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Welcome back to On the Light.

In this episode, I sit down with Kirsten Agar, who shares how she first came to Iyengar Yoga in her early twenties after years of intense academic study. What began with a simple weekly class soon became a central part of her life. Kirsten talks about her unforgettable encounter with Guruji at the 1993 Euro Yoga Convention and how his teachings shaped her practice. She reflects on the importance of spirituality, authenticity, and staying rooted in the tradition, and she shares moving stories from her time at RIMYI in Pune. We also talk about what it means to carry forward Guruji’s legacy through ongoing practice and community.

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Welcome back to On the Light.

In today’s episode Prashantji continues the discussion on practice where he tells us that practice is not something that should be belittled. It is necessary in our formative periods of our education. He says that any effort to be steady the citta is abhyasa. Then he goes on to explain Sadhana and the importance of Satsangha.

Please enjoy this very educational episode of On the Light. 

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In today’s episode, I ask Prashantji to help us understand the difference between practice and sadhana. He not only defines practice, but also shares why it’s so essential—and what it truly asks of us as yoga students.

I think you’ll find his perspective both clarifying and inspiring.

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Welcome back to On the Light. 

In this episode, I have a lively conversation with Tori Milner from the Iyengar Institute of New York. Tori shares about her introduction to  Iyengar Yoga, from her early influences at home to discovering Unity Woods Yoga Center and learning from John Schumacher and Mary Dunn. She also shares some significant experiences while studying in Pune with the Iyengar family. Additionally, Tori gives us a look ahead to the 2026 convention with Abhijata Iyengar, aimed at bringing together our large community to experience Iyengar Yoga with the theme: Cultivating Freedom.

If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. 

Today I’m honored to speak with Dr. Rajvi Mehta, a senior Iyengar Yoga teacher who began studying with Guruji in 1979. She’s been teaching at the Light on Yoga Research Trust in Mumbai since 1987 and is the creator and editor of Yoga Rahasya.

In our conversation, Rajvi shares how her family came into the practice of yoga and shares lessons and insights of her decades of study with Guruji. 

Please enjoy this rich and inspiring episode of On the Light.

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Today, I’m honored to share an illuminating conversation with Prashantji. In this episode, he reflects on how teaching in Mumbai exposed Guruji to Western students and how, had he remained in the South—where he could have taught in his mother tongue—the evolution of Iyengar Yoga might have taken a very different path.

He also offers insightful guidance on how we might approach a question many of us are asked: “What is Iyengar Yoga?”

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Dear listeners of On the Light,

This week, I’m taking a short pause to catch up on interviews and prepare new episodes, so there won’t be a new release today. Still, I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to share my heartfelt gratitude—for listening, for supporting the podcast, and for joining me on this journey.

On the Light launched in February 2024, after more than a year of reflection and planning. As a longtime podcast listener, I often wished for a space dedicated entirely to Guruji and Iyengar Yoga. With encouragement from friends, I finally looked into what it would take to bring this vision to life—and then took the plunge.

I’m especially grateful to Prashantji, whose generous support and deeply insightful interviews have been at the heart of this project. I also want to thank all of the teachers who’ve sat down with me to share their memories of Guruji and their reflections on this profound subject that connects us all. Each conversation has been a privilege and a learning experience, and I feel honored to host them.

To you—the listeners—thank you. Every time I check the podcast stats and see listeners tuning in from around the world, I’m truly humbled and inspired.

I also want to extend a heartfelt thanks to the editors who have generously volunteered their time and skills. I couldn’t do this without them.

While this podcast has never been a money-making venture, there are monthly costs involved. If you’re able to contribute a small monthly donation to help sustain the podcast, it would be deeply appreciated. A special thank you to Rebecca, Ruth, and Courtney for already stepping forward with your support!

Finally, if you have suggestions for teachers you’d love to hear from—or if you’d like to be interviewed yourself—please don’t hesitate to reach out. I can be reached at iywithsusan@gmail.com.

New episodes are on the way soon. In the meantime, thank you for being part of this unfolding journey.

With gratitude,
Susan

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Today I have a delightful conversation with John Schumacher.

John began practicing yoga in 1970 and teaching in 1973. A former professional musician, he was drawn to yoga through a deep interest in consciousness and transformation. In 1975, he encountered Light on Yoga, which eventually led him to study with B.K.S. Iyengar in India in 1981. That relationship profoundly shaped his practice, teaching, and life.

John is a certified Advanced Iyengar Yoga teacher and the founder of Unity Woods Yoga Center in Maryland. He has taught for over 40 years, leading workshops across the U.S. and internationally. 

In our conversation, John recalls the intensity of his first experience in Pune, as well as the sweet memories of hosting Guruji in his home. 

If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.

Namaskar

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Welcome back to On the Light. In this episode with Prashant Iyengar, he gives us a lot to consider about the proper approach to practice, and he gives us some insight into the difference between practice and Sadhana. He discusses the importance of pranayama and the pranayamic aspect in asana. 

For the listeners, I have an advantage with all of these interviews on the podcast, especially in the episodes with Prashantji, because through the process of preparing the episodes to go out, I get to listen to them multiple times. Through that process I pause the recording often and really contemplate what Sir is teaching us. As many of you know, Prashantji has a beautiful way of orchestrating the presentation of his teachings. If you don’t already do so, I encourage you to listen to the orchestration again and again, the same way you would listen to a musical masterpiece. 

If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.

Without further ado, please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure to be speaking with James Murphy. 

James began practicing Iyengar Yoga in 1988 and was a founding member of the Iyengar Yoga Institute of New York in 1992. He studied extensively in India with B.K.S. Iyengar, Geeta, and Prashant, making over 25 trips. A former professional dancer, James trained under Mary Dunn and assisted her until her passing. James teaches a wide range of classes at the institute from Level 1 to Level 4, Specific Needs, and a free weekly class for the LGBTQ community. He also mentors teachers through the Institute’s Teacher Education program. 

This was such a fun episode for me to record. I enjoyed Jame’s positive outlook. He is very humble and sweet and personable. 

If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a meaningful conversation with George Dovas. Originally from Australia, George moved to Hong Kong in 2001 where he is now the director of the Iyengar Yoga Centre.

I had the good fortune of meeting George this past January during my trip to Bellur for Prashantji’s teaching. One afternoon in the dining hall, my friend Sara Russell and I were searching for a place to sit for lunch. George, who was sitting with James Murphy, noticed us looking around and they kindly invited us to join them. Both George and James were warm, welcoming, and easy to talk to. We ended up having a great conversation AND I was able to get them to commit to interviews for the podcast! I felt like I left the table after lunch with two new friends … and I don’t say that lightly. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

If you’ve been enjoying On the Light and would like to support the podcast, consider making a small monthly donation. Your support helps cover production costs and allows me to continue sharing meaningful conversations like this one. Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference — and I’m truly grateful for your support.

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I ask Prashantji about the history of Iyengar Yoga. As always, he is able to take a mundane question and offers a response filled with depth and insight. In this conversation, he reflects on his father’s teaching and practice, offering a unique perspective that only he can provide. I’ve listened to this recording multiple times, and each time, I discover something new. I encourage you to listen closely — there’s a wealth of wisdom here. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Please consider supporting the podcast by making a monthly donation. ✨

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Stephanie Quirk. Stephanie shares the story of her first Iyengar Yoga class and the deep, lasting impact it had on her. Stephanie’s journey took her to the Iyengar Yoga Institute in Pune in the early 90s — a visit that turned into a two-decade stay. During that time, she gained a rare depth of insight into how the Iyengars taught and how Guruji approached his practice. In our conversation, Stephanie offers reflections on those teachings, along with personal stories and memorable interactions she had with Guruji.  I’m delighted to share this rich and thoughtful conversation with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

Please consider supporting the podcast by making a monthly donation. ✨

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In this episode of On the Light, I had the distinct honor of speaking with two of Guruji’s daughters: Vanita, the second eldest, and Savita, the youngest. It was a truly special conversation, and I was deeply moved by their warmth and generosity in sharing their time and stories. With grace and joy, they reflected on their parents’ lives, the profound role Geetaji played in their family, Savita’s journey in dance, their connection to music, and much more. I’m grateful to share this meaningful episode with you. Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s final episode of season 2, I have a delightful conversation with Patricia Walden. Patricia met BKS Iyengar in 1976.

In this interview, she shares memories and insights from her decades of experience studying under B.K.S. Iyengar. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a very engaging conversation with Joan White. Joan began her studies with BKS Iyengar in 1973. In this episode, Joan will talk about Guruji’s incredible power of observation, his continuum of practice over the years, how he loved to be a grandfather and much more.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, Prashantji discusses the auspiciousness of yoga. He explains anustanum and emphasizes that yoga is not merely about practice but also about exploration and understanding the self. He encourages us to aspire to a higher level of understanding in our practice of yog.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, I have a conversation with Faith Russell. Faith is a level 3 teacher at the Yoga Co-Op of Madison in Madison, Wisconsin. Faith talks about the unique way in which Guruji could teach us with such firmness and compassion. She also elaborates on the importance of being quiet and reflecting and how Geetaji advised her to “let the yoga seep in.” Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. In today’s episode, Lee and I had the pleasure of talking with Neeta Datta. Neeta is one of the few people who was fortunate enough to be able to study with Guruji from a very young age. Her father began taking classes from Guruji in the 70s and encouraged her and her siblings to go to yoga classes. Neeta was a reluctant teenager who didn’t want to go, but as you will hear her say, from that very first class with Guruji, she was hooked. Neeta shares many memories of Guruji that speak to his kindness, sensitivity, and forward-thinking. 

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In today’s episode I had the pleasure of talking with Bobby Clennell. Bobby began studying Iyengar Yoga in the early 70’s. Shes been teaching for over 30 years and has authored several books including, The Women’s Yoga Book: Asana and Pranayama, Yoga for Breast Care, and the children’s yoga book titled, Watch Me Do. Bobby is from London and currently lives and teaches in NYC. Bobby is an artist and in our conversation she talks about the relationship between yoga and art, as well as some very meaningful lessons she learned from Mr. Iyengar. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you do as well.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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In this episode Lee and I are joined by Prashant Iyengar. This interview took place on August 18, 2024 … a little over a month from today. When Prashantji joined the call he knew exactly what he wanted to talk about which is not unusual for him. In this episode Prashantji gives us a history of Iyengar Yoga and shares with us the ways in which Guruji was a revolutionary. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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Welcome back to On the Light. In this episode I have a very meaningful and inspiring conversation with Garth McLean. Garth was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1996. He shares with us how that unfortunate fate brought him to Iyengar Yoga. We hear about how the Iyengar Method helped him with his illness. We also hear Garth tell us about his first trip to Pune and his conversation with Guruji upon arrival. Throughout the years of traveling to RIMYI, Garth had many valuable lessons learned by Guruji, Geeta, and Prashant. In this episode Garth shares some of those special nuggets with us. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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In this episode I was able to sit down with Chris Saudek who I’m sure many of you are familiar with. Chris is an incredible teacher of yoga and resides in the La Crescent Minnesota and teaches across the river in LaCrosse Wisconsin.

In our talk Chris shares with us her unique journey into the Iyengar method as well as her first experience with Guruji in the practice hall. She also shares something that Guruji said to her in class that had a great impact on her teaching and how much yoga has influenced her life. 

Towards the end she gives some valuable advice to new teachers you won’t want to miss.

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Welcome to Season 2 of  "On the Light". I’m very happy to be releasing this special episode of an interview about Guruji given by his daughter, Geeta Iyengar. This interview took place in 2003. Kristin and Lee were in Pune for Guruji’s 85th birthday celebration. Our region was busy preparing for the 2004 convention that would be held here in Saint Paul. Neither Geetaji nor Guruji were able to attend, so Kristin and Lee had the idea to ask Geeta for an interview that could be shown at the convention. She generously accepted. You will only hear Geeta’s voice in this interview. Kristin and Lee wanted it to be that way. I think you’ll find as I did that hearing the questions isn’t necessary to be able to follow along with what she is speaking about. 

What you are hearing today is just the audio of the interview. Perhaps at some point we can release the video in some format. 

Please enjoy this episode of “On the Light”.

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Welcome to this episode of  "On the Light" a podcast dedicated to illuminating the profound teachings and legacy of Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar. 

Today we acknowledge Guruji’s 10 year Punyatithi. Lee and I were able to sit down with Prashant, as he tried to impart the greatness of his father and his life’s work. At one point in our talk he says that Guruji was as lofty as the Himalayas, and that if we can realize that it will increase our gratitude multi-folds. 

Please enjoy this special episode of On the Light

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In this final episode of season 1, I have a very rich conversation with  the grandson of BKS Iyengar, Srineet Sridharan. Srineet talks about how the practice of yoga was always in the family and how he remembers as a child going to Model Colony to take the children's classes at RIMYI. Srineet also talks about the scope of his own learning of the philosophy of yoga and the importance of culturing the mind.

Episode notes

Yoga Sutra Sessions at RIMYI

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. #iyengarpractice #iyengaryoga #bksiyengar #yogaphilosophy #yogainspiration#prashantji #prashantiyengar #rimyi #iynaus #onthelightpodcast 🕉️🪷🧘🏽‍♀️

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In this episode Prashantji tells us the colorful story of Guruji’s first flight on an airplane in May of 1954 . Guruji was going to Switzerland for a month to teach Yehudi Menuhin. Prashant recalls that day when the whole family went to the airport to see him off and what it was like for them. He was just 5 years old at the time. 

Prashant also explains to us how everyone can come under the tree of yoga. 

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In this episode I start out asking Prashant a question on Karma. I wanted to know if we are able to pick - up where we leave off from this life - in terms of our progress on our yoga spiritual journey. His answer is unsurprisingly profound and thought provoking. He explains … “if you have taken something from Adyatma - it will not betray you.”

We also hear Lee share a story of Guruji’s first experience traveling to the United States which gives us some perspective of the challenges he faced, especially in the earlier years of his teaching.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 🧘🏽‍♀️🕉️🧘🏼‍♂️🪷 #iyengaryoga #bksiyengar #yoga #geetajiiyengar #prashantiyengar #yogatherapeutics #rimyi #austinyoga  #iynaus #yogaphilosophy #bksiyengar

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In this episode I have a captivating conversation with Devon Dederich. I first met Devon when she, and other teachers, spoke on a panel to share their experiences around working with students in trauma. I also see her every Saturday morning during our Interactive Sessions with Prashant Iyengar on the Philosophy of Teaching Yoga. Both of these events hosted by IYNAUS. 

Devon is a Certified Iyengar Yoga Instructor and has been studying yoga since 1978. She  developed a neurological disorder which causes a vocal and respiratory tremor. In 2018 Devon went to Pune to study with Geetaji and Prashantji. Each of them had a unique and profound way of working with Devon which was transformative in her life and her yoga practice. Today Devon shares this fascinating experience and the lessons she learned, which are applicable  to all of us. 

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In this episode Lee starts out by posing the notion that just because we call something yoga, doesn’t mean it is yoga. Prashantji address this and points out that there is “unyoga” and “non-yoga”. He further goes on to explain that yoga must be learned from life conditions, and it should be for life conditions. 

You will also hear Prashant address my question about the teacher’s responsibility in preparing the students for the essential teachings of yoga. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light. 

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In this episode Lee and I are honored to meet with Prashant Iyengar again. Here you will hear Prashant talk about Guruji’s approach to teaching the students from the west, including how he taught violin player, Yehudi Menuhin, and other luminaries. He also discusses how when Guruji was practicing he would observe and experiment. He would make himself like a novice student so that he could better understand how to teach them. 

You will also hear Lee talk about how Guruji was the best host and the best guest. 

And, if you listened to episode 1, this is the episode where we hear why Krishnamacharya told Mr. Iyengar not to allow Prashant to read the Mundaka Upanishad.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.  

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In this episode I am joined by Firooza Razvi. Firooza began studying with Yogacharya BKS Iyengar in 1977, and with Geeta and Prashant Iyengar in 1979.

Firooza recently wrote the book titled, “Yoganjali, Quotes from the teachings of Prashant S. Iyengar”. You’ll hear us talking about the book and how she came to write it in the beginning of this episode. 

Firooza goes on to tell us about how she came to Iyengar Yoga, and what qualities she believed BKS Iyengar had that made him a Guru. 

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Thank you all for listening. I can’t tell you how overwhelming it is for me to see that people from all over the world are listening … but of course, considering the person we are speaking of, that is how it should be. I consider myself very fortunate to be in this position bringing these interviews to you.

These interviews with Prashant, like the one you’re going to hear today, started a year ago in March 2023. I am presenting them to you in the order that they were taken. The one you will hear today was given on July 30, 2023. When I started the interviews I didn’t know how I would use them. I was thinking maybe a documentary would come out of them, or maybe a podcast. It was after this interview that I decided on a podcast and I sort of sat on that idea for a while. Then at the end of 2023 I told Prashantji that I wanted to start a podcast and he gave me his blessing.

In our conversation today, Prashant begins by addressing a question I posed to him about metaphysics. And then he goes on to tell Lee and I about how it came about that Guruji would be turning out teachers. Listen and hear why Prashant tells us why he says that Guruji was an underprivileged yogacharya. 

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In this episode Lee and I have the great pleasure to be joined by Prashant Iyengar. Here Prashant expounds more on his fathers practice, explaining to us how there was not so much to watch in terms of Guruji’s practice, but rather much to understand. And he begins to tell us what Guruji meant by saying that he was a philosopher when he practiced. 

Prashant also gives us insight into his family's lineage going as far back as 15 generations. 

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

https://iynaus.org/media/

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In this episode I am joined by Gulnaaz Dashti, a dynamic and seasoned Iyengar Yoga teacher at the Ramamani Iyengar Memorial Yoga Institute in Pune.  

Gulzaaz Dashti’s immersion into the world of yoga began in 1990. She was encouraged to come to the Institute by her brother, Ali. On that day, Gulnaaz embarked on a path that would shape her life in profound ways.

Here, Gulnaaz explains how Guruji was able to teach to the caliber of each student in front of him, and how Geetaji helped her in a motherly way to understand her fathers teachings. 

Additionally, Gulnaaz shares some tender memories of Guruji outside of the practice hall.

Please enjoy Gulnaaz Dashti on this episode of “On the Light”

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In this episode Lee and I are honored to be joined again by Prashant Iyengar. Here, Prashantji shares the fascinating arc of Guruji's practice. He tells us how Guruji initially learned the asanas, drawing solely from his own personal experimentation. Through Prashant's narrative, we gain a deeper understanding of Guruji's relentless dedication to perfecting each posture.

Additionally, Prashant sheds light on how Guruji came to write his seminal work, "Light on Yoga." He shares the profound realization Guruji had about the depth of knowledge he needed to acquire before undertaking such a monumental task.

Please enjoy this episode of On the Light.

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In this first episode, I'm thrilled to be joined by my co-host, Lee Sverkerson, as we embark on a captivating journey through the early years of the legendary B.K.S. Iyengar. In this special episode, we have the honor of interviewing Prashant Iyengar, son of the BKS Iyengar, as he shares intimate insights into his father's formative years.

Join us as we shine a light on the early years of B.K.S. Iyengar’s extraordinary life.

Please enjoy On the Light.

Please consider supporting the podcast by making a monthly donation. ✨

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