When my teacher and my teachers' teacher, Sri K Pattabhi Jois, left his earthly body earlier this week I had a hard time describing my feelings. Tradition says sadness and mourning are the course when someone dies, but I did not recognize that feeling when I heard the news. The best word I could use to describe my initial reaction is "peacefulness."

Guruji was 94 at the time of his passing. He was a lifelong practitioner of yoga and scholar of the sacred teachings of yoga. When I was studying at his school in India in 2007, he was no longer teaching on a daily basis, and I am not sure what his asana practice was at that stage of his life. He would, however, spend each afternoon in his office reading, studying, and taking visitors. Even after the age of 90 he was a student, teacher and practitioner of yoga.

We are taught in the yoga sutras that one of the five causes of suffering is "abhinivesa." This word is translated as "fear of death" in some translations, but I have also seen it translated as fear of "the loss of continuity." For me, this is one of the essential lessons of a yoga practice.

We become attached to things the way they are and want them to persist. It may be apparent in something as simple as attachment to where you place your mat during your yoga class - that feeling of being annoyed when someone takes your spot. At the other end of the spectrum we are attached to our life, our friends and our family and do not want to accept the natural progression that we will all die i.e. leave our physical bodies. This is one of the few things (if not the only thing!) that does not change.

Through my practice, I am learning to step back from that which I cannot control and let go and just be with "what is." I imagine Guruji had mastered this idea and was very comfortable with the knowledge that at the age of 94 he was near the end of this life. I also imagine that his family, who are all long time yogis, are also more accomplished at overcoming abhinivesa than most. For this reason, I think Guruji must have been at peace in his last days and last moments.

After a few days of digesting the news, I am left with feelings of gratitude. I feel so fortunate to have been able to learn from this great teacher, and be a small part of the lineage of teachers, bringing the teachings of yoga to my community.

It may sound morbid, but for me, the practice of yoga is about preparing for death. I practice yoga hoping to find peace of mind when I am faced with the loss of my loved ones as well as my own earthly life.