Yes, it's THAT good...
"Where do I begin? What do I say? Whatever I say, the results have been MORE... more beyond my ability with words.
A little about me. I am 63 years old and had back surgery in April 2009. After surgery the prognosis was that I would probably need further surgery within the year.
I continued to struggle with pain. December 2009 was cold. I was tired (Christmas) and I continued to experience a great deal of physical pain. I participated in 4 Embodiment Sessions at the suggestion of a friend. I did not know what they were but trusted my friend. I met Theresa and she worked her magic. It felt like she was completely focused on me. She worked very hard for me and my job was simply to Breathe, "Soften" and Be. I could do that. I would go into sessions experiencing pain and would leave with no pain. Yes, it would eventually return, but I experienced Immediate Relief. What more could I ask for? Well, apparently more was in store for me.
I was out of state on vacation in January and February, hoping some warm weather and swimming would help my back situation. It didn't really do the trick, so upon my return in March, I began weekly Yoga Therapy with Theresa. She taught me in her competent, calm, quiet way. She placed my body into alignment (apparently that was new to my body!), and she gently held my poses (asanas) for me. Of course there was the Bliss I experienced in the relaxation pose, Shavasana...... Ahhhhh. She taught me how to breathe (Ujjayi Pranayama). How basic is that? Relax, Breathe, Be.
I expanded this to home. I began doing my Breathing 20 minutes twice a day at home and began a brief home practice. Well, to be honest it wasn't brief, because I was holding the poses for longer than necessary because they felt so good to my body. Gentle stretches and releases.
I have much less back pain and often none at all. My neck used to crack, pop, and hurt most of the time, but not anymore. I used to take a handful of prescription medications - now I need none at all. I just rode in a 42 mile bike ride with my son and had a glorious time. Lots of my friends thought I was crazy to think about biking that distance. Svaroopa® Yoga and Theresa changed my attitude to "I think I can do this, I will try". I am not sure how that change occurred; there were no 'pep' talks, but the stress release seemed to make room for more positive energy.
The changes have been profound - not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually, as well. I notice that I am even more confident now, self accepting, peaceful, calm, open, happy kind and joyful than I have ever been in my life. My life is richer. I am pursuing interests I have been too tentative to explore. I am not braver, I am just not scared. I feel confident that I am able to manage whatever comes my way. It is a lovely feeling.
I recently saw my back surgeon on a follow up visit, and he was amazed at the changes to my body and how much I've improved in just the last few months. Also, I had lost two inches in height last year from the surgeries and recovery. I have since gained back a full inch from just a few months of yoga therapy and weekly classes!
I am not sure how these changes have happened, but I do know that I owe a Generous Thank You to the friend who suggested I try Embodyment® Yoga Therapy with Theresa; Deep Appreciation and Gratitude to Theresa at The Yoga Within for her strong, skillful, gentle approach, and Deep Appreciation for Svaroopa® Yoga that does what it does so quietly and so well."
~ Sheila Tennyson
Svaroopa® and Embodyment® are registered service marks of S.T.C., Inc., used under license.
