Page 139 - Adhiyoga Purana

Adhiyogi’s Transformative Journey at El Monte Elementary
In 2014, Adhiyogi felt drawn to enter the United States from the California side for the very first time. Interestingly, his former computer job boss from 1991, Kathy Whitlock, was then living in California. She kindly offered him a place to stay for a few days and soon introduced him to El Monte Elementary School, where she volunteered as an English teacher. Kathy presented Adhiyogi to her students as a special guest from India who also practiced Yoga. He shared stories about India and demonstrated simple Yoga practices. The children’s curiosity and joyful participation planted the seeds for what was to come—opportunities that unfolded into a remarkable journey.
Later that year, Adhiyogi began a unique and heartfelt chapter of his mission: bringing yoga into the lives of young children at El Monte Elementary School in Concord, California. What started as an experimental introduction for just a few grades soon blossomed into a school-wide movement that touched the hearts and minds of both students and staff.
By 2015, Adhiyogi was teaching every grade—from preschool through fifth grade, including students with autism. His sessions were not just about postures; they were about finding stillness, learning to breathe, and awakening self-awareness in young minds. For some children, this was their first taste of calmness. For others, it became a life skill they would carry for years to come.
The transformation was visible. Students who had once been restless or disruptive began showing moments of centered focus. Teachers noticed a calm energy settling into classrooms. Even the most active children learned to pause, breathe, and reflect before reacting—an invaluable lesson for life. Carol Herbst, the school counselor, observed how Adhiyogi’s compassionate approach, sprinkled with humor and sincerity, won over even the most skeptical. Teachers, inspired by his example, began continuing yoga in their own classrooms on days when he wasn’t present, reinforcing the practices and spirit he had introduced.
By 2016, El Monte Elementary eagerly welcomed Adhiyogi back for another year. His program had become a cherished spring tradition, eagerly awaited by students and staff alike. For the children, these were not just yoga lessons—they were lessons in awareness, self-regulation, and joy. For teachers, it was a reminder that education is about nurturing the mind and heart as much as academic achievement.
Adhiyogi’s time at El Monte was more than a series of yoga classes; it was a living demonstration of how ancient wisdom can integrate into modern education. His work remains a testament to the power of mindful teaching and the profound changes it can inspire in a community—one breath, one smile, and one child at a time.
OM Shantiḥ.
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