Keeping the Light On

DEC 2025- JAN 2026

As we enter the holiday time of year I am sitting here thinking about traditions and how we look forward to coming together with family and friends. (For the challenging ones, sometimes less so!) Regardless of how we change and evolve, traditions keep us coming back together to something familiar that we can relate to. Traditions are something to hold and keep memories alive. 

KEEPING THE LIGHT ON 

Our teacher Sharath Guruji dedicated his life to hold the lineage of ashtanga yoga. Aspirants from all over the world would come together to spend time with their teacher in search of something more. All looking to visit the source where the method of practicing yoga as we know it today began. I speak for both of us when I say our dharma is to carry on that tradition in the best way that we can. It holds a magic that words just can't justify. When you feel it, words are not necessary.

YOGA MEANS UNION

Among all of the things that this practice does for us, yoga unifies us. It brings us together as a community. By developing a deeper relationship with ourselves, we begin to live in harmony with the earth and world around us. When we live in divine union, we experience profound pleasure and joy with the simplicities of life.

Besides staying focused on practice and supporting the Jois family at Sharath Yoga Center, Andrew spent some time at Sera Monastery visiting old friends, having some fun, and helping out with some research development. (What do you think they found in that brain of his????) 

Meet January Guest Teachers!

COLETIVO.MYSORE

Sami and Leo are founders of @coletivo.mysore, a shala located in the heart of São Paulo that serves a diverse and large community of ashtanga yoga practitioners. We are excited to welcome them!

Sami Smidi bridges eastern philosophy and somatic psychology, seeing the body as a living map of consciousness. Her background in Bioenergetic Analysis complements both her teaching approach and personal practice.

Leo Castro has been practicing for over a decade, and for much of that time, balanced his dedication and an intense professional routine. His approach integrates yoga into daily life- balancing personal, family, and professional dimensions. 

Both remain connected to the daily study of the Vedas through the living the tradition of oral transmission with their teacher, directly from Mysore. 

You can get to know Leo and Sami from this episode of Harmony Slater's podcast. Be sure to check it out!

LISTEN NOW

Thank you for being part of our growing Mysore Austin community. Your dedication, presence, and practice continue to inspire us. Wishing you a joyous holiday season, and may your sadhana carry you into the new year.