This morning I gave a private to a young man who was just discovering Krishnamacharya style yoga. He had done many years of Iyengar Style and Ashtanga Yoga, but was just discovering the comprehensive nature of Krishnamacharya's teachings. We discussed the 5 layers of the human system (physical, breath, mental, personality and emotional). We talked about how all 5 layers would eventually be strong and flexible- not just the physical. He analyzed himself as strong in some layers and wanting to know how to work with the other layers. Obviously, asana is a wonderful tool for working on the physical, but what should he do for the personality and emotional layers? I gave him some general ideas about how we work on the other layers with specific tools like pranayama, chanting and meditation. We wrote a practice together based on his goals and the needs that I could see for him. Although it will most likely be a more gentle practice than his usual asana based practice, by adding the subtle tools like pranayama, chanting and meditation- he will go much more deeply into his practice. I anticipate very good results and will see him one more time before he leaves for the holiday. Working with private students is the most enjoyable part of my job. To look at another human and be able to assist them to alleviate their own suffering is an amazing thing.