Testimonials

I have always felt so much better physically and emotionally after Valerie’s classes. I appreciate the pace, the clear instruction for what to adjust in each pose, and even the affirmations and readings (which I actually wouldn't have expected to enjoy so much). I recall one reading that particularly resonated with me – something about boats and harbours and being adventurous enough to leave a safe harbour...  I'm a novice sailor who has been challenged to learn about sailing on a big boat, so your reading that day really hit home.

CVW

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Every time I have the opportunity and privilege to observe one of Valerie’s classes I learn something I hadn't quite connected before. Today my big observation was that, when she teaches, she has an evenness to her movement, from beginning to end, and it does not discriminate between posture/pose or transitions around them – this is what really impacted me today. I watched the group and saw myself in sometimes interrupting my flow with a determination to "get to" a particular pose. I realized today, how deeply rich and valuable the spaces are between poses, although our minds can dictate otherwise. I went on to write, "The pose is not the destination – the overall process is like one unending breath-borne journey...it's not the getting to...but the being with...".

Thank you so much for today's class.

K, Trainee Yoga Teacher

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Thank you for a wonderful class today. For me, your classes are like a sphere, rich and beautifully rounded in holistic attentiveness to mind, body and spirit.

AI

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Today was an exceptionally lovely class. It’s teased muscles I haven’t used in years. I have left it feeling generous of heart, fierce of mind and brave of spirit. Thank you for this wonderful hour of sunshine every week in an often bleak time. You have a spiritual aura that calms my soul.

RM

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I really like the pace of the class. I like holding poses and not rushing. I like that you change the routine somewhat every class. That stretches us more in different areas which I'm sure we all need. Also you give alternate ways of doing the poses for anyone who has a challenge. I like the affirmations as well. You are a very relaxed and friendly instructor which creates a pleasant class. I look forward to in-person classes, hopefully soon!

JD

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I have been attending Valerie's Hatha Yoga class for about seventeen years and have experienced much improvement in my muscle flexibility and strength. Her class is based on gentle, slow movement and postures that encourage full use of the breath to gradually deepen the stretching or strengthening.

Valerie's detailed instruction not only gives correct alignment of the body, but absolutely the best lessons in body awareness I have ever experienced. For example, I learned to activate the thigh muscle by pulling up the kneecap, or to be feeling the triceps and the abs while in plank posture.

This type of mental exercise allows you to really come into the moment – listen, focus and be present in your own body. I think this awareness is the most important and unique contribution she has made to me – I am far more connected to my body and then have the option to move a little more deeply into a particular pose in order to work those muscles.

Valerie creates a kind, safe and gentle atmosphere of ease and quiet, making each class one of hard work, relaxation and in the end, produces a feeling of well-being.

HK 

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I have been taking Valerie's yoga class twice a week for about twenty years. The teacher of my previous class took a long summer break one year, and I needed something to fill the gap. My daughter was home from university that summer and I gave her the job of finding us a class to attend. The first class we tried was taught by Valerie and I knew we had found a treasure. Valerie is a born teacher. She readily adapts the class to suit the level of ability on any particular day and yet the class remains challenging and satisfying. I can't imagine practicing with anyone else.

AC

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We have been thoroughly enjoyed doing Valerie's class. Her precise and thoughtful instruction is always delivered with a gentleness and openness that encourages you to listen to your body. Her mantras that accompany the postures succeed in bringing us from the scattered thoughts that occupy most of our day, to a focused peace that is so necessary in our busy lives. We would highly recommend her classes to anyone looking for focused and guided instruction that is grounded in a comforting and trustworthy leader. 

M & S

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You are amazing, Valerie . I appreciate you pointing out the ways to modify the positions correctly. I realize how “stiff” my body has become and your classes are helping already. I also need to work on my balance. I have had a couple of falls the past 3 years which makes me very aware of my need to do balance exercises along with your classes. You may have noticed I have a chair nearby. When it is slippery out, I try to remember to use walking poles.

RB