I joined Alex's Yoga class this year, and I had to write to tell you about my experience. Alex is an absolutely wonderful, caring, knowledgeable instructor, and is a fantastic guide and teacher. This class has changed my life. At the very first session, I was welcomed by Alex and other members, and instantly put at ease. Any anxiety I felt was lifted away as Alex started the class and explained how we should approach the study and practice of Yoga. The class itself was challenging, particularly as I have not done much exercise in years (!), but when I left, I was completely relaxed... yet exhilarated. That night I made a promise to myself to complete the 10 weeks. The benefits of this class have been surprising. I joined this class thinking that Yoga would be a starting point towards a more active lifestyle, and I had hoped that I might lose weight and look great. What I did not anticipate is that Yoga would change more than just my physical appearance. My stress levels have decreased significantly, I am more productive at work, and I am more relaxed at home. I have renewed energy levels, both physical and mental, and I am more positive and feel highly motivated. In these past few weeks, my injured ankles feel stronger and I walk with a more confident stride. My body is changing. I have not lost weight (yet), but i have gained physical strength and have renewed confidence in my appearance. I know I have a long way to go, but for the first time, I feel that a healthy body, mind and spirit is an achievable goal. Thank you for making Yoga with Alex available to York staff like myself, and thanks to you and your staff for all the hard work and struggles that you endure to be able to bring these types of programs to the York community. York University staff member *************************************** I loved the class today, I truly enjoyed it. It felt intense and very very engaging for me. To be honest, I always enjoy your classes. Since the first class I attended to, I leave the place in such an open and positive mood, feeling longer ( taller? ) and truly with more space in me. I can't stop smiling with that relaxed feeling on my face. B.C.   ****************************   Dear Alex, Since I started doing yoga with you as my rehabilitation from my neck injury, I’ve regained an incredible amount of strength and stamina. I am even able to ride my bicycle again for the first time this year. That just goes to prove that an operation is not always the answer. From being unable to use my arms and legs at all for 8 months, unable to sign my name, unable to sleep – my life has changed around. I’ve lost 35 pounds, I work 8-10 hour workdays doing renovations, and I am able to deal with my chronic pain. Thank you for your patience and your enthusiasm. I hope you will continue to be my teacher. Irving   ***************************************   I always look forward to the next class, because I love the calmness you "radiate" to your students. Your voice, the things you say that relate our experience of the body to the mind and the soul, the little details you keep reminding of and the way you're accepting the way we are (and want us to accept our bodies in terms of its limitations) but at the same time being genuinely interested in seeing us improve and challenge ourselves a bit are all wonderful things that add so much to a yoga experience - besides the stretches; which I love. They feel deep while doing, they are totally engaging, and I feel them in my muscles the next couple of days (a bit like sourness but they don't hurt like that and it just reminds me that I moved and used parts of my body which I don't normally use) and that feeling is so good!   York student   ******************************* All of the postures seemed to add up today, like they matched whatever I felt, or transformed it somehow. The meditation at the end, the little ball of sun in front of my third eye region - I felt like I took it in to my heart center and I felt the warmth spread to my body, and that became part of me too. I was able to practice without any judgement, just in terms of inner strength, with total calmness, experiencing the moment and the body at that time. I was amazed with myself and my focus during the class, I felt I performed much better; at least at a different "level of consciousness" I must say. It was like my body teaching my brain, and now my brain accepts it as a part of its experience and gladly welcomes it in times it needs. Alex, thank you for the wonderful classes and sharing your positive spirit with people around you. Psychology Doctoral Candidate **********************************