Yoga: a system of exercises, which helps the mind and the body in order to achieve tranquility and spiritual insight.  This is a definition of yoga, but it is much more than that to me.  A year ago, I felt trapped in an anxious, sad, stressed out body.  My brother, a Physical Therapist and professional athlete, suggested that I take a simple yoga class to relieve the tightness in my muscles, and learn how certain breathing techniques will allow me to relax and relieve stress.  I was terrified even to try.

          I started taking classes about a year ago, with Jennifer Cece, every Wednesday 9 a.m. at Premier Fitness in Nanuet.  I was so clumsy, and out of touch with my mind and body.  I had trouble even sitting down and standing up; forget about doing any of the simplest positions. After my first class, I went home crying, feeling like a failure. The next week came along, and I decided to give it another try.  How much worse can I do?  I walked into class with my mind made up that I will at least give it a few more tries before I call it quits. I did just that!  Each week, I saw the smallest change.  I started to look forward to my yoga class.  I felt more relaxed; less stressed, and even started to breath properly and guess what! Some of the positions weren't as difficult as before.  Days turned into weeks, weeks turned into months.  I began to really look forward to my once a week class, and found myself doing yoga at home, when I felt stressed or even just to have fun.  Who would have figured on that!

        Believe it or not, I have just come from my 58th class.  I am not the same person I was a year ago. I feel less stressed, and when I do have stress in my life I turn to yoga to change a bad situation into a learning experience. 

         I cannot express how much yoga has not only changed my mental and physical health, but I also look totally different. When passing a mirror, I glance at the stranger I see before me.  I love the way I look, and feel. 

        There are no words that can express how thankful I am to Jen for being my Mentor.

        Yoga has changed my life for the better, and I would recommend it to everyone.

                                Audrey Pomeranz  
                                Posted April 16, 2009