The Anusara Bulletin – This is Anusara: We are Love in Action
- seadhna Treacy
- Dec 1
- 5 min read
This is Anusara: We are Love in Action
From our hearts, to the heart of the world
by Atha Panou
Board Member and Elements Anusara Yoga Teacher
Warm greetings from Atha C. Panou (USA/Greece), former Treasurer and current Board Member of the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga.
When I stepped into the role of Treasurer in September 2022, we were still navigating the waves of disruption left by the COVID pandemic—studios had closed, finances were strained, and many of us felt the distance from our beloved Kula. And yet, what remained—what always remains—is the thread that connects us all: Anusara.
Our commitment to the Anusara method and its life-affirming teachings became our compass. Even amidst challenges, we remembered why we gather, why we teach, and why we practice: to uplift, to connect, and to evolve together.
When the idea of Samavesha—our global gathering—arose, it was clear we needed to act quickly. Normally, an event of this scale requires 18 months of preparation. We had much less time, but what we lacked in time, we made up for in heart, courage, and community. With the steady guidance of then the Executive Director Kim Friedman (USA), and the dedication of leaders like Andrés Pérez (Spain), Letizzia Wastavino (Chile/Austria), and Stella Iglesias (Spain/Uruguay), the vision began to take shape.
Our theme was simple yet profound: “You are in me, and I am in you.” And that’s exactly how it felt.
Board members, country coordinators, and collaborators from around the world stepped up with love and purpose to bring our global community back together. Julia Schlekert (Germany) ensured that even those who couldn’t attend in person were able to feel part of the experience (Anusara humor: everyone was “looped in”).
The setting? Castelldefels, Spain, along the sparkling Mediterranean. I had never met my fellow board members in person before. I traveled alone, but I never felt alone. I presented alongside the incredible Kai Hill (Germany), and together we witnessed something magical unfold.
The schedule was dynamic and deeply nourishing. Gisela and Lucas guided us through rich philosophical insights. Leah Kline (USA/Netherlands) lifted our spirits through her radiant voice and music. Every presenter offered a gem of wisdom and experience. I had the joy of meeting Jacalyn Prete (USA), Sarah Powell (England), and Jayendra—each soul more inspiring than the last.
We taught, we learned, we laughed, we connected.
As a Director of Human Resources and a lifelong advocate for leadership development, I found the experience of Samavesha profoundly aligned with my passion for helping people grow. It brought out the best in all of us.
We felt the unity. We felt the reach of our global family. We felt the love.
There were sessions in multiple languages. I don’t speak Italian, but I joyfully participated in a full Italian class. I speak some Spanish, and to my delight, my brilliant niece Zola (USA), currently pursuing her PhD in France, joined me and we took a Spanish-led class together. She was warmly embraced by our Kula, and I couldn’t have been prouder—of her, of us, and of what we’ve built.
One of the most touching moments was hearing how the French attendees offered Zola support and shared their contact information in case she ever needed anything in France. This is who we are: a community that cares, a global circle of love in action.
At Samavesha, we kicked asana—and then some!
And now… a new Samavesha is on the horizon.
I was thrilled to meet Saraswati and to learn that the next Samavesha will be held in San Francisco, with Saraswati leading the way. As we set our sights on April 28–May 3, 2026, we are pouring our energy, wisdom, and love into crafting an experience that will be worthy of your time, your heart, and your investment.
So I invite you, with all my heart:Join us in San Francisco.Evolve your practice. Nourish your soul.Let the “Chit” happen—together.
Like ripples in water, this expansion of consciousness touches every soul it meets. You’ll feel it. You’ll carry it. And it will carry you.
I look forward to seeing you, hugging you, and sharing the sacred space of Samavesha with you in 2026.
With deepest gratitude and love,
Atha C. Panou
L1-EAYT & Board Member, Anusara School of Hatha Yoga
P.S. My heart overflows with joy when I remember how effortlessly our community embraced Zola. Strangers became friends, continents became neighbors, and love became visible. This is Anusara. This is who we are.
We are community.
We are connection.
We are Anusara.
We are Love in Action.
✨ 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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