Student and Instructor Testimonials
This is beautiful. I have meant to say so for a while, since you first began mining this idea. I LOVE it. We are making a space for people of all walks of life to learn about and join in the practice of yoga. It is fantastic. Maggie
What a great concept! Please let me know if you would like additional instructors, I really don't care about getting paid, I just want more opportunity to refine my teaching skills. Beth
Bob, congrats on a great website and good luck! Barbara
Thank you so much for offering yoga by donation, Bob. I have been wanting to do yoga for a while, and now I can. I look forward to more classes! Jeff
It's such a great thing you are doing for the community - very inspiring. Kelly
The studio is very warm and welcoming and I appreciate the lack of talk and concern about tickets, passes and money. I admire your commitment and sincere attempt to make Yoga a way of life for all who know its value. Karen
I am very exiting about the fact that i started to do yoga, especialy this such a wanderful teacher like you. Thank you very much! I defenly come to next class! ''sory for mistakes''
It was nice to be back in your class again. I felt much better for having participated. I think it is great that everyone will have a place to do yoga no matter what they can, or can’t, afford. I hope it works financially for you and all the other instructors. It is a generous and heartful gift you give to the Seacoast community. Suzanne
I appreciate your dedication to the wonders of yoga and your generosity in making it available to all especially in these contracted times. Sandra
It is great to see your new venture so successful. The classes are full and people are enjoying yoga.
Vivian
This is brilliant. What I love the most about this is that the "donation" goes both ways...If people really can't afford to pay...today, this week or ever, then the donation goes toward them. I know you've thought of this of course ...but I'm just honoring it. Thank you so much. Karen
WOW!!!!!!!!! Bob, this is SO GREAT!!! I am really excited about (and moved by) this exceptional idea…gift…service. Can’t wait to try a class! And I’ll pass this along to everyone I know! Kimberly
This sounds great. Brian Kest has been running a studio solely on donations for many years…so it works ;-) I will forward to some email addresses of friends that are still in the seacoast area… Lois
We really enjoy being there, it has been such a wonderful change of pace for me. I am already feeling a difference in my body and breathing. I'll see you soon! Jeff
Dad, This sounds fantastic! Where did all these teachers come from? I'm so happy and proud for you! Lynn
I had a wonderful experience on Saturday and I’m actually going to attend tonight’s class at 7PM. I think the organization is an excellent fit for Portsmouth and me! I’m excited to meet all of the instructors and try all of the different classes offered. Not to mention spread the good word to all of my friends. I’ll be seeing you on Saturday. Johanna
The class was wonderful I will be back Weekends are the time I really can enjoy it THANK YOU Brenda
Thanks so much for the class and for the email. I will certainly be back! Cheers Robin
Thank you for the email. This was my second week and I totally enjoyed the class and Abby as an instructor-she is great. I love the space and the whole feeling of the studio I am also interested in the class Michelle teaches on Friday evening. Thanks for opening such a wonderful place. Susan
What awesome, welcome back to yoga. I had forgotten how wonderful I could feel afterward. Thank you. Anne
Thank you and to all your staff for providing this to the community! It is truly in the spirit of giving back and inspiring others to do what they can in their way. I appreciate the opportunity to build yoga back into my life and look forward to being able to increase my donations over time to support you in making it accessible to more people. I really enjoyed my class with Deborah yesterday and will be back this week. I also plan to try classes with a variety of instructors. And I am spreading the word. Liz
I can not express my gratitude enough for you having the wonderful insight to have this type of a yoga studio. I look forward to many more visits at your great place. It was an enjoyable morning with Abby and a class which I plan to be part of my weekly routine. Thank you again, Stacy
Thanks Bob. I really enjoyed class and will come again soon. Kristen
Thank you! The session with Tim was amazing! I will be back and I will tell others! K.Lee
I just wanted to tell you both how much my mom and I enjoyed last nights class and we will definitely be back. what an incredible idea yoga by donation is! my mom (who is not easily impressed and did yoga only once before years ago and HATED it) loved it! i was so pleased. Heidi was great, she is excellent and we will definitely be back to her class. she was so spectactular about making beginners like my mom and more experienced (me but certainly I claim to be no expert- not even close!) feel comfortable and welcome yet challenged and fufilled. we'll be back soon! thanks so much and we'll definitely see you soon! and spread the word! :) best, Cait
Yoga by Donation is a brilliant idea. I can't wait to come back. As my schedule permits, i plan to return as often as possible! Thanks so much for making this so easy and stress free. And many thanks to Heidi - she was so calm and permission giving - it made the experience - especially for a first timer - very positive. Carol
Thank you for the recognition of attending! I felt terrific after Heidi's class...even into the next day. I've taken yoga in the past and it felt sooooo good to attend again. I will be back. There was absolutely no disappointment. Donna
I want you to know what a lovely feeling it is that there are people who care and reach out. I am so grateful to have found this yoga place. Have a great day! Stacy
Thank you so much. I enjoyed Candice’s class today and will definitely be back to try other classes & Instructors. You've have created quite an all encompassing studio! Congratulations. Namaste, Janet
Thank you for such a great service! I've already told a few people and am thinking of inviting more. Namaste, Kathryn
I enjoyed Deb’s class, though it was definitely a challenge! I’ll come back as much as I can. After June I don't know when I'll have free time, but I'll certainly try and keep up a practice - it's very good for me. I'm hoping that I will be able to bring my daughter and the girl I babysit for on Tuesday! I'm so happy you offer a children's class! I've been telling everyone I know at Gwen's school (lots of Yoga mom's!) about your studio!
See you next week, or perhaps at church Sunday! Kris
very cool class, bob. i can now move several vertebrae that haven't moved in months. wow. looking forward to when i am next in the area! X
I just wanted to say thank you for offering this service to the community. I'm sure there are many other people like me out there who, because of financial belt-tightening, have had to exclude yoga from their life. I look forward to attending some classes at Yoga by Donation. Kevin
I just wanted to return your note and thank YOU. You are so fantastic for having this studio open and I seriously cannot live without Kelly!!! My gym canceled her class and I was lost until I realized that you had her instructing and I cannot tell you how much this means to me and my (overall) well-being. I hope to continue with more classes and set up a routine soon! Even if it does mean driving to Portsmouth!!!! Jessica
I just wanted to let you know that I truly enjoyed Beth's class last Monday. She really made the "first timers" comfortable and is a lovely lady. I didn't think it was a difficult class, as Beth encouraged all of us to listen to our bodies and go a far as we felt comfortable with. I intend to continue with her class. It was great!!!! Annie
Thank you for such a kind welcoming letter. I truly enjoyed my class with Duane, it was just what I needed and I intend to come back as often as my schedule permits. I was very impressed with the studio, it was perfect and I felt very comfortable there. I'd like to thank you for extending the yoga practice to everyone. I strongly believe in its many benefits and it is wonderful to see an organization that meets the demands and abilities of the general public. I practice yoga at home but it makes for such a special and unique experience to join others.
Namaste, Jennalee
I was very impressed with Beth's class last Monday and also with Heidi's class on Wed. Both very good - both very different. I really like the space down there. Thank you for this innovative and wonderful idea, and for gathering so many wonderful teachers in one place! Namaste, Lil
I just wanted to let you know how happy I am to have found Yoga by Donation. I attended my second prenatal yoga class with Carol this week, and am so impressed not only with her but the organization in general. It is such a welcoming, serene place, and the quality and variety of classes offered is amazing. The fact that it's all by donation is even more amazing. And the "no-pressure" approach to donating makes me want to give even more, because it is so evident that Yoga by Donation is truly interested in reaching people's needs on a physical and emotional level, without any regard to how much someone can afford to pay. This is so refreshing! I have told several friends and colleagues about Yoga by Donation, and am thrilled to live close enough to be able to take advantage of it. I sincerely thank you for the tremendous service you and your organization are offering to the community. Namaste, Kelley
I was bowled over when I got your email...In the kind of world we live in today, this kind of personal touch is very rare...thank you so very much. I wanted to tell you that I have not felt this good physically, mentally, and emotionally since I can't remember when. I have pain every day - sometimes it feels like fibromyalgia...I don't take any prescription drugs except for anti-depressant in the winter...I've done acupuncture, massage, chiropractic but NEVER have i gotten relief like I did today...Will you explain to me why??? I'm planning on coming in to your class again on Sat 7:30 class...I'm thrilled to have found you, and you can be assured I will be telling everyone about your organization. Cee Cee
Thank you for the kind email. My daughter’s name is Micaela. I am excited to have found Yoga by Donation and actually posted your logo & a note on my facebook page. As a parent of young children and a spouse with odd working hours I am not able to get to a class for myself very frequently. I have sporadically attended Candice’s class in Newington in the past. Yoga by Donation seems a perfect solution as I am not locked into a set class at a set time and if we have to miss a week due to schedule conflicts I’m not paying for a class my daughter might be missing. Your studio is lovely, comfortable and inviting. We’re looking forward to our classes! Gail
Thanks, Bob. I have been to several sessions with Abby, Duane, Barry, and Beth and the environment and instructors have been wonderful. I enjoy the variety as well. I wish you continued success with this very unique approach. Beth
I am so so grateful for YBD. I have been spreading the word at the hospital (i am an RN) to many patients I believe would benefit as well as to friends. I love yoga and it has improved my life in many ways. The meditation classes ( i went to both Greg and Avi) were greatly beneficial. This must be creating boundless merit for your kindness and generosity and benefiting all those who attend. With much love and appreciation, Suzan
I just wanted to drop you a note to tell you I took Rachel's Laughter Yoga class tonight. It was a kick! To tell the truth I was a bit skeptical about my ability to laugh freely over nothing, but as it turned out, it doesn't matter if the laughter is real or not - you still benefit from it. As Rachel said, "your body doesn't know the difference." My body felt very stimulated during the class. And afterwards, even though I spent the evening by myself, I found myself laughing more freely and being more playful, including walking through puddles that I knew were higher than my boots! It seems that the absurdity of forcing various laughters expanded my willingness to be ridiculous. I think we could all use a bit of that! Love, Noreen
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Thank you again for a great first session. I've been meaning to go to Yoga by Donation for a while, and very glad I was finally able to make the commitment to go that day. I've never done yoga with circular body motions, and I have to say that it was very effective. I felt so relaxed, reinvigorated, and reenergized after, even my boyfriend had noticed.
I hope to come again soon. Thank you again for a great welcoming experience. Namaste, Daise
I loved my first experience at Yoga By Donation. I have back problems and my back hurts most days. Today I cannot feel a thing after going to Noreen's class last night at. Everyone I have met so far has been extremely helpful and very kind. I think I have found my yoga studio! I'm going to come as often as I can! Natalie
I actually came back on Sunday and had a WONDERFUL class
with Duane. I am looking forward to trying more classes and bringing a friend.
Thanks again for your email! Samantha :)
I was able to attend the 9:15 class
on Sunday morning, and had a wonderful experience. I look forward to exploring
the different classes that you offer. I am so glad that your organization
exists, it is a wonderful addition to our great city! -Emily
Thank you so very much for all your
wonderful work. In today’s crazy (and
expensive) world, it is rare to find organizations and people dedicated to
their community’s physical and spiritual betterment. As college students we have so greatly
appreciated the opportunity to practice yoga in such a welcoming place. Best of health and luck to you all! Sincerely, Amanda, Christine and Eliza
Thank you for following up after my class. Heidi was
extremely warm and patient, it is clear that she is passionate about teaching
yoga. I had a great class, and definitely intend to come back. I think
it is wonderful what your organization is doing. Look forward to more
lessons! -Kristen
I thoroughly enjoyed the Mysore
class. It was my first experience with Mysore, and I appreciated Avi's
expertise and patience. I got into supta kurmasana and never had before!
If I lived near Portsmouth, I would attend
many of your yoga classes. I too, teach in the Lititz, PA community on
Tuesday nights and Thursday mornings by donation. It is such a great way
to do it. So, again thank you...and please
thank Avi for being an awesome teacher.
Namaste, Eileen
thank you so much for the follow up, that really means a lot
to me. i went online to the website of yoga by donation, and saw so many
classes i am interested in. i have spread the word to some fellow city year
people, some have shown interest, i will spread this energy more and
more. thank you for all that you do, i think it is a brilliant idea "yoga
by donation" truly doing the word yoga justice. i hope to see you
soon. thanks for everything, Dylan
awesome. thank you for this email. the class i took was
amazing. i felt so rejuvenated after and was completely worry free. I am going
to try to join some mediation classes and I am looking forward to them. I was
wondering if you had any suggestions for a certain yoga class for me. I am
keeping my mind, body, and spirit strong but I am a beginner as of now. thank
you, peace and love, christian
Thank you Bob. I enjoyed my class
with Barry very much and I think I am going to enjoy the Forrest Yoga. I do
plan on other classes as well. I want to thank you for opening such a wonderful
Yoga place and will definitely spread the word. I am glad I found you!
Namaste Best
Regards, Elise
I really enjoyed my first class at yoga by donation.
Everyone was extremely friendly and I love how calm the atmosphere is. I will
continue to attend when I am able to. Daniel
I've been following Yoga by Donation for a little bit now,
taking a class here and there, and I'm just so impressed by the community that
has grown even in the short while that I've been watching.... Please let me know how I can be a part of the
YbD community! Joe
I had a wonderful experience at yoga
last night with Beth. I plan to come back often and I would love to
try many of the different styles of yoga YBD offers. Thank you for offering such a lovely space to
practice in. Kaitlynn
I am enjoying the wide
range of activities at Yoga by Donation and getting to know some wonderful
people who frequent the studio. Thank you so much! There is
something very special going on there. Given my financial situation in
retirement, it would never be possible for me to try so many new things. Brenda
Thank you for having such a wonderful resource
available. I am sharing the information with others. I enjoyed
my lesson and will return regularly. I feel this is something I need, is
necessary, and well worth making time for. Fair Winds, Mary
thank you, bob. the yoga by donation studio is a real
treat. when in portsmouth, i intend to be a frequent visitor. i
live full-time in portland, maine. do you know of a similarly themed yoga
studio in my area? i googled and came up with nothing. many thanks, brian
I very much enjoyed the class with
Joseph Carringer. And
the space is very beautiful and welcoming. I had no idea such a treasure
was so close! Thank
you. I will certainly come back for classes. Peg
Bob, it was so nice to get your
message in my Inbox this morning. Thank you for following up with me
after my first experience with your yoga studio on Saturday. I had just
been reflecting on how attending your class was one of the highlights of my
weekend. The studio was sunny, serene and spacious. Your
instruction was great. I felt deeply invigorated after the session.
I will be back (and before another 6 months passes!) and I look forward to
trying some of the other classes you offer. Donna
Bob - The class was great, easier to follow than others I've taken
in the past. Just right for me right now. Will see you Friday. My goal is to
come twice a week, and of course try out all the other classes and
workshops! Pamela
Thanks for your kind email. I
shared with all of my co-workers here at Seacoast Hospice how much I enjoyed
the class last night and many of them expressed interest in joining me in
the future! I plan to attend as
regularly as possible and enjoyed last night very much - it was just what I
needed! Whitney
i loved your space. i loved my
experience with joseph. i am on a new path and i will definitely be back very
soon. thank you for being there. laura
I just got your welcome email and I just want to say how
happy I am that you are running a yoga studio based on donations! I have been looking for local yoga studios
and I am excited to start exploring the classes at your studio. Where a lot of yoga studios are unaffordable
and somewhat pretentious in nature, Yoga by Donation is a very welcoming, down
to earth environment. I look forward to
seeing you around at the studio!
Sincerely, Hayley
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