The Student (Haiku)

I like beer, no scratch that I LOVE thick malted beer from a draft at a pub; and I love my moose meat with French fries and gravy.  I like my sports and target shooting.  These are not passions that some people think of when they think of yoga.  So when I was pushed into Bend Yoga Studio by loved ones to deal with my pains and stresses from working in a very high stress environment, I was very skeptical.  I was not giving up my beer, my meat, and sporting life to sit around in bizarre poses …

I was drawn to yoga to awaken my body and build a healthy mind-body connection. With Joanne as my guide and instructor, I have learned to stretch not only my body, but my peace of mind. With encouragement, support and celebration of an individual’s success, she creates a healthy space that cultivates physical and personal growth through yoga.

Joanne, I really loved the yoga/kettlebell class. I have taken kettlebell classes in the past however your instructions and reminders with each exercise were so helpful that I feel I got so much more out of the class; and my tired muscles the next day confirmed it. The combination of yoga and a kettlebell workout, to add some greater conditioning, is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks Joanne!

My mistake (coming to the gentle class instead of my regular vigorous practice) turned into a glorious hour of ommm! Thank you :)

Can’t believe I have been going for two months and I learn something new about my body every day. Joanne is amazing!

I love you Joanne! You’re the bestest. You are so accessible and approachable and unpretentious. The authenticity you exude makes me feel like I can just BE in your classes. Whether I’m there 5x a week, or haven’t made it in for 5 weeks, it always feels like home. I dare to wear tank tops in your classes (this never happens in the outside world). Your philosophy of ‘no judgement -just love’ seeps into me, and for a while in your class, and often for hours afterwards, I feel like this about mysel…

You have to be one of the sincerest and sweetest person I have ever met… As for the classes, I have loved them!  I haven’t been able to attend a class since the day you left for your trip since it didn’t coordinate with my shifts and of course my children…  I was a little frustrated but I’m hoping to get back next week.  I can’t even believe the difference that Yoga has made on my running.  I am able to breathe deeper and my legs haven’t been in pain since I am able to stretch them out so much m…

I love that you come around and “fix” us, and remember our injuries or special cases to make sure we are okay during class. And class is FUN. Silly enough that we enjoy ourselves, but still serious enough that I feel like I am practicing, and not just “working out”.

Joanne, I admire your dedication to expanding the practice of Yoga and your determination to share knowledge with others.  As you know already, I am convinced that what you have and continue to create at Bend Yoga is a template for entrepreneurs in that you have created not only a business but a business that is creating community.  In today’s transitioning world this I believe is the essence of what business , large and small, need to reach and plan toward.  Systems, as we know them are b…

I just wanted to take the opportunity to tell you how much Chris and I enjoyed the vigorous (BendFIT) class we went to on Saturday!  We both admire and loved your spirit.  I got a lot of out of the class that day, I felt it the next day for sure, but mentally felt very clear!  Thank you again!

It is because of you and your “no judgement”, that I now do yoga – I never liked it before I went to a class with you.  Thank you Joanne!

My back has not felt this good in at least 2 years.  My golf swing is awesome.  I can actually follow through and I love you!

Hi Joanne! I just wanted to say how much I love attending your classes. My mood is always 100% better when I leave. It’s awesome!

Joanne has created a wonderful yoga community where I feel comfortable asking questions, learning new concepts and practicing yoga.  The lived experience, resources and openness that Joanne has brought to the teacher training is like nothing I have experienced before. As a teacher myself I understand the power of sharing best practices and I appreciate the knowledge that has been shared openly. Joanne ensures that each person feels comfortable and confident during every stage and she is invest…

My back was screaming today but Joanne at Bend Yoga Studio took extra good care of it… thank you SO much for the lunch class… just what my mind, and back, needed! See you again sooner!