TESTIMONIALS ABOUT BENEFITS OF PARTICIPATING IN A BOOK GROUP & YOGA CLASSES WITH ME
"I had the pleasure of particpating in a 10 week book group facilitated by Shelley after her Tuesday Yoga class at St Mary's Church. Shelley's unique spirit and all-inclusive nature created an opportunity for rich, dynamic conversation each week. "The Yamas and Niyamas" by Deborah Adele discussed topics such as Non-violence, Truthfulness, Non-Excess, Non-Possessiveness, Contentment , Purity, Surrender and how they relate to living life, which made the 10 weeks a spiritual experience. The benefits were numerous but the most significant for me was my yoga practice now has a strong spiritual component. It was my first experience with such a forum and I could not be more pleased that I made the consistent commitment to attend and spending the time with like-minded yogis."
~D.L.
"Shelley's book group following yoga is an oasis of discovery and fellowship for anyone on a spiritual journey of searching for meaning and truth in your life."
~P.C.
"I enjoyed reading the book Yamas & Niyamas self help book. The book guided me during my self study, learning more about yoga and myself. I especially enjoyed the once a week discussion time with a small group of wonderful, powerful, strong women. We shared our thoughts, our life time stories, our own experiences and we prayed for each other. I gained peace, clarity and calmness in my every day living, called the journey in life."
~J.M.
"It is amazing what a book can do......I came to Shelley's yoga classes in the middle of the winter and a few weeks later she proposed a book group on Deborah Adele "Yamas and Niyamas. I accepted to be part of it because I really enjoy how Shelley presents practicing yoga and I trusted that being part of a book group under her guidance could only be beneficial. I always wanted to deepen my knowledge on the limbs of yoga and how they are applied to daily life and this seemed a really nice opportunity. After the first meeting, I immediately found out that reading and discussing this book in Shelley's group, was not just about knowledge. The way Shelley conducted the group made each of the discussions like an eye opening self-study. When I started this group I was stuck in a place where I felt powerless. At the meeting for the last chapter I found myself with new supportive friends and a calmer spirit. Thanks to Shelley I have learned that by truly practicing the yoga ethical precepts, every burden becomes more bearable and every positive experience becomes more joyful."
~F.M.
"I really didn't know what to expect when Shelley offered to gather a group to read and discuss a book on the principles of yoga. After the first discussion I was hooked and every week found myself looking forward to sitting with this group of kind and insightful people. More importantly, I found myself looking at my life differently and have learned to embrace my journey and everything it has to offer."
Yoga has helped me find a balance in my life that I could never accomplish on my own. Being in my mid-twenties, I face many stresses of life that they do not teach you to cope with throughout and after college. The practice was a great way to find myself and deal with everyday stress. Shelley has such a way about her that made me feel confident in every move.
I did not know what to expect as a first-time yogi, but I soon realized that it was a great way to release yourself and an easy form of meditation (focusing on different positions for moments at a time). I plan on incorporating Yoga into my everyday life and hope to join Shelley in her classes on the beach next summer! Thank you so much for introducing me to Yoga!
My salvation from Chemotherapy has been my yoga classes. There have been days, after completing chemo, that I have had to get a ride to class because I did not feel well enough to drive. Reborn after class however, I felt well enough to walk home!
Classes with Shelley have been rejuvenating, spiritually, emotionally and physically. I will seek another class this winter, but know that I will miss Shelley dearly. Her gentle guidance and loving, serene demeanor are truly one of a kind.
~Kathy H.
"Shelley is an inspiring teacher, she is prepared and creative and her lessons stick with you- on and off the mat”.
~Beth
~Kathy B
~Meg
"I met Shelley three years ago and cannot even begin to imagine where my yoga practice would be if I had not met her and taken a Gentle Yoga class. I have experienced so much personal growth, physical strength and emotional gratitude from Shelley that I am forever “grateful”. Shelley continues to educate me in the practice of yoga – on and off my mat. She has also brought in wonderful instructors to her studio that have added value to the classes that are offered. Every instructor I have taken a class from is fabulous in their own individual way and it is inspiring on so many levels to be a part of Valley Yoga." ~ Namaste’ "
~S.B.
"Since I started yoga with Shelley, she has exuded such kindness and joy while helping her students achieve their personal goals through her gentle, thoughtful guidance. I can't thank her enough for helping me find my inner strength and peace after experiencing life altering family issues. Yoga has become such a big part of how I feel connected within, spiritually and with others. Valley Yoga provides this intimate space for class and a feeling of gratitude when class is over."
~S.B.