"I'm 6'1" and 300 lbs. I say this because yoga is not the first thing that comes to mind when you see me. I have to say yoga therapy has helped me with my back pain, insomnia, and general quality of life.
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Yoga Therapy"Prior to yoga therapy, I was dealing with flashback memories and found it hard to be present in the moment. It was challenging in yoga therapy to focus on the present moment at the beginning, but I could focus on my body more in the end. Because of yoga therapy, I could be more aware of how my body feels, and still allow myself to be as I am."
-- participant in yoga therapy program. "I was able to try this yoga therapy because it allowed me to not feel intimidated or ashamed of my limitations, and I was able to enjoy the practice because of that. I have gained the ability to be more flexible but more importantly, I was able to be comfortable with my limitations, and yoga therapy allowed me to feel ok with not being able to do everything that 'traditional' yoga people practice." -- participant in yoga therapy program "Yoga is awesome for pain relief and for stress & anxiety reduction as well. My knees are less likely to lock up and freeze if I am practicing yoga. Yoga helps me to focus on the present moment and prevents me from getting dissociated. Yoga also helped with my sleep."
-- Tom, veteran. Honolulu, HI "I would like to take this yoga therapy with me and stay with it for the rest of my life. Thank you for your commitment and your time, Shannon. Yoga therapy helps." -- Manu, veteran. Honolulu, HI "I appreciate the freedom and ability to find comfort in our own abilities. [Yoga therapy] has helped me to practice self-compassion. . . . It has helped me to heal and grow." -- participant in yoga therapy program "Not only is Shannon is a sweet and genuine person, she is very knowledgeable and passionate about practicing and teaching yoga. She has a true desire to teach people how to be in tune with themselves, to slow down, relax, reflect, and identify a way they can change the negative energy that is in their way." -- Deborah C., Honolulu, HI "The result of participating in yoga therapy has reduced and helped me control fear and anxiety. It helped me gain a better awareness of my body and ability to make choices." -- participant in yoga therapy program Prenatal Yoga"Shannon really made me feel comfortable and relaxed during my personalized yoga session. She asked a lot of really great questions to help me focus my practice and develop a truly personal prenatal yoga session for me. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
-- Tiffany M., Honolulu, HI |
Yoga Consulting"Shannon was an enormous help to me in dealing with my fears about starting yoga. It's always been something I've wanted to try, but beliefs about being too old, not fit enough, problems with my balance, etc. kept getting in my way. Shannon helped me wade through the many different types of yoga and identify the approach that would be best for me and my particular needs. She also helped me locate classes in my area and instructors that would be a good fit for me. She even gave me ideas for online/video options if I wanted to start practicing in the privacy of my own home. Consulting with her really helped ease my fears and gave me the confidence to finally give yoga a try."
-- Yoga Consulting Client, Seattle, WA Yoga TherapyWhat challenges were you experiencing before yoga therapy?
-- "I was feeling increasingly depressed and anxious. My neck, shoulders and upper back felt tight and achy all the time. My balance was off and my knees/legs seemed to be getting weaker. I was tripping and falling on sidewalks, and my knee would infrequently buckle under me." -- "Unable to relax, lack of flexibility." -- "I was very lethargic and unwilling to partake in any physical activity. Also tired all the time." -- "I had no methods of coping with stress, .... and a lot of trouble managing my emotions." What was the process like with yoga therapy? -- "I was hesitant at first but once I got started, I grew to enjoy the sessions. I became less self-conscious and felt more relaxed and positive after each session. It helped that the instructor, Shannon, was super calm, non-judgmental and experienced in conducting groups like the one I was participating in." -- "Good. It was not natural for me. I tried. I liked the meditation the best." -- "My joints cracked a lot, and I got tired easily. Some poses were challenging at first, and I needed a lot of breaks." -- "It was interesting - you really have to engage yourself and give it a chance to work for you." What results have you gained from this experience? -- "I've learned some techniques to ease my aches and pains and I seemed to have gained a more positive outlook on life in general." -- "I'm a work in progress, but I feel better. I feel the difference every time I'm here." -- "I came to greatly enjoy yoga, and it inspired me to pursue more exercise. I practice yoga every day at home as a way of stretching out my muscles. I feel much better, and now have more energy." -- "I now have several skills at my disposal that involve calming me down from troubling thoughts. This program was extremely helpful in managing my emotions and gives my a good outlet for anger and anxiety." -- participants in yoga therapy program |
