Sheila arranged for Peter to teach retreats at Launde Abbey near her home in Leicestershire, and for many years he came twice-yearly, as her teacher and friend. She encouraged her students and colleagues to meet and learn from Peter, thus creating a vibrant and curious ‘Peter’ community. Study groups were set up, including the ‘viveka group’, which met for several years both in England and, later, at the beautiful Auberge du Cèdre in Lauret.

After Peter’s death in 2016, Sheila worked tirelessly to keep the flame of his teaching alive. She was instrumental in the production of The Living Breath, the English-language version of Peter’s book La Chair Vivante, creating the cover illustration and recreating Peter’s drawings and diagrams in her own hand. She had a unique insight into the book, having been a participant in the original 2002 retreat on which the book is based.

Sheila felt the magic in Peter’s approach to yoga, and she sprinkled the book with liberal doses of what she called ‘fairy-dust’ – wonderful words and expressions of his, spiced up with her gorgeous drawings.

Sheila was always an artist: she taught art at the university near her home for decades, and wove her love of colour, texture and shape into her yoga teaching. She was adored as a teacher of yoga, and was a true friend to her students. She also loved India, and organised twice-yearly retreats in India for her students. Her sense of style and her robust love of life never left her.

Her diagnosis of an aggressive form of leukaemia late in 2022 was a massive blow, which she responded to with all her characteristic inner strength. Her yoga was a huge support right to the end, and her capacity to use all her strength for her inner journey was remarkable – a true pratiprasava.

She will be greatly missed. Shine on, Sheila!

Eleanor Dawson