~Testimonials~

"I started my practice looking for improved flexibility, balance and strength.

On the way, I discovered mental challenge, a stonger sense of self and purpose, peace, and community.

Now, when I go to my mat, I am filled with anticipation, wondering what I'll find next.

Namaste to the teachers and staff at Y4E who are helping me on my way."
Stephen Tague

"When I practice Yoga, this Zen story I read as a child back in China always comes to me, and I cannot stop smiling. It can be roughly translated as the following, and hopefully you will enjoy it as much as I do:

A man was chased by a tiger to a cliff. Right before the tiger reached him, he found a vein to climb down. However, half way through, he saw another tiger waiting at the bottom of the cliff. He looked up, the first tiger was waiting at the top of the cliff. Meanwhile, a mouse was chewing on the vein he hold onto with his dear life. The man looked around desperately for a way to escape. All of sudden, he noticed that there was this little strawberry bush growing out of the cracks of the cliff, and there was this one vividly red, fresh and lovely strawberry. He reached out, took the strawberry, put it in his mouth, and thought to himself:
"What a delicious taste!"

I know it's probably far-out. However, despite of any hectics in life, I guess Yoga is always that strawberry to me."
Yan Luo

"6 years after taking my first yoga class when Y4E opened its doors, the practice has become an important component of my life.  I consider myself blessed to be a participant in this studio and its community and have no doubt that I will be a lifelong student of yoga." -Ben Baker, Architect

As with most people today, I am busy with work, kids and taking care of a home. Sometimes just getting to the studio is a challenge, but when I roll out my mat I know the next hour or so is all about breathing and being present. Practicing yoga gives me the peace, strength and clarity of mind to get through my otherwise chaotic life.
Anida Romano

Rachel began her yoga journey at Marleen's Yoga Center and started practicing at Yoga for Everybody when Janis and Marleen merged in 2005.

Rachel has been doing Seva work at the studio for many years now, and has become an invaluable member of Y4E. She is always willing to lend a helping hand painting the studio, designing our store & studio layout, cleaning on a weekly basis the list goes on! She is also the artist of the drawing of a woman in pigeon pose that hangs in the store over the mats we sell. Rachel's husband Greg and son G also attend classes at Y4E. Rachel just completed a huge career change and has become an art teacher in the Bridgeport public school system.
Read Rachel's story:
For me, yoga has been a journey. Somewhere along the way, I'm not sure where; it changed me. At first yoga was all about the physical, the workout; what I could do for my body. At some point, the personal benefits to my mental health became evident. Still, then my yoga practice was about me alone. Then, somewhere down the road, there was a shift inside me. My yoga came "off the mat and into the
world." I started to see all of my actions and how they affected the people and earth around me. I began to breathe instead of cursing at the bad driver. I made the extra effort to help out a stranger at the grocery store. I now make a conscious effort to try and "do the right thing." Not that I always choose wisely, but I am trying. Today my practice is still evolving. I still love the physical aspect, the connection of my mind to my body is absolutely evident, and the union to the greater world has been a gift.
With love and gratitude to my teachers:
Erica (Tetro), who showed me the wings that are my practice
Carolyn (Fahey) who "lined me up"and brought me to the runway
and
Lauren (Lanham), who taught me I can fly
~Rachel Rockwell

Why Yoga?
"Many doctors now prescribe yoga for patients suffering from heart disease, arthritis, or diabetes. Imagine what it can do for people whose biggest complaint is stress headaches."
US News and World Reports, 1997
"Yoga is a very powerful tool of stress management."
Dr. Dean Ornish
"The bottom line is that yoga is an exercise that is food for the heart."
Dr. Noel Bairey Merz; Medical Director Cardiac Center at
Cedars Sanai Medical Center, Los Angeles