When I first stepped through the doors of Yoga for You it was June of 2009. I was 21 years old and had just lost my older brother to an overdose a month before. At the time I was more lost than I have ever been. After a lifetime of my parents’ addiction, my mother leaving when I was 13, and my brother’s unexpected passing I was completely broken and numb.
Diane taught my first class. To be honest I hated it and I was angry that I was even taking it! It was difficult and completely out of my comfort zone. I had never really exercised. I went to a seminar Bikram had in Boston around that time which Diane also attended. I was impressed but didn’t come back to the studio until 6 months later. That is when I started practicing consistently and my whole life changed forever.
This yoga has given me everything and more! After 11 years these 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises have healed every single part of me. All of the anxiety, depression, pain, sadness, resentment, and anger. I have learned how to heal it all. I have learned how to let go. I have learned forgiveness, discipline, strength, unconditional love for myself, and total joy! I never needed to go to therapy because I had this yoga. I feel better with each passing year. Thank you for this beautiful and magical gift! It is the greatest gift I have ever been given. I wish the whole world knew about it.
I’ve often wondered how I got so lucky to have you and your studio right in my hometown of West Roxbury all those years ago? What are the chances I would find you and this yoga when I needed it most? Who would I be without it? What would my life be like? I don’t want to know! You gave me the structure and stability that I needed.
I love the way you teach your classes. You command the room and have a powerful energy which only you possess. I admire how strong, smart, and witty you are! I value your teachers and students. I appreciate the amazing community you’ve built here at Yoga for You. I am forever grateful to you Diane. You have had a profound effect on me. You’ve changed my life for the better in countless ways.
Thank you for opening your studio 25 years ago. Thank you for sticking with it and never giving up —even when it was hard! Thank you for all of your wisdom. Thank you for being you! All the best, Grace M