Quotes from satisfied clients

Hiyala and Classmate's integrity of the practice and philosophy of yoga was inspiring, grounding and created a warm inviting space for connecting to self and others. Joanna Rojas, Emma B Howe ymca student

Hiyala is superb! She really helps us with poses without pressure of doing more than we're able.

Yoga and my breast cancer journey. When I recovered from breast cancer surgery, I knew that I wanted to continue yoga, and so when cancer treatment began the past fall, I signed up for classes with Hiyala at Body Prayers Yoga and Massage Studio. The asanas helped me to connect to 'normal life' when chemotherapy was eliminating cancer cells as well as healthy ones. The asanas lifted me out of the haze of strong chemicals and gave me a mind and body connection. As I would relax, energy moved through my body and I felt positive and more alive. Hiyala gave me a visualization that I used many times during treatments and want to contiue to use as a cancer survivor: "I love my breasts, I love my body. I am cancer free and getting better every day. Healing energy is flowing through my body with every breath I take." This has helped me to think positively about my body and it's capacity to heal, along with by spiritual connection. I consider Hiyala a wonderful teacher and friend. Bette Larson ,retired

I wanted to mention also how yoga has helped me through some of this time. I have had some lung involvement first with pneumonia and then the lupus. I am still testing out well on the respiratory involvement though. I think that is because I can breathe more deeply and utilize more areas of my lungs. I hope this bad boy medication takes hold soon and I can do more things. It is hard going from being so active to being so weak. I am maintaining a positive attitude and will get on top of this. Carolyn, retired

I fell down my back stairs last night and sprained my ankle. Am in an air cast and limping. I regret to say I will miss this Wednesday's class. I wanted to also take the time to tell you how greatful I am to be one of your students. You push me gently and make me have faith in myself that I can do things I never thought I could/would do. Thankyou!!! Judy Rasmussen, RN

Spiritual Growth: I wanted to get this book on Hinduism and Christianity back to you The author certainly makes some very good points. I think the highest expression of all religions points towards a core of universal truths. If people looked more for this common ground the world would be a lot better off. A while back you asked me what I wanted to get out of yoga. I said something about wanting to know God in a more experiential, less conceptual way. That is happening. Well, it had already been happening, but it is happening even more now. You are definitely a part of this changing in my life, in that you have helped me move toward a spiritual practice that is less obligation and more opportunity and journey. You've been able to do this because you have a very matter of fact, gentle, open way of teaching and leading. Also, you have a lot of knowledge to pass on. So Thank you! Frank Stafford Davis, Presbyterian Minister and author of Jordan's Near Side

For me, the activities last night were moderately difficult. I did feel comfortable just doing what was comfortable and I did feel non-competitive (not usual for me) so that helped make it a positive experience for me. My shoulders were a little sore - that's where I carry a lot of my tension. I am looking forward to continuing and learning more so I can participate in yoga more than once a week. When I left last night I felt refreshed and it felt like I could feel the oxygen going through my body. I am overweight and so my body awareness is weak and paying attention to it is a goal of mine. Your non-threatening way of approaching the class was welcome. See you next week. Jeanne Kelley

From a male client who contacted me for massage. Because of the ambiguous nature of massage, I have to make sure that my clients are coming to me for therapeutic massage, so I usually ask what is the reason they are coming for massage? This man's reply was so well put that I asked if I could share it with you on my website:Over the past six months or so I've been refocusing on taking better care of myself. More of what's good, less of what's bad. My wife goes for a massage somewhat regularly, and thought it would be a good complement to my overall program of better health. I've also been spending a bit more time thinking about spirituality, and I found your web site interesting. Stressful times at work have me feeling I need to spend some of my energies elsewhere.

from a student who decided one session to try a pilates class at a different location: I liked the pilates but wasn't impressed with the class. The instructor is young & teaches full-time at Bally's. She used a headset microphone to be heard & had music blasting throughout the exercise time. During the yoga part it was okay, nice music, but for the pilates it was faster & way too loud--I finally had to ask her to turn it down because I couldn't hear her at all. She seems nice but is very heath-clubby & lacks your charm, charisma & lovely voice. I hope you know what a great teacher you are--I'm totally spoiled by your style & if my first yoga class had been like this one instead of yours I'm sure I never would have stayed with it. Thanks, dear you.
Valerie

I don't believe that you should feel a need to match the lowest price that a client finds in the marketplace. A relationship with a massage therapist is far more than the dollar amount of the service. I can't think of many services that are more dependent on the connection between provider and client, and the techniques used are certainly a distinguishing factor that is not driven by price. Businesses constantly try to differentiate themselves by quality and service, but few have the opportunity to provide as much distinction as you have in your profession.

I was looking back in my DayMinder trying to accurately recall when/how our paths crossed. It was March 12, 2004 when I was in a minor car accident. I then began to regularly see my chiropractor and have weekly massages. Since then, I see my chiropractor regularly and receive a monthly massage straight from your heavenly hands.

In the meantime, this lovely person with her heavenly hands, was telling me all the benefits from practicing Yoga. The first thing I thought of was the TV show, Greg and Dharma. Well, Dharma is/was a good person so I was a little less skeptical. However, there were still 3 major reasons why I should NOT do Yoga:

1 - I am a Christian which means I love Jesus with all my heart, mind,soul and strength.

2 - Have a traumatic brain injury which has given me many physical challenges.

My concerns about Yoga have been slowly but surely dissolved since my first class. Hiyala focuses on each individual and adresses the needs and concerns of everybody.

1 - For me, she has been careful NOT to mix Yoga with a religious belief or statement.

2 - Due to my Traumatic Brain Injury, my balance is basically gone. Hiyala is constantly thinking and improvising for me so I am reaping all the physical benefits from Yoga. I have never felt more complete !! She has taught me how to relax. She has made my life an art to living.

3 - Although I am the only man in the class most of the time, Hiyala makes it very comfortable for everybody. This is done through group class discussion and one on one communication.