10 of my favorite Jivamukti Yoga photographs
I recently finished creating this image of Sharon Gannon, founder of Jivamukti Yoga. It is one of my favorite portraits of her, combining elements of the past and present.
I took the photograph of her in February of 2013, when I had been working as the Jivamukti Yoga Web Editor for less than a year. Sharon told me she was planning to cut her hair, and wanted to create an image of her flowing locks. She laid on a white backdrop and spread out her hair while I climbed a ladder to photograph her from above. The results were fun, but got set aside as other work came in.
A couple months ago I was going through my archives and found them again. I immediately thought it would be fun to add an interesting background. At the time Sharon was getting ready for the June 23rd release of her book The Magic Ten and Beyond.
An out-of-body experience.
She had previously traveled to Egypt with her partner, Jivamukti co-founder David Life. During the trip she laid in a sarcophagus in the Kings Chamber of the Great Pyramid and had an out-of-body experience. Later in the trip a museum Egyptologist showed David and her a photograph of a cartouche with ten Egyptian hieroglyphs, which he thought would be of interest to them as spiritual seekers. The mystical symbols on the cartouche, along with Sharon’s experience in the pyramid, inspired the sequencing of 10 spiritual practices that became her daily ritual, and the basis for the book.
Blending Egyptian hieroglyphs to the background of the image of Sharon seemed perfect for a portrait. It is also my goodbye gift. After six years I am leaving my employment with Jivamukti to pursue my own dreams. This image seems a fitting way to say goodbye; its creation began near the beginning, and ended near the end.
I am still a Jivamukti Yoga teacher, of course.
Sharon & David, thank you for the opportunities and mentorship. And to all of the people who came through Jivamukti NYC; for months, or for moments; and to all the teachers and customers I helped. Thank you for your presence and support! May you, and may all beings, everywhere, be happy and free.
#ThrowbackThursday Jivamukti Yoga Gallery
Below are 9 more photos that I have recently discovered in my archives. I hope you enjoy them.
David and Sharon at Wild Woodstock
2013 in Shady, NY. I returned to Wild Woodstock many times to see this view of the teachers and the round window looking out into nature.
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Sharon and Christian giving yoga assists
2015 at Jivamukti NYC – Sharon Gannon and Christian Montegut gracefully wade through dozens of students, giving assists while Sharon teaches.
Sharon Gannon teaching the teachers
Jivamukti NYC 2015. Some special teachers in the background of this picture, as Sharon makes a point.
Rima Rani Rabbath giving yoga assist
2016 at Jivamukti NYC. Rima Rani Rabbath is known for her welcoming smile.
David Life with Purnima Langden
2013 Jivamukti NYC. Sharon and David held a Yoga Assists Workshop for teachers, to launch their Yoga Assists book. Here David demos an assist for Ardha Matseyendrasana, half-seated spinal twist.
Sharon Gannon laughing while demoing
2013 Jivamukti NYC. Sharon begins cracking up at a joke David made during a demo. I love the expressions on all the faces.
David Life in Malasana
2013 Jivamukti NYC. David Life in Malasana, during the Magic Ten warmup for the Yoga Assists Workshop.
Classic Jiva NYC Teachers
2013 Yoga Assists Workshop at Jivamukti NYC. For me, it was a golden age for the Jivamukti teacher community in NYC, and the workshop was a rare opportunity to see them all together. In this photo are Nikki, Jeanine, Narayani, Mimi, and Luis are present here.
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