On Friday morning, as we stepped onto the grounds of the Iyengar Yoga Convention in Florence, a gentle breeze greeted us, carrying the familiar, sweet scent of blooming jasmine. It felt as if nature itself was opening the doors to a sacred space – a place where yoga was not merely a practice, but a way of being.
From May 9th to 11th, the city of Florence hosted an extraordinary Iyengar Yoga Convention, thoughtfully and wholeheartedly organized by Light on Yoga Association Italy, now known as the Associazione Iyengar Yoga Italia (AIYI). The event went far beyond the framework of a typical yoga gathering – it became a vibrant fusion of energy, community, philosophy, and a deep, silent inner awareness.
AIYI was founded in 1990 by a group of devoted students of B.K.S. Iyengar, with the mission to preserve and share his profound teachings. The association takes its name from Light on Yoga, Iyengar’s seminal book, considered one of the most influential yoga texts of all time. Today, AIYI unites over 400 certified IYENGAR® Yoga teachers across Italy and supports thousands of practitioners for whom yoga is not just a physical discipline, but a way of life.
The Journey Begins
Our journey began a few days before the convention itself. With care and attention, we prepared all the RunToYoga props, packed them into our familiar black van, and set off toward Florence. We were coming from Slovenia, where the RunToYoga story first began – as a project that brings together yoga, movement, and community.
Our feelings as we left were simple and heartfelt – joy at the thought of seeing familiar faces again, curiosity about the new connections ahead, and gratitude for being part of a community united by a shared dedication to Iyengar Yoga. A journey not only in the physical sense, but also inward – one that, time and again, brings something quiet, personal, and precious.
Raya Uma Datta – A Teacher of Wisdom and Heart
This year’s convention was led by Raya Uma Datta, one of the leading teachers at the world-renowned Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute (RIMYI) in Pune, India. Raya encountered Iyengar Yoga at the age of ten and began teaching in his early twenties. In 1998, he participated in the demonstration of asanas for B.K.S. Iyengar’s 80th birthday, after which he was personally chosen by Guruji to be his student.
Today, Raya is an exceptional teacher – precise, insightful, and deeply rooted in philosophical understanding.
A Weekend of Practice, Insight, and Silence
Friday began with standing poses – seemingly simple, yet masterfully woven into a coherent and concentrated whole. Raya shared his reflections on the sequence of asanas in Light on Yoga, revealing that he had often asked Guruji why he had chosen that particular order. These questions led to a rich discussion – not only about physical alignment, but also about the intention, development, and symbolism behind each individual asana.
The entire weekend subtly interwove threads of yogic philosophy and psychology, especially the teachings of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali and the eight-limbed path: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi. Raya encouraged us to reflect on the human mind – how it constantly jumps from one thought to another and how we interpret everything through our past experiences, roles, and identities: “I am a man. I am a parent. I am this or that by profession.” But beneath all of that, he emphasized, we are all the same.
Yoga thus becomes a path of unlayering – gradually letting go of what we think we are, not only through asana, but through conscious, present living.
Saturday – The Asana Sequence in Light on Yoga
Saturday took us deeper into the structure of the asana sequences – not just how, but why. Why did Guruji place certain asanas in a specific order? How does one prepare the body and mind for the next? Each sequence was carefully crafted and thoughtfully refined.
Together, we moved, breathed, listened, and learned – through an experience where practice became a space for exploration, stillness, and insight.
Sunday – Breath, Silence, and Presence
Sunday morning was dedicated to pranayama – not just breathing, but the conscious observation of the breath. A silence settled in the room – not empty, but deep, full, and directed inward. There was gratitude – quiet, yet tangible. And there was that rare moment when we weren’t doing anything. We were simply being.
After a short coffee break and some warm conversation, we returned to the mat for one final challenge – a more dynamic and intense asana practice that reminded us of the importance of perseverance, patience, and inner strength.
The True Depth of Yoga
As the weekend came to a close, we were once again reminded that yoga is not just movement. It’s a way of relating to the world (yama), to ourselves (niyama), to the body (asana), and to the senses (pranayama, pratyahara).
True transformation doesn’t happen in a single pose. It unfolds through discipline, awareness, and consistent practice. We meet our own resistance – and learn to soften. We encounter our limits – and consciously begin to shift them.
Thank You, Florence!
Filled with inspiration and softened bodies, we returned to our little corner of the event – the RunToYoga stand, where we happily welcomed everyone who stopped by. We are grateful for every smile, every conversation, and every quiet moment when you chose a prop to support your practice.
To all who were with us – we carry you in our hearts and memory with deep gratitude.
To those who couldn’t join – may these words bring you a small glimpse of the peace and jasmine-scented magic we shared.
Namaste,
Ana & Eva
