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, 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.