Sunday, November 28, 2010

Classes end this week

Classes end this week for my students who attend Central.  I have told them about my blog, and given them the option of getting dialed in and sharing what stood out the most for them this quarter while practicing yoga.  It always seems that just when the quarter ends, a small community has been established.  Perhaps if some could choose to be on this blog, then we could stay in touch about yoga offerings in the future, and also be in cyber community:)
If you are a student of mine, and have chosen to post about what stood out for you this quarter in regards to your body/mind experience...or whatever else you feel like sharing about.....Thanks for being part of my class this quarter, and I hope you have a great holiday and rest of the year.
Cheers!
Kristin

45 comments:

  1. I wanted to thank you for all your helpful tips on my bad back and how to make it feel better, I piratically use the six movements of the spin every day.
    I really enjoyed your class and if I wasn't graduating this month I would have loved to taken your 2nd year class.

    -Amy Tucker

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  2. I had a lot of fun learning the poses. You made it easy for me to do them at home in my free time too. Also I appreciated how you told us the benefits of each pose. I'm looking forward to being in another one of your classes next quarter!

    If you're reading this considering whether or not you want to take the class, you should.

    ~Rose Coates

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  3. A student had me copy/paste this from a regular e-mail due to having difficulties getting in to post comment:

    Hi Kristin, I mentioned that I spoke with my weight training instructor and she is a graduate student. She says that when she submitted her request for a thesis, the Human Subject Review Committee denied 2 Yoga positions for healthy reasons. Her comment to me was that the Cat and the Cobra were not recommended for anyone over 50. It appears that over time the back does not benefit from these 2 exercises. It surprised me in one way as Yoga is so ancient. Yet oddly enough I have never liked feeling the stress on my back in those positions. The arch hurts. I noticed this in high school - way back when -- when they were introduced with other exercises ... (on a hard gym floor, too! Ha!) Are there comments on these 2 exercises from classmates, I wonder? Or is it just me? Sue

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  4. Amylyn,
    It sounds like the six movements of the spine was helpful for your back, that is awesome...

    @Rose.
    You have been doing your own yoga practice at home. Fantastic! Thanks for encouraging others to practice yoga:)

    @Sue.
    Thanks for commenting on your journey of yoga. It sounds like those two yoga postures do not work for you, and I have noticed how you have treated yourself like a queen and have practiced child's pose during those two postures in class. It is a mystery how pain shows up in the body, and I let students know that you are in your body, not me...so if you need to take a break or come out of any pose please do so...and treat yourself like royalty as you do it..instead of feeling like less of a person for not being able to go where other people go.
    I would also be interested in hearing more about why cat and cobra are not recommended for anyone over 50. I like to stay open to the values and opinions of others...and honor their approach to yoga.
    Again, thank you for your insight, and I will definitely check in with students over 50 and make sure they know this valuable insight you have shared.

    Peace to you all:)
    Kristin

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  5. Yoga has made me appreciate moving so much more this year! After being so active for so long, being diagnosed with MS was a huge change.

    During the summer, I lost the feeling and motor functions in the right side of my body. When the doctor's finally figured out I had MS, the first thing I remember hearing was Yoga. I honestly had no clue what Yoga had to offer me, but after the first 2 weeks of class it was clear someone made a brilliant discovery about movement for MS patients when they looked into Yoga!

    It's still weird adjusting to my 'somewhat slower body' and although I had to miss a few practices, Yoga built up my strength, balance, and attitude to where I was before the MS. I feel as good as I possibly can and I hope to take another class in the future! Thanks so much for all the help and understanding, if you have MS or not.. take Yoga!!

    -Jenna T.

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  6. This was my first yoga class and it was a wonderful experience!! My body feels stronger, calmer and more aligned. Kristen, you are truly a gifted teacher and it was a real treat to hear you read and sing to us during some of the end of class relaxation exercises. I won't be able to take your class this winter, but I will be back in the spring.
    Tracy Wise ~:-)

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  7. I have only taken 2 yoga classes before this quarter and I really enjoyed staying in your class. I always tried the advanced positions and appreciated how you gave an option for the advanced students. You have a great singing voice and everything you brought to the room was relaxing. I really feel like i have become more flexible and my core strength seems more stable. Because of your class I will continue to do yoga and try to improve and grow.
    Thanks,
    Ally Pickrel

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  8. I've been doing bits of yoga in different sports since i was about 11 years old, whether it be for wrestling, baseball, track, or doing a home work out. Until this class I was simply running through the motions and had a very basic understanding of what kind of benefits it actually had for the body.
    This class not only takes balance and flexibility but it takes a level of focus in order to keep yourself consistently going out of your own confort zone and pushing yourself beyond the motions.
    I also appriciate that you took your own time to grow as an instructor and go to different seminars in order to better us as your students.

    I wish you a wonderful break and luck with your upcoming classes. I'll be sure to reccomend you to all of my friends who're interested in the program.

    Sincerly
    Robert Pidde

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  9. Initially I was was kind of a skeptic of yoga and really only took this class because my girlfriend wanted me to take it with her.

    In July i hurt my knee really badly in the STP and it seemed to not get better at all, and when i started doing yoga I was not liking it because my knee was hurting , but after just a few weeks of yoga, I regained full motion in my knee and there is no pain whatsoever.

    My final thought about yoga is that it was a great experience for me and it really helped me. And if I get injured again or anyone i know gets injured i will be sure to recommend that they try some yoga, so they can share in my success story

    -Antony Yen

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  10. This was my first regular yoga class and I could not have been more happy with it. Yoga is without a doubt the best way to start out one's morning and I feel you have helped me develop a passion for it. It was especially interesting taking this class the same quarter as a religious studies class that was studying a lot of Hinduism and Buddhism, i really enjoyed learning about your connection with the chanting at the same time I was studying mantras in Buddhism. I appreciated the slow pace that the class started with, slowly building up to more difficult positions, I could feel myself really being pushed. "Noticing my breathe" is something I will continue to do to help me focus on the task at hand. I look forward to taking more classes in the future from you!
    Thank you,
    -Rebecca Thomson

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  11. The only other yoga background I had was practicing a few of the poses on the wii fit, as a first real experience to yoga I really enjoyed and learned a lot from this class. My blanace and flexibility increased, along with my ability to destress using different breathing techniques. It was also a good way to start the days! Hopefully I'll be able to take another yoga class in the future!

    Thank you!
    Caiti Thai

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  12. I am very thankful that I was able to do yoga for the last few months. Kristin, you are an amazing teacher. I felt like you really cared about your students. During one class you corrected the way I was doing downward dog. Downward dog is a simple move, but I was not doing it as well as I could. Your correction made a world of difference. I hope that you have a good holiday season. I hope I can take your class again.

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  13. Yoga has been a great experience. it has allowed me to de-stress, center myself and finally learn how to relax.Its also nice to be able to challenge some of my flexibility. I'm excited to move on to the advanced class, and will continuing yoga through the years. you have a great voice and it is quite a pleasure to hear you sing. =]
    Thanks, may God bless, have a happy holiday season.
    Julie Martinen

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  14. a student had me post this for her since she had difficulty getting into the blog...
    I have really enjoyed this past quarter of yoga and i am sad it is coming to an end. I have taken one yoga class before and am glad i got to learn so much more from your class. My intention in taking this class was so that i would learn some of the basic yoga moves that would prepare me for a yoga class when i move home.
    I work out often and stretch when i can, however i can feel a huge difference in my flexibliity after these three months. I have especially nocited that the postures that focus on stretching my inner thighs have increased my flexibliity a great deal.
    I am glad that i took this class and was able to learn a great deal about beginning yoga. I will be done at Central soon so i will not be able to take another class with you. I am now more confident and eager to join a yoga class when i move back home.
    Thanks Kristin
    Amanda Biggs

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  15. I have really enjoyed this quarter in yoga. I have had realy bad back problems for the past 2 years because of basketball, and yoga has helped a lot. When the chiropractor wasn't working he suggested taking yoga, and I must admit I was pretty hesitant at first, but once I got into it, it helped. The six movements of the spine helped to relax the tension in my lower back and I also really liked the childs pose. I wasn't the most flexible person either, and I could tell throughout the quarter that I was getting more and more flexible.
    All in all I really liked the class. It gave me energy that lasted me all day. i liked the music too it was very soothing!
    Thanks Kristin for a great quarter!
    Jennifer Jacobs

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  16. I just want to start out by saying thank you for all the wonderful techniques and yoga position you introduced me to throughout the quarter. I always felt very confident in your knowledge and expert experience in the practicing of yoga. To begin, I struggle from attention deficit disorder so my hope in taking this course was to work on my concentration and focusing my mind. Although focusing is still a struggle, I was able to take other techniques from this class. I have noticed a new strength and flexibility throughout my body, specifically in my hips. When starting this course the only yoga position I knew was child pose. However, now I know a wide variety of poses from downward dog to the warrior poses. I look forward to extend my own knowledge and practicing yoga in my future. Also, in learning the three part breath I am able to calm my body into a relaxation so I am able to fall asleep. Again I want to say thank you for this experience and now I am able to apply what I learned from this course in my everyday life.
    -Whitney Higgins

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  17. I believe every time you take yoga you take something new away about yourself. I have taken yoga in highschool and another college course. This quarter was really different for me. I have just had a baby and my body drastically changed from giving birth. The process of taking this yoga class made me realize how my hips have moved and how my body has changed in response to having a baby. On top of learning about myself all over again yoga class is at the end of the school week for me so it is like my release from stress. have class like this made me realize how important it was for me to have time to myself to calm down from the crazziness of my life. I really enjoyed that we had the opportunity to try the more difficult poses if we choose to. It felt very comfortable to respond to my body moving into positions that worked and when they didn't there was no pressure. I want to thank you for opening me up to a new level of yoga that made it very personal for myself. It was a wonderful experience and I hope to take future classes. Thank you again and have a wonderful break and holiday!
    ~Malissa Hillis

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  18. I must say that I enjoyed your yoga class this quarter. I found it a great way to relax and help me focus throughout the rest of the day. The meditations and the corpse pose helped me clear my head.During the class I enjoyed how all the positions flowed together. After each class I would feel energized and ready to take on the day. I was rather flexible to begin with, but I did notice that my strength has improved over the course of the class.

    Expect to see me in your yogaII class the upcoming winter quarter. Thank you.

    -Lauren

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  19. I really enjoyed this yoga class. This class gave me the chance to open up and feel each yoga position to its fullest. I have been practicing yoga for about 3 years now and this yoga class has been one of my favorite. I specially like how in this class we hold each stretching position for a good amount of time. When i've taken other yoga classes we do not hold it as long for do as many. After walking away from each class I really felt I was starting a new beginning by feeling refreshed and ready to go. This class gave me the chance to learn new things about my body and yoga. I also enjoyed the environment and how comfortable this class was. I hope to be taking some of your future yoga classes.

    -Brittney Casini

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  20. This was the first yoga class I have taken and it was great. I had no idea I could take an hour out of a hectic day and just feel completely relaxed. I really enjoyed the breathing exercises because not only did they help me in class but they also allowed me to calm myself outside of the class room and I could use them whenever I became stressed, upset, or any other time I felt uneasy. I really like being able to hold each pose for a good amount of time. I could feel my muscles lengthing the longer we stayed in the pose and allowed them to open up. I also liked being able to do the corpse pose at the end of each class because it helped to calm me down even more than I already was and it helped me to feel energized and made me feel like I was restarting my day.
    Thank you for teaching me so much about yoga and how each pose and each breathing exercise helps our body. If I take another yoga class I will be sure to sign up for yours.

    -Lyndsey Warner

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  21. copy and paste from Brian:

    Entering yoga this quarter I had no idea what to expect. As this being my first time trying yoga I was a little nervous and hoped for the best. After the first day of class my body felt felaxed and calm. As the quarter went on my body continued to feel a sense of relaxation and gavae me more energy throughout my day. I plan to continue yoga and hope to take another class while attending central. My mom is also excited to see me take up yoga as she has been practicing for a few years now. Her hopes are getting me to attend an hour of hot yoga howerer im not so sure about this idea. Thanks for everything this quarter and I hope to see you in class again one day.


    Bryan Peterson

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  22. Kristin,
    Thank you for all the time and energy you have put into teaching yoga. There were a couple of times where I struggled with certain poses, but you helped reposition my body so I could feel my muscles stretching. It was extremely beneficial for me to attend class on Thursday nights because it gave me the opportunity to relax at the end of a long week. There are nights like tonight when I know I'm going to be up late finishing homework and yoga helps me relax and push through it all. I always feel relaxed after class and the different breaths just help me look at life more positively. I really liked how you walked around during class and asked if you could assist us-- it was helpful. I think yoga has also helped me gain a little confidence in myself.
    Thanks,
    Emma Van Natta

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  23. As a yoga 1 student I learned various techniques in this class. My favorite was the 3 part breathing technique. It helped me relax and get my thoughts together at begining of class. It was a way for me to bring in all of the positive energy from that day rather than negative. Thank you for the awesome experience. I hope to continue practicing yoga.
    p.s the 45 minute corpse today was by far my favorite from everything this quarter.
    Raminder Nijjar

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  24. At the beginning of the quarter, I was more or less just curious about yoga, and also wanted to use it as way to help me stretch. Your class really helped me out, and I found that after a few weeks of your class I was able a lot more flexible. It was also very helpful when you would walk around during class asking if we needed any help, I appreciated it.

    As others have said, you have made it very easy for me to be able to practice yoga on my own, and I would like to take another one of your classes in the future. :)

    Thanks,
    Rachael Babb

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  25. This class was my first ever experience in yoga. I can definitely say i am hooked and look forward to further developing my technique and knowledge of this practice. I have become noticeably more flexible, especially my hamstrings. I have registered for your winter quarter yoga level 2 class and can't wait to start the new session. Yoga has helped me with balance and flexibility, which has increased my experience in rock climbing and snowboarding.

    Thank you!!!
    Todd Kelly

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  26. First and foremost I want to thank you for making the class an awesome time. Your enthusiasm and technique in which you taught the class made it stand out in my mind. I enjoyed the fact that you were able to effectively assist us with our positions, as well as give us feedback. Also, your occasional singing was a great additional to the class!

    Coming into this quarter, I had no prior experience with yoga. On top of that, I never really had no interest in the practice itself. All I thought in the beginning was that this class could possibly increase my flexibility, as well as strengthen my core. However, this class completely changed my attitude towards yoga. Not only did my thoughts come true, but more. A sense of relaxation every morning after class stayed with me throughout the rest of my day. Overall great class! I enrolled myself for the yoga two class next quarter and am looking forward to it!

    Elliott Tonning

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  27. Hi! This is George from your Monday/Wednesday 12pm Yoga 1 class.
    I have always wanted to do yoga but never had the opportunity to try. When I saw that it was available I took the chance to sign up. I didn't know what to expect from this class or how it can benefit myself. Day 1 of class was when I felt that maybe I shouldn't take this class. This feeling came up when my whole class was all female students. I knew that I wanted to do yoga and stuck with it. I actually love learning yoga. Being able to not be as stressed or waking up with no back pain was the pluses for taking this course. I'm able to concentrate and just take the 3 breathes from my stomach, ribs and lungs and just take all the thoughts thats has clouded my mind and put them into folders of past and future. I learned not to stress on the past or worry about the future. Just focusing on what happening now and what is around me.
    I'm really happy with the class I had with me practicing yoga and new friends made through it. I wish it didn't have to end. Taking Yoga 1 has opened up yoga for me. Something I'm always happy when doing. My instructor for this class made me appreciate yoga and I will continue practicing yoga. Even though I can't take the next class in Winter quarter 2011 because leaving to study in Korea. I will keep going with what I have learned and videos until I get to Korea and find a place to do Yoga.
    One thing that stood out to me and I have always talked about it with Rose was the “Cobra position.” I have always had trouble doing position. I know Rose enjoyed watching my pain while we did it in class..hahaha. But I don't think it is a male friendly position. Second, I always felt bad falling asleep through corpse position. My favorite part of Yoga is Chanting with you and Rose at the end.
    I will miss this class and will take everything I learned and continue in the future. Thank you for teaching Yoga to me and I will keep a eye out on your Blog!! :) While I'am in Korea I will try to keep contact and share the experiences of Yoga I learned there.

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  28. Hi! This is George from your Monday/Wednesday 12pm Yoga 1 class.
    I have always wanted to do yoga but never had the opportunity to try. When I saw that it was available I took the chance to sign up. I didn't know what to expect from this class or how it can benefit myself. Day 1 of class was when I felt that maybe I shouldn't take this class. This feeling came up when my whole class was all female students. I knew that I wanted to do yoga and stuck with it. I actually love learning yoga. Being able to not be as stressed or waking up with no back pain was the pluses for taking this course. I'm able to concentrate and just take the 3 breathes from my stomach, ribs and lungs and just take all the thoughts thats has clouded my mind and put them into folders of past and future. I learned not to stress on the past or worry about the future. Just focusing on what happening now and what is around me.

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  29. Continue........
    I'm really happy with the class I had with me practicing yoga and new friends made through it. I wish it didn't have to end. Taking Yoga 1 has opened up yoga for me. Something I'm always happy when doing. My instructor for this class made me appreciate yoga and I will continue practicing yoga. Even though I can't take the next class in Winter quarter 2011 because leaving to study in Korea. I will keep going with what I have learned and videos until I get to Korea and find a place to do Yoga.
    One thing that stood out to me and I have always talked about it with Rose was the “Cobra position.” I have always had trouble doing position. I know Rose enjoyed watching my pain while we did it in class..hahaha. But I don't think it is a male friendly position. Second, I always felt bad falling asleep through corpse position. My favorite part of Yoga is Chanting with you and Rose at the end.
    I will miss this class and will take everything I learned and continue in the future. Thank you for teaching Yoga to me and I will keep a eye out on your Blog!! :) While I'am in Korea I will try to keep contact and share the experiences of Yoga I learned there.

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  30. George you posted twice! LOL, oh and watching George do cobra was one of my favorite parts of the class too!

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  31. Rose it said it was to long to post so i posted again in to parts!! LOL I actually wanted to say more but I cut it down! We still need to do Yoga this weekend!!

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  32. @Creatyoga: Hope your dog is feeling better! :)

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  33. Wow! I am really humbled to hear all of your posts so far. I am so grateful you have received benefits and a fresh perspective on your bodies. It has been very heartwarming to read them all.
    Thanks:)

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  34. This was my first ever actual yoga class, and I hope to take more in the future. I've loved stretching and flexibility since I took gymnastics as a small child, and this is a great way to continue.

    There were helpful suggestions about how to deal with discomforts from past injuries, and the gentle strength exercises helped too.

    As the class progressed, it began to seem shorter and shorter as the poses became more fluent, until the lunch hour was the shortest hour of the day. It was definitely a relaxing addition to the day.

    Laurel Koran

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  35. Before this quarter began I had practiced a bit of yoga but never with an instructor. This class helped me realize how helpful it is to have a leader there with great knowledge to show the way. During this class I saw a dramatic improvement in my flexibility and body mindfulness. My hips have opened up, my back relaxed and I can touch my toes! I really wanted to thank you for this great class and amazing opportunity to learn more about yoga and my body. This quarter has truly been an adventure.

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  36. Yoga this quarter has really been a great way for me to end the week. I started off the quarter with a bang, and have had to deal with stressful classes and a senior voice recital in November, but I always looked forward to Thursday night yoga.
    It was also kind of an ego-boost when I sometimes needed it: I've gained a lot of weight since starting college, and I'll admit that it gets me down when I feel like I'm supremely out of shape. But it always made me feel accomplished when I could do a pose I didn't think I had the strength or stamina to do, and I think that was one of the best things about this class overall.
    Thank you for a great quarter!

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  37. This class was such an amazing experience for me. I have never taken a yoga class before, only watched videos describing poses, etc. After every class I always felt a sense of peace and prepardeness for the world. After getting a weekly routine down, I wanted to do more, to have the experience more than just once a week. I found myself doing it on my own at home when I was feeling stressed or out of sorts. I really liked Kristen as a teacher. She was very helpful. She let us know it was okay if you couldn't always complete a pose. I am taking Yoga II from her next quarter.

    Kara Miller

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  38. I really enjoyed taking your class this quarter and felt it was a wonderful experience. It made me very interested in yoga and plan to take more classes. I felt you had a strong passion for teaching yoga which inspired me. I plan to major in elementary education and after taking this class I have considered teaching yoga at nights and during the summer once I get a teaching degree. Thank you so much for your time this quarter.
    -Molly Schulze

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  39. It has been almost 4 years since I was hit head on by a drunk driver, which broke my left femur and crushed my left foot. I had come to terms with the flexibility I had, I have tried so many other things including water aerobics. After taking yoga this quarter I have noticed a 100% improvement with my flexibiliity espicially in my left leg. I am going to continue yoga next quarter, this has been a wonderful experience for me.

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  40. I really enjoyed learning all of the new yoga techniques from this quarter. I have found myself practicing yoga at home with my daughter Ellie(4) which not only allows me to spend quality time with her but also I feel as though I am helping promote a healthy lifestyle for her in the future. I have also found that the hips stretches have been particularly useful in my case because my hips have always popped and given me discomfort. With the new stretches you haave taught me I have found some relief for that. Thank you so much for taking the time to teach this class, I benefited in many ways from it and your personality truely makes the experience that much more enjoyable. : )

    Jessica (T&Thu 12:00-1:00)

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  41. Kristen,
    You are a gifted teacher. I really enjoyed taking your class this quarter, and I look forward to taking another of your classes in the future. This yoga class has been very impactful in my life here as a freshman at central. With the stressful transition of finally living on my own, and all that comes with it, yoga class gave me sanctuary from the stresses and hardships of the day. The breathing techniques were particularly helpful. Aside from helping me to relax, I also now have a broader knowledge of stretches and postures. I was able to show some of the postures we learned in class to my friend that was having shoulder pains. He now is using a few of those stretches before working out. The rewards of this are endless, and I feel like I have just begun my journey in yoga, and am excited to continue and grow. Thank you Kristin for this amazing and powerful experience. I have alot of respect for you and all that you do. I recommend this class to absolutely anyone.
    Thank you so much,
    Hannah Elledge

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  42. Thanks for lighting up my life everyone! And making it a great quarter:)
    May the long time sun shine upon you.........Girish

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  43. I am so happy that I had the opportunity to take Kristen's yoga class. I feel like I am more in tune with my life and my body and mind after taking her yoga class. I really liked her meditative teaching style it was the highlight of my week. Before this class I wasn't really sure what yoga is all about but now I have a better sense of it and I defiantly want to pursue yoga after taking this class.
    -Ana Kramer

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  44. Kristin-
    Thanks for once again a wonderful quarter of yoga. I really enjoy taking your yoga class because it helps my back and allows me to relax.
    See you winter quarter!
    Stephanie R.

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  45. Hi, this is Kess. :D
    I have truly, truly enjoyed these yoga classes and I know that they have improved my quality of life. My husband has been very, very ill during the past year and I have been his primary caregiver. The emotional and physical exhaustion have taken their toll, but my time spent meditating on the physical aspects of my body, allowing myself to sweep away my worries and doubts and simply rejoice in my connection to the earth was a soothing and healing experience.

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