MARIE, EVERY TIME WE REFLECT ON ONE OF THE MANY THINGS YOU TAUGHT, WE THINK OF YOU WITH LOVE.

Beloved Yoga Teacher, Marie Svoboda

SRI GURUJI MARIE SVOBODA transcended her body on December 16, 2012.

This book, Weight Loss Through Yoga, Jewel in the Lotus, is dedicated to my teacher, Marie Svoboda and her teacher Sri T. Krishnamacharya. Mother, Father, I share your love.

Marie taught yoga in Seattle for 40 years, starting in 1969. Her husband was in the diplomatic cadre and while they were stationed in India, Marie studied yoga under Krishnamacharya. (See photographs on pages xvii and 2, T.K.V. Desikachar’s — The Heart of Yoga) Reticent about her early life, most of her students never knew she’d been an accomplished ballet dancer with the Czech National Theatre, a graduate of Charles University in Prague, or the pedigree of her yoga linage.

Marie is considered the first formal yoga instructor in Seattle. As stated in a Seattle Times newspaper feature honoring her, “the first yoga teacher listed in the Seattle phone book.” She taught many of the people forming the Northwest yoga community; ending each class, “Practice!” It is my good fortune to have been one of those students. She taught classes while in her eighties. I remember having a conversation with her one of the last years she taught — when standing she placed one of her legs straight up the wall in a ‘standing splits’. She continued talking as if it was the most natural thing, while in awe, I stopped understanding what she was saying — feeling I was watching something the human body shouldn’t be able to do.

In recent years, I had the privilege to help Marie sort and pack many of her household possessions to share with family members as she simplified her life in old age. Elegant Old World furnishings, rugs, paintings, and glass. “Why I’ve kept these things? …sneaking them out from behind the Iron Curtain makes them more precious?”

Recently I visited Marie in an home for the elderly. We sat on the couch, while she held my hand, and looked at the book I’d dedicated to her, page by page. She was so engaged, bright, and pleased. I told her, “I think of you everyday with love — as I reflect on all the things you taught me.” I asked if she wanted me to visit her again, and she nodded, “yes.” The staff where she lived had told me she no longer spoke. When I was ready to leave, she leaned over and whispered in my ear, “Thank you.”        Writing the book would have been worthwhile… if just for those moments.

I know I will see Marie again. Svoboda translates ‘Freedom’ in Czechoslovakian. I’m happy for Marie, knowing how blissfully free she is.         Marie… “Thank you!”