Denise Hatch, Cara Zaruba Buttler, and Jeaninne Plaiche—your quiet labor has sustained and is sustaining the fabric of our collective.
Most especially, I want to thank you—yes! YOU who are reading this, for your commitment, your love and your willingness to see the beauty first. It's in that space of trust and openness that Shri’s vision continues to thrive.
The journey of The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga is far from over. Its present is vibrant, its future bursting with potential. I am honoured to walk this path with you—guided by heart, inspired by spirit, rooted in community.
With all my love,
Board of Directors Member & ECATT Anusara School of Hatha Yoga
We are community.
We are connection.
We are Anusara.
One School, Diverse voices.
Anusara License Names and Professional Development Path NEWS
We're excited to share an update on our Professional Development Path!
What's in a name? A name is a fundamental part of our identity and how we recognize each other, so to better reflect your growth and journey within the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, we have refined the names of our Licenses:
Teacher's Track: This path is designed for those dedicated to teaching Anusara Yoga.
L1 - Elements Anusara Yoga Teacher / L1-EAYT: For those starting their teaching journey.
L2 - Inspired Anusara Yoga Teacher / L2-IAYT: For teachers with intermediate experience.
L3 - Certified Anusara Yoga Teacher / L3-CAYT For seasoned teachers.
Trainer's Track: This path is for those committed to training the next generation of Anusara teachers.
Certified Anusara Yoga Trainer (CATT): For certified teachers who are approved to train others at the 200hr Anusara Teacher Training level
Experienced Certified Anusara Yoga Trainer (ECATT): For certified teachers with extensive teaching and training experience, can offer 200hr and 300hr Anusara Teacher Trainings.
These new designations clearly reflect your progress and commitment to the Anusara tradition."
✨ We are a Teacher-Led School: You Make the Difference
At Anusara, we believe in the power of a Teacher-Led School. Each of us is a vital part of the whole, and your involvement makes a profound impact. By renewing your membership, you’re not just gaining access to amazing resources; you are also supporting the continuity and development of Anusara Yoga for generations to come. Your membership is what fuels our collective growth—thank you for being an essential part of this journey. Together, we create this school!
💡 Benefits of Your Membership
As a valued member of the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, you have access to some incredible resources to support your growth, both professionally and personally. Here’s a reminder of the powerful benefits you enjoy:
Clear Professional Development Path: Whether you’re a seasoned teacher or just starting out, we’ve structured our curriculum to help you evolve on your path.
10% Discount on Online Education & School Events: Take advantage of savings on transformative opportunities like Samavesha, our annual gathering, and other educational programs.
Exclusive Access to the Member’s Lounge: A treasure trove of exclusive resources, including masterclasses, teachings, and content to support your journey.
Mentoring Programs: Connect with experienced mentors who can guide you in refining your teaching and personal practice.
And so much more…
We are here to help you grow at every stage of your journey!
🌟 Our New Website & Learning Management System
We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new website platform— it is still a work in progress however it will be a game-changer for Anusara Yoga! With this new system, we’re now able to offer Online Teacher Training and On-Demand Content to make Anusara’s teachings more accessible than ever before.
Whether you’re looking to deepen your practice, continue your education, or access tools that support your growth as a teacher, this platform is designed with you in mind. Expect a smooth, intuitive experience that empowers you to learn, grow, and stay connected—no matter where you are in the world.
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