TESTIMONIALS

\Testimonials from our past and current students... if you have a comment you feel would benefit others, please email me and I will be honored to post it here.

I wanted to take a moment to let you know how thankful I am for you and your studio. As I was saying last Thursday, I have honestly been transformed by yoga. I had taken a few classes about ten years ago down in Los Angeles and enjoyed trying something new, but quickly got consumed with life. I moved back home to Redding in 2001 and cannot honestly believe I never walked in your doors until January of this year. I started taking classes from my friend in September so I could have some "me" time after having my second child. When I started yoga, I had a hip injury from delivering my son six months prior. By the end of each evening, I was in pain with each step. I could not touch my toes. I could not bring my knees to my chest. And I could not believe how quickly I improved. Within three months I was pain free and not only touching my toes, but grabbing the backs of my feet. Even before my injury, I had never been able to do that. My baby weight started melting off (25 pounds to be exact), my skin improved and I loved getting to show off my new muscles! Now, I find myself challenged physically every week, doing things I never dreamed I could do.

All of my life, I thought that gymnasts had some gene that allowed them to flip upside down. I never wanted to dive, go on roller coasters, or do cartwheels as a child because I didn't trust my body. When you assured me that I could indeed do an inversion, a whole host of changes began to occur. I had boundless energy! I began to trust my body, to trust myself in all areas of my life. By turning upside down, my world turned upside down. And these are only the physical changes that yoga brought into my life.

I also noticed that I was more calm in the face of challenges and fearful situations. After being petrified of flying since 9/11, I took a trip to New York, by myself, to surprise my brother for his 30th birthday. I practiced my yoga breathing the entire flight. It is a memory I will always cherish. I stopped putting my life on hold because of fear. I became a better mother to my children. I found myself present in our "play time" and with enough energy to make it to the end of the day feeling whole, not depleted. I became a better wife, learning how to communicate better with my husband and to enjoy "the now". I am able to care for my family in the way that I envision because I feel satisfied, I feel sufficient with who I am.

I cannot think of an area in my life that hasn't been altered in a positive way. I believe it to be a direct result of practicing yoga...of carving out time for myself each week to stop, to connect, to heal, to challenge, to love myself. Nancy, I cannot thank you enough for your guidance, for sharing your wisdom and your joy, for challenging me, for letting me be still, for your open doors. I am not the same person that I was when I first walked through them.

One final thought, I'm not sure what the prerequisites would be for a "teacher training" but I am interested in learning all that I can. Thank you and I'll see you in class!

July 2006... My father in law, who have never done yoga, was watching my new DVD and at first his foot started to move then he ended up on the floor following the practice. He was so spontaneous in his participation that I had tears in my eyes! My brother in law also did the entire practice (he has not done yoga either) and felt muscles the next day he had long forgotten about. What a pure delight to see people inspired to start yoga through my new DVD. I hope you are too!. Namaste, Nancy

\ I started yoga about 5 years ago after many years of aerobics and dance. I came to the practice primarily out of vanity and wanting to stay "in shape". I had my doubts since yoga isn't as aerobic as what I was used to. A dear friend convinced me to try a class or two.

I was happy to find that my muscles were just as strong or stronger, and that I was still "in shape" after doing yoga. A chronic lower back ache subsided, probably because of strengthening my abdominal and back muscles. And most happily, bouts of stress incontinence disappeared. Again--all that muscle tightening!

But more has happened for me, or within me. My ability to calm and to think has grown. It is hard to define the inner benefits of yoga practice, but there is inner growth and thoughtfulness that occurs if you let it. The lessons of yoga carry in to my daily life. For example, finding the comfort and steadiness in each pose--I try to think about where I find that same comfort and steadiness in good and bad times.

Yoga has been a positive addition to my life, and I'm sure I will continue for some time to come.

Sincerely, Roblee Irvine

Redding, Ca

\ I am a 48 year old male... always wanted to-never did, type of yoga person... finally I have tried yoga.................what a great discipline!!!!!! It is much more than I thought it would be (it goes way beyond just flexibility). Nancy and the other instructors have made this a wonderful beginning. The self-consciousness that came with the initial classes goes away quickly........... I have attended approximately 12-15 sessions (just a beginner).... and have noticeable changes in my flexibility.

I originally came for back and neck discomfort...... I have had noticeable relief from this pain. Yoga has really helped me be active in my own health care. I can and do make a difference in how I feel.

Thanks Nancy for providing such a clean, healthy and affordable place for my intro to yoga.

\ I attribute my improved knees to yoga--and it's not as though I even practice every day. I have degenerative arthritis in my knees and had surgery on both nearly 8 years ago. The doctor told me that I would probably need to come back for more meniscus clean-up within a few years, and that my walking days were pretty much over. The strength and flexibility gained from yoga has made it possible for me to hike again and to walk 18 holes of golf. Yoga is about quality of life--in multiple ways! Thanks for making it so enjoyable and accessible.
Judy Smith

I started practicing Iyengar Yoga, 10 years ago at the age of 50. I started rather slow, but within 3-6 months, I was totally "hooked" on this wonderful exercise form. My personal mantra is "patience with myself", due to many little aches and areas of my body that don't want to do what my mind thinks they can do. When you treat yourself carefully and go at your own pace, (not anyone else's), the benefits of yoga practice are tremendous. My physical strength, flexibility, and breathing capacity are better than they ever were. Also, the meditation techniques greatly improve one's mental outlook especially as it relates to the "aging" process and exercise.

Another benefit of yoga, is that you can easily practice many of the poses or asanas, at home or when on vacation, and keep up with your practice even though you may not be able to attend a class.

I commend Nancy for taking on a new career activity for herself and getting trained specifically in many areas of yoga as well as yoga therapy. She is a huge asset to this community and works very hard to meet the needs of many of us. I thank her and all my yoga teachers for this wonderful opportunity to stay healthy practicing yoga.

\ It has been 2 1/2 years ago when I first met Mark and he suggested that I consider Yoga as a part of my life-style change, as I was recovering from Bariatric surgery. At that time I think I probably thought to myself, "yeah, right!” and never gave it another thought. What a complicated web life weaves. I underwent a wonderful transformation, and lost 140#. I could actually see my toes! I dug into the exercise routine with a passion, dedicated to becoming a new, healthier "me" and panic-stricken lest I regain even one ounce of my former self. I felt great.

Yet, one day my neck developed a crick for no certain reason. One thing lead to another and I needed emergency neck surgery for a slipped disc, (or two). Quick recovery. Not another thought. But then a few months later, the pain and numbness crept back. Fine, I though. We'll just go back to the OR (operating room) and that will be that. WRONG: nothing surgical was evident.

I listened, skeptically, to my physician, (to whom I will be eternally grateful), when she prescribed Yoga to treat my symptoms. I came to your yoga studio to try to learn how to battle the pain. Low and behold, it helped. More than that, it gave me permission to take care of myself, instead of everyone else. And it has helped me to realize that in taking care of myself, I can actually take care of others in a much better fashion. It took me a lifetime to realize this simple lesson, and more importantly, to incorporate that knowledge into a lifestyle change. Now you can't keep me away from Yoga. I'm hooked.

You (Nancy) have said may a time that pain has a message for us; but can we hear the message? I am learning how to listen but it takes the fine tuning of savasana to really hear, I am discovering, It turns out that Yoga exercise really does help manage pain. I guess it is probably endorphins or something we as yet can't quantitate scientifically. I know that most of the time my pain level drops dramatically after an hour of practice, be it vigorous or restorative. My pain is not gone, nor will it ever be, most likely. I have tried just about everything that Western science has to offer with mixed results. But it is clear that Yoga, for me, stands above all those other treatments in its consistent positive benefits, not just physically but mentally and spiritually as well.

Finally, I have to say that I am certain my first exposure to Yoga would not have been as positive if you had not been the teacher. If, instead, you were an androgynous twenty-something barking out poses from a microphone to the beat of theme-based 80's Pop music, I, no doubt, would still be at the gym with tight (er) hamstrings. I really appreciate your knowledgeable oversight of my practice, directing my recovery and helping me prevent any future injury.

So my thanks go out to you and your teachers, for the overall Yoga experience that you offer. It truly does touch the mind, body and soul, with light from within emanating brightly. (PS: I still think that Yoginis sounds like a Greek sandwich! - Oh well!)

\ I look forward to my annual visit to my in-laws in Redding because I have the chance to drop-in on classes at the House of Yoga.

Like in many of the best studios, when I visit the House of Yoga, I feel like I have come home. You have some truly magnificent teachers who practice what they preach.

\ I started doing yoga in 1998, at Redding Fitness Ctr. Since then I have attended many different yoga classes: in Berkeley, New York (4 different places), Paris and Ferrara, Italy. And my favorite yoga place is…..The House of Yoga in Redding.

* The room is quiet and clean, doesn’t smell of dirty socks, and is used only for yoga. Every conceivable yoga prop is provided.

* Classes are taught by yoga ( not aerobics!) teachers trained in different types of yoga who are continually going to workshops and classes so as to

* The level of a class is always tailored to the students present and their needs on that day. We often discuss health and lifestyle issues.

* The background music (or chant or bells) is yoga-appropriate, never loud, distracting or pop-annoying.

I thank you and the other teachers - Silke, Nayla, Marcia - for being so enthusiastic for yoga. It is contagious! We are eager to learn.

Yoga is as good for my mind as it is for my body. It reduces stress, increases flexibility of muscles and joints (O.A.), increases strength and stamina, reduces body weight and increases vital exchange of O₂ in, and CO₂out. Long live 3-part breath and devoted teachers!

Send mail to nancysp at nshouseofyoga.com with questions or comments about this web site. Last modified: 05/12/08

Send mail to nancysp at nshouseofyoga.com with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: 05/12/08