A pranam is a bow showing deep respect and gratitude, done from an inward authentic desire to do so. It is a spontaneous acknowledgement of another that comes from the heart.

First, a huge hug and love to Noelle "Pixie" Murata. In 2005, over lunch at Herbivore, she gave me one of her determined looks and said, "You need a website, and I`m going to do it for you." She not only proceeded to do exactly what she said, but then maintained the site until 2007.

In 2007, Noam Szoke took over maintenance duties, and has done a fantastic job. His response time to any question or need I have had has been instantaneous. His work is always top-notch, and either done exactly the way I envisioned it, or, as often is the case, even better. It is he who has been so patient in setting up the Japanese portions of this site and making the navigation so easeful. Much love to you, Noam!

The Japanese translations were tirelessly produced by Kaeko Yasuda and Eri Nakamura, with proofreading assistance by Jun Nakamura. Without these matrika devis & deva (word goddesses and god), the Japanese version of this site would not even exist. I bow in humble gratitude to their beautiful work.

Kaeko Yasuda gets an extra hug for graciously translating scripts for the first three months of my classes in Japan, so I could communicate clearly and effectively the very highest aspects of the yoga practice.

The love and support of my beloved, Eri, cannot be measured. Without her assistance in navigating the maze that is the Japanese yarikata, the challenges I have faced would have been much harder to negotiate. In addition, she has been extremely helpful in the refinement of this site, and my teaching in the Japanese language as well. My heart bows to her brilliance.

I have so much gratitude and love for all of the illustrious teachers who have guided me, directly and indirectly. They are numerous, and each has contributed in some way to mold me into the being I am, the primary of which has been my Mom, Helen Rose Shveima. With patience and sensitivity she always encouraged me to pursue my dreams. A great big Italian hug and much much love to you, Mom!

In the end, without students, a teacher is an unlit candle. It is the student who becomes a catalyst for a very unique illuminative fire to blossom forth from the heart of the teacher. I offer a very deep pranam to my students. Thank you for your patronage, receptivity, enthusiasm, attentiveness, curiosity, and pointed questions. My greatest reward as a teacher is witnessing the unfoldment of Universal wisdom and grace in each and every one of you.