Testimonial from Russell St. John
Yoga? Is it for me? I wasn’t quite sure. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t envision my body twisting and bending like a pretzel. What is much easier to envision due to many years of sports, a number of various injuries and an unforgiving occupation is as I continue to age, a body that is rigid not fluid, that is restricted not free,
Yoga? Is it for me?
I wasn’t quite sure. No matter how hard I tried I just couldn’t envision my body twisting and bending like a pretzel. What is much easier to envision due to many years of sports, a number of various injuries and an unforgiving occupation is as I continue to age, a body that is rigid not fluid, that is restricted not free, that is either in constant discomfort or even worse constant pain. I’m not thrilled with that vision; I don’t want to be that person. The “pretzel“ was beginning to look much more appealing. So it was that I ended up sitting on a mat in a peaceful, quaint little studio with a picturesque view of the Bedford Basin.
‘TIS Yoga and teacher Jane McCullough have opened my body and opened my mind to the wonderful and beneficial world of Yin yoga. Originally, my goal was to increase my flexibility. I’m ecstatic to say that is happening. I am captivated by the idea of holding poses over a duration of time in stillness and without pain. But something else has happened that I am finding even more profound. Through the amazing pieces of music, quotes, anecdotes and meditations, that Jane so skillfully creates and weaves together to complement her class, I have discovered a new calmness, a new inner peace that feels absolutely incredible. It is no wonder she refers to her yoga offering as “The Inner Sanctuary“ for it truly takes you there.
So many things I have come to love and respect about TIS Yoga. From the atmosphere, to the location, to the students, to Jane’s incredible and flawless ability to communicate all the poses and make them so easy to follow. Coming from a background in sports and a history of doing extremely well in school, TIS Yoga has made me realize and feel comfortable with the fact that I don’t have to compete or compare myself to anyone else. The only competition is within yourself attempting to be a slightly better person both in mind and body than you were the previous class. The last thing I will mention that has impacted me greatly is learning and understanding due to any number of reasons all of our bodies are different, so, not all of us will be able to replicate or perform the poses exactly the same. Some of us will require any number of props to assist (me!) but that is not a weakness; it is an aid in helping you to experience the expected sensations.
In closing, I would like to say “thank you, Jane“ for helping me understand that I don’t have to be a pretzel. It’s far easier to be myself and enjoy the changes that this new and wonderful journey have afforded me. Jane, your vision of creating your very own business and teaching a yoga class has become a reality through your passion and drive, but your success and appeal comes from your genuine belief that Yin yoga will positively benefit and impact each and every one of your students that you hold so dear. For anyone thinking of participating in TIS Yoga, I cannot recommend strongly enough that you try it at least once. It is changing my life. I am willing to bet it will change yours.
Jane, you are amazing. Thank you for helping me find my edge, my stillness and I hope to experience your class for a very long time.
Gratitude
For my first blog post, I want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to a yoga teacher who has inspired me to pursue this yoga teaching path and whose support, encouragement and amazingly kind spirit has made a huge impact on my life – my friend and a mentor, Careen McNeil.
For my first blog post, I want to take this opportunity to say “thank you” to a yoga teacher who has inspired me to pursue this yoga teaching path and whose support, encouragement and amazingly kind spirit has made a huge impact on my life – my friend and a mentor, Careen McNeil.
When I moved back to Halifax, I was delighted to find a great yoga studio (Namaste Spiritual Studio) within a warm and welcoming community that really resonated with me. It was there that I witnessed first hand, the transformative benefits of a dedicated yoga practice that go far beyond the mat!
When I graduated from my Yoga Teacher Training (YTT) program, Careen offered me the opportunity to get practice teaching experience with her studio under her mentorship. Careen is one of those people who always inspires, and teaches others to aspire to be the best they can be in every way.
“Upon awakening, let the words “Thank You” flow from your lips,
for this will remind you to begin your day with gratitude and compassion.” - Wayne Dyer
I am so deeply grateful that she took me under her wing and when my heart led me in a new direction to pursue my studies in Yin Yoga, Careen encouraged me to “listen to my inner voice” and cheered me on. She seemed to intuitively know that Yin yoga was the perfect fit with my personality, lifestyle and my passion.
Although, I embarked on the solopreneur path and started my own business, we came to a mutual understanding that the two businesses would be affiliated for the first year before branching off separately. We’ve had a wonderful and rewarding time!
I now stand on my own, as she has given me wings to fly. Thank you, Careen.
“You are not meant for crawling, so don't. You have wings.
Learn to use them and fly.” -Rumi
Cherish those who support you and give the gift of gratitude to those who make a meaningful difference in your life. Let’s all take a page from Careen’s book, and make time to support and root for the success of others starting a new chapter in life.