DOREEN SMIT – REST IN PEACE ‘ON THE OTHER SIDE’

Doreen served the YYI as principal, secretary, treasurer and head of tutorials. Her devotion to yoga was at all times visible – but she was also devoted to her family and friends. I remember coming to Jabula for yoga classes nearly 30 years ago. Ever on the lookout for ways to avoid having to cook supper, I was surprised and delighted by the sprightly silver-haired lady who led the classes with grace and kindness… but also held a powerful chaturanga and lifted into sirsa effortlessly.

I quickly signed up for two classes a week, and I can honestly say that I learned something new in EVERY class. Soon, I was arriving a little earlier to class and leaving a little later, so that I could ask her questions about yoga (and life). Wise and compassionate answers were always forthcoming.

Doreen welcomed everyone to Jabula, and encouraged us to join the YYI, read the books and attend the annual charity Jabula Day. She took care to ensure that everyone in class was safe yet trying their best; working hard yet becoming still.

She invited me to attend tutorials and here I continued my yoga journey, lapping up her knowledge and eagerly teaching poses during some classes. I did not miss one tutorial! Her leadership and guidance were unequalled – perhaps they still are.

Doreen shared stories about Winnie, La Verna, Geeta, oki yoga… and every time this happened, I longed to learn more and meet the people concerned.

I remember my first silent retreat, led by Winnie at this centre on the Bluff. We had shared the drive down to KZN, and then experienced the agony and ecstasy of no words till sundown!

As a tutor, Doreen patiently guided us – addressing not only Sanskrit, anatomy and yoga terms, but also leading us in the yoga way: the way of kindness, determination, tolerance and compassion.

When her mother was ailing and passed, she asked me to look after her classes. What a privilege to be entrusted with duty.  I especially admired her courage when she was dealing with the loss of her parents, husband, and son. She bore all that hurt with her own quiet dignity and grace.

And then I remember learning of her shenanigans on Retreat – dressing up as a Playboy bunny! (Jeanette has photos, if you need verification!) I loved it when she’d visit on the way to class – just ‘popping in’ she’d say, but there’s always be some biscuits, and gifts for my daughters too!

I remember how delighted Doreen was to be a granny. She had photos and stories – always proud of achievements, big or small. And she took pride in the achievements of her tutorial students in much the same way.

In class, she’d sometimes take a while to correct folk, and we’d groan. She’d chuckle, and say, “If you have the energy to grumble, you can hold it a bit longer! Resilience is needed!” And she’d often quip, “and over to the other side… by the way, that must be on my tombstone: ‘Gone to the other side!’ “

Ever ready with a hug, some wise, understated words or simply to listen, I often had the sense that she experienced genuine joy from watching the pleasure of others.

When she retired from working her day  job, she left Jabula … and left it to me. More generosity. She had this request: “Please keep it YYI; please keep encouraging new folk to be teachers!”

When I started tutorials and asked her how to plan them, hinting that I’d need some resources, she said, “Do it your way, in the spirit of the YYI.”

I only heard her express regret once – she had watched Even and I dance, and she said she wished she and her husband had had a chance to do ballroom, but his foot injury prevented this.

What a wonderful opportunity we had, when she turned 80, to surprise her for her birthday, and do a collection for her wish – a hot air balloon ride. Goodness, well done for co-ordinating this! Do you remember ALL those students and teachers gathering to pay homage to this legend?

Dearest Doreen, I hope that you are dancing and doing sun salutations up above. Namaste, friend, teacher, tutor. Thank you for changing so many of our lives.