Renata MahaJyoti

Mother’s Day is not only a celebration of motherhood, but also of the people whose love, care, and dedication shape the lives of so many around them. 💛
Today, I honor my mom — not only as my mother, but as one of the greatest inspirations behind the work I do. Through her love, strength, and compassion, she helped create a path of care and inclusion for children with disabilities and their families that has touched countless lives over the years.
So many people lovingly call her “Sivakami Amma,” a reflection of the way she welcomes, nurtures, supports, and truly sees everyone who comes into her life. Her presence has inspired not only me, but an entire community.
I am endlessly grateful to walk beside her and continue sharing the values she lives every day.
Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers, caregivers, nurturers, and loving hearts around the world. 🌷 ❤️

Honoring World Down Syndrome Day
Today, I celebrate the bright, brilliant, deeply human presence of people with Down syndrome — including my sister, Roberta, whose life opened the door to everything I teach today.
It was Roberta who inspired my mother, Sonia Sumar, to begin adapting yoga in 1972 with love, curiosity, and a belief that every child deserves to feel safe, confident, and at home in their body.
Fifty‑four years later, the Sonia Sumar Method continues to grow through the hands and hearts of families, teachers, and children around the world.
On this World Down Syndrome Day, I honor:
    •    the joy and creativity our students bring to each session
    •    the families who show up with trust and courage
    •    the therapists and educators who believe in inclusive, relationship‑based learning
    •    and the legacy of Roberta, who continues to guide us toward connection, presence, and possibility
May we keep building a world where every person with Down syndrome is seen, valued, and supported to shine in their own way.
With love from Seattle,
Renata

Jon and Shelley joined us today for our last Sarasota sunset before Nathan and I head to PNW tomorrow morning. We had a great time!
When we were doing sun salutation, he didn’t want to touch the sand, so he adapted the yoga poses… when I noticed, I just paid attention and let go. But at the end, I told him to give me a high five, and he did! So I showed him how easy it is to clean his hands and invited him to do one of our favorite poses, bakasana, and he did it! So proud of him for overcoming a difficulty!

Parivrtta Trikonasana - not an easy pose… filled with things we must bring our awareness to, so we can feel the spinal twist, keep our balance and honor the hips without compromising them or our knees. How easy/hard is this pose for you and where you feel you need to focus in order to honor the needs of your body rather than the desires of your mind? ☺️ breathe respectyourbody

Listening to MPB and taking a walk at park. Happy Friday, everyone!

Couldn’t resist not to share the sunrise this morning at Green Lake Park. Lovely morning! Wishing YOU a beautiful day!

Let's remember to breathe and take things slow. Life is short! Enjoy every moment.

Happy Halloween! TGIF