Student Comments

Student Comments

I have been studying Yoga with Jo-Anne since 1997. For me, yoga brings balance to my very technical life as a software programmer, and all the hours that I spend sitting in front of a computer.
I feel very lucky to have found Jo-Anne as my teacher at the beginning of my yoga journey. Her knowledge of the postures from a physiological perspective provides safety. Through her gentle guidance you are invited to explore your body, mind and spirit. Jo-Anne’s yoga classes leave me feeling complete: my body opened my spirit light and my soul calmed.
I have learned that yoga is much more than performing a sequence of postures. It is a practice that influences all aspects of my life. I have often used the postures when I need to centre myself to deal with difficult problems at work or to better receive the people in my personal life. Through the different meditation techniques, I have gained greater acceptance of myself and others.
Lastly, I value the ongoing commitment that Jo-Anne makes to her own practice and to further study of yoga traditions. Whether it is the study of a different yoga style or the study of the Bhagavad Gita, she finds ways to incorporate them into the class and we as students dramatically benefit. –Ola-

I began practicing yoga because I had an extremely hectic life and I recognized my stress level was high. I was very reactive in stressful situations.  I was seeking a way to gain better control of my emotions, to de-stress, to relax and to find peace somewhere in my life.
Why I stay with Yoga is more complex.  There are physical, mental and spiritual aspects some of which I can't even explain.  All have provided benefits far beyond my expectations - and I am just beginning my journey (having completed my 5th year of practice with Jo-Anne.)  Physically: I was not even aware of my increased body strength and flexibility until I had to stop yoga following a soccer injury and knee surgery.  When I started back, it was shocking to discover how quickly I had weakened and lost flexibility.  Yoga was instrumental in getting back strength and mobility in my leg and my body overall.  Mentally: Thursday night yoga class is my time.  I have 1 1/2 hours to completely focus on me, my mind and my body.  It is not only relaxing, it is rejuvenating.  Spiritually: Yoga has impacted my life-style in many ways and this continues to be an aspect I explore.  The entire experience creates a more balanced self and I feel restored following each session such that I am better prepared to face the daily emotional challenges in my life with calm and perspective.
Although I practice yoga at home, I love my Thursday classes as they provide an opportunity to socialize with my yoga-mates.  Most important though is that I personally benefit so much from Jo-Anne's teaching and mentoring - physically, mentally and spiritually. 
In all the sports, classes and activities I have engaged in over the years, yoga is the only one that is all-inclusive - it focuses on wellness. Yoga is something I hope to practice until I'm 99! If we all practiced yoga the world would be a better place. –Kelley Jotham-

I started my practice of yoga with Jo-Anne in Sept 1997. I immediately experienced stress relief through the relaxation and breathing techniques. I soon realized that my favourite breathing exercises and poses were the ones that opened my chest; and that this was just what my body had craved. The losses and grief that I had experienced for years had had the opposite effect on my body: a closing in, tightening and constriction of my chest and breathing. When this opening via the pranayama and asanas began to happen, it felt as if a part of me had been freed - I would never have to feel like that again. I had learned a preventative tool for difficulties in my life. What an empowering feeling! Through meditation, I have learned to enjoy listening to the stillness within. I have begun a journey to really know my body and myself. The power and strength that I have built in the poses has made me feel more empowered and less vulnerable as a woman. Through Jo-Anne's classes I have gained so much insight into myself, my body, my strengths and my spirituality. Though I have been practicing with Jo-Anne for many years, I continue to take away something new from each class. I feel safe in her knowledge and skill to move us into new places of discovery within ourselves. –Shelley-

I began my journey into yoga in Sept. of 2000, because traditional exercises had not produced the weight-loss results that I was looking for. Yoga changed my life.  Yoga helped me stop my weight-gaining pattern. Over time, I have been able to lose 25 lbs that I know I will NEVER gain back.
In Jo-Anne’s classes, it isn’t about striking the perfect pose; it is about being in and experiencing the pose wherever you are at. I have really gotten to know my self through this guided practice. I feel my heart open as well as my mind. Yoga provides me with the stillness that was missing in my life. I became aware of the value of moving away from the fast paced life I had been living.
What I enjoy about Jo-Anne’s classes is the emphasis on the non-judgemental attitude towards myself and not competing with others in the class.  In our world, this is definitely not the norm.  This helps to remind me of the deeper values I hold within. I look forward to my yoga class days and inspiring reflections she shares at the end of the class. I leave feeling calm, steady and at peace.  
Jo-Anne talks about taking yoga off the mat and into your life. I have really been doing this in my home life, in my relationships with others at work and even into my golf game. I no longer feel aches and pains the same way after a game. I even have my husband and children doing some yoga with me at home. I also went through one pregnancy and post-natal recovery utilizing yoga.  It helped with my delivery (I used the breathing).  And I believe my body was more prepared for the delivery.
Jo-Anne, you have been extremely supportive throughout my journey. For that I will always be thankful.  –Paula-   

I have been practicing Yoga for eleven years; eight of them have been with Jo-Anne.  I appreciate the calm perspective she shares with each class and her well-informed experience as a teacher.  Jo-Anne has enriched my practice with her gentle guidance and her sense of humour. I recommend Yoga as an exercise and Jo-Anne as a Yoga teacher.  -M. Cook-