The Center for Yoga of Seattle

If you want to immerse yourself in the true tradition and teachings of the
BKS Iyengar Yoga lineage, visit The Center of Yoga Seattle. The Iyengar study center was founded in 1980 by Richard Schachtel. The center operates one of only 29 authorized Iyengar Yoga Teacher Training Programs in the United States and Richard is the only authorized Iyengar Yoga Teacher Trainer in the Seattle area. He is also an Assessor for certifying Iyengar Yoga Teachers for the BKS Iyengar Yoga Association of the United States. Iyengar-style hatha yoga is a graceful, precision-oriented approach to yoga that seeks to develop flexibility, strength, stamina, concentration, will power, and relaxation in a balanced way.

I was fortunate to study with Richard while living in Seattle. Truly it was the best yoga experience I've ever had. His week long yoga intensives and teacher trainings are divine. Richard is accurate and graceful in the way he shares his years of experience and insight with others. I still dream of one particular Savasana I had during one of his classes. I floated into peace. I remember that day as if it were just yesterday because I lovingly keep the memory in my thoughts. I felt blessed to have had such an enlightening experience. The feeling was inexplicable really, but if I had to explain, I would say my body and mind felt clear, truly untouched by any of the everyday stresses we all experience. I remember walking into the world that day feeling extremely light on my feet. I remember how nourishing the Seattle sun felt on my face and how my eyes felt soft and relaxed. I am so thankful that every detail is still fresh in my memory after so many years. That Savasana was one of a kind in all of the thousands of Savasanas I've practiced. BTW, a Savasana (corpse pose) is a relaxing yoga asana (pose) practiced before or after a class to rejuvinate the mind, body and sprit.

I know I had that blissful experience because of Richard's teaching style. He knows yoga and when you take his class you learn yoga the right way. There is something to be said about learning from the best and the feeling you get when you immerse yourself in something good.

The other day on Facebook Richard shared his photos of his travels to BKS Iyengar's 90th birthday celebration in India. The photos were colorful, mesmerizing. I viewed them several times because they were rich with tradition and love. Although, I have not practiced with Richard for some years now, when I saw the photos I was inspired to stop what I was doing. I left my desk and eased my way into a shoulder stand. I did this pose because it was one of my favorite poses to get guidance in from Richard. He knows the very therapeutic way to practice the amazing Sarvangasana!

Richard is still my teacher. I have kept his teachings with me and am always inspired by the knowledge I learned from him. Thank you Richard for sharing your yoga with me.

If you want to be carried away into yoga bliss, practice and learn yoga with Richard.


The Center for Yoga of Seattle