A Memory that Arose

An interesting memory arose on this day…I have practiced hatha yoga over many years, since the eighties. I was introduced to it in 1982 or thereabouts, I believe, the same year I was introduced to a certain spiritual path out of India. I moved to an ashram later that year - where I lived for most of the next thirteen years. (That included some time in an ashram in India, but majority was stateside.)

So, here’s the memory….

I believe I was a teenager when this took place. My mother had me accompany her to a cocktail party of sorts one evening in the Maryland/Washington DC area. This was very unusual, I have to say, that she would include me in this sort of foray! I’m not sure what inspired her…In any event, I recall standing near the entrance inside that domicile and this shorter, blonde woman came in with someone. She had on this golden-colored satin-y sleeveless dress and was probably in her fifties. And, I noticed that she positively glowed, unlike the folks around her. A light emanated from her. I noticed this right away. It was impressive and unusual.

I was introduced to her and learned that she practiced yoga, hatha yoga. And I immediately associated her glow with this practice…

It need be mentioned that back then, (I am 70 years of age, to give this some perspective.) it was extremely rare one would meet a yoga practitioner, at least in this country and probably generally in the west. I don’t even recall hearing of this practice - though somehow I already knew about it - before this chance meeting. Nowadays, of course, it is readily known and has assumed a great popularity in the west, and in this country.

Why am I relating this these many years later? I was perusing photos from decades ago earlier in the day of myself doing yoga. And it came to me, by way of this memory, that I had been given a heads up, so to speak, those many years ago; a heads up that this practice of hatha yoga would come to assume a significance in my own life.

So, it is to say that life offers these hints; hints coming our way of oncoming themes in our own lives. If you look back, you might notice this in your own life as well. It’s a grace. And, it’s so sweet.

And I just felt moved to share this with all of you…

Be well.

Annie Kiyonaga

October 13, 2025

(Photo taken in August, 2021)