STUDENTS

Virginia - Kalaheo, Kauai

I have been a professional beginner since age 9, (when I was much more flexible,) and attended classes in Pakistan. I rediscovered it on Kaua'i in the early seventies, when spontaneous yoga workshops broke out everywhere. Working in hospitals and in office settings is really hard on our bodies, so I've always loved stretching and strange postures. What I have learned through various interruptions in practice, is that every day we have a new body. Every hour, we have to begin again. This has made me an expert beginner. My practice falters, and then, I begin again.

20 years ago, when I was fortunate to study with an Iyengar teacher, Lolly Font, my understanding took a leap forward. I also had the privilege of attending classes with Julie Lasater Smith, John Friend, Elise Miller, and Lida Martin. A retreat at Mount Madonna Center brought me into the presence of Baba Hari Dass, the silent guru. His disciples led wonderful classes. I also loved the gentle classes led by Connie Clews in Waimea. I was really thrilled to know that we would have our own Iyengar teacher, Ellen Wagner, here in Kalaheo.

The classes at Kalaheo Yoga are of the highest quality, and there is so much offered in each class, that you will never lose interest. Students can count on individual guidance and reassurance regarding concerns, as well as expert leadership and direction by the teachers, especially, Ellen Wagner. There are classes for every level of beginner.

For women in midlife, yoga offers the most comforting relief for midlife symptoms, as well as increased bone health, joint flexibility, and improved posture. The postures help us work with our own weight, at our own level, and build muscle strength as we work against the long term effects of gravity. We each have a different body, and we each work at our own pace and level. Every body part wants something different. You become more aware of this through yoga. I frequently recommend yoga to my patients.

During times of great stress, grief, and anxiety, I have discovered the healing powers of yoga. My darkest hours have been illuminated by the still inner voice that emerges when my frantic brain surrenders to the blissful presence of Fully Being in my body. During the stretches and poses, I find space for myself in my busy life. In the deep quiet, Spirit reminds me that All things are One.
All you have to do is be here and Breathe.

Blessings and see you in class, Virginia

---

 

LINDSAY KAMM - Koloa, Kauai

When I was about 20, I practiced yoga and did headstands, shoulder stands, plows and bows every chance I got. Then . . . I don't know, I started working, then raising children…and working…and almost 40 years went by without a thought of yoga. Last summer a friend invited me to Ellen's restorative class, and I've been coming ever since. I also enjoy Jessie's yin yoga class and the alignment class, which I find pretty challenging. At 60, I think stretching is the best thing I can do for myself. And I intend to get up in a headstand again.

---

 

ANNIE - Kauai

Kalaheo Yoga studio and it's Yoga Director, Ellen Wagner, and her excellent instructors have changed my life for the better!  I am just shy of 60 years old, and over the last few years have been through a host of challenges including breast cancer and other surgery that included a colon resection and complete hysterectomy.  Around that time I also lost my long term  job.  Along with the physical aspects, severe anxiety, fear and depression were taking their toll.
 
Several friends had encouraged me to attend yoga.  Then one day, shortly after Ellen opened Kalaheo Yoga, I ran into a friend who encouraged me to attend Ellen's Restorative Yoga class.  She assured me that I would find it helpful, and that it required no  special skill or outfit, other than willingness, and that the class was completely noncompetitive, and that the students were of all ages and sizes. 
 
To my absolute amazement, from that very first Restorative class with Ellen, I began to feel more calm and hopeful , and physically more alive!  My whole  body began to function better immediately, and the effects continued to amaze me.  I actually began to feel happy and more peaceful.  Several months into my practice, i had to take time off to attend to family matters,  and boy, did i feel it!  I knew I needed and wanted to commit to a regular yoga practice.  No matter what!
 
Honestly, I have found no better medicine on all levels than Restorative Yoga with Ellen Wagner.  She genuinely cares about each and every student.  Her precise instructions  are easy to follow, and her gentle loving kindness and  encouragement will change your life for the better too.   And fast! 
 
I have been so encouraged with my progress through Restorative yoga, that i have also begun to attend Yin Yoga taught  by Kalaheo Yoga Instructor, Jessica.  It too is very restorative as well as so helpful at getting into the deep connective tissue where lots of aches and pains lie.  This class is taught by Kalaheo Yoga's equally skilled and kind instructor, Jessica.
 
So, my friends, if you're in any kind of pain, no matter your age, weight or condition, just bring your willingness, and I guarantee you that your life will vastly improve on all levels if you attend classes at Kalaheo Yoga!  
 
Sincerely Grateful Student,
Annie

---

 

KENNY GIBBS - Kalaheo, Kauai

I have been doing yoga off and on for over 15 years and heard of the possibilities for healing, although I had never seen them in my own personal practice. When I met Ellen Wagner and began taking her classes, not only did she end my back pain, she helped me discover the root of the pain, she taught me how to heal myself, and then showed me all of the possibilities of a committed practice. It has reduced stress, helped me sleep better, and made making better dietary choices so much easier. My wife claims that Ellen is the best thing that has ever happened to her, and I am the one taking the classes.

---