Rita
Lewis-Manos
Around the age of 14, I could sense that my spine was growing a bit crookedly. At that time they were not checking students for scoliosis, as they usually do now. I also discovered I was dyslexic. I never spoke up about either of these problems. The ring on my right hand, which I could touch, helped me tell right from left. At 16, I discovered Yoga from a book and did some poses without any real guidance.
Fast forward to college. I came home with mononucleosis and was sent to the doctor. He took an X-ray of my lungs, only to discover I had scoliosis. I asked him what could be done, and he replied: You could have an operation, or be fitted for a brace, or learn to live with it. I chose the latter.
Two years out of college, I was taken to a Yoga class and at the same time introduced to the book, Light on Yoga, by B.K.S. Iyengar. Maybe a year later, I got to meet Iyengar in person and awkwardly asked him to sign my book. I asked him how I should work with my scoliosis. He said, “Come to India.” And I did. My first trip to Pune was February of 1977. This changed my life. I continued to go and study with B.K.S. Iyengar and his brilliant daughter Geeta Iyengar until their deaths, his in 2014 and hers in 2018.
Guruji always said to pass on your knowledge before you die, so this is my attempt at fulfilling his request. Any mistakes are mine. All this knowledge came to me at the feet of these two remarkable individuals.