Testimonials

way the most I sweat so far...lol)
You know I was taking your class with the knowledge that it was a good class to meditate and stay fit by
stretching and all. I always asked myself why does she put us in all these hard positions and stretches.
The one thing that made sense to me in your class last night was that the goal is not to be calm when
your laying on your back relaxing after but to learn to let go and be calm when your in one of those hard
positions. Its like you put your body in an uncomfortable position to train your mind to adjust to the
situation and meditate to relax and be at the moment......WOW it was so cool to feel that in your class.
And it was actually the first time were I was not being interrupted when I was in the moment. I get your
whole cell issue.....so agree :)
Hmmmm......so much to Yoga.....I am digging it :)))

Good morning Melissa – just wanted to tell you that the hot yoga is the best thing I have ever done for
my body and my spirit. Slept like a baby and woke up with perfect blood sugar for the first time in weeks
– thank you – L.Y.

Dear Melissa,

I have been waiting to write this until I was totally off of medication and clear headed. There are no words
to express the gratitude I feel in my heart towards you. So, instead I will just tell you my story:

When I came to see you that Sunday night (25 minutes late for class) I opened the door and almost had a
heart attack. I did not realize I was interrupting what seemed to be such a sacred event. I quickly closed
the door and started to put my shoes on, that is when you came out to me. I tried to tell you what was
wrong with me but the words would not come out, I thought I was going to cry. At the time I was on
such heavy duty medications and in so much pain that I could barely speak. The physical therapist had
told me he did not think he was going to be able to work on me anymore. That left me with two options –
1) a series of shots filled with steroids, cortisone and God only knows what else (which I have already had
at least 3 times already) or 2) an operation. Neither one of these options appealed to me - I felt so totally
lost – I had no idea what to do.

You told me to come back the next night and something in your eyes made me believe that there might be
hope. I cried all the way home that night. I came back that next night and every chance I get since. The
pain is somehow bearable without meds and I feel so good mentally even when the pain is kicking in full-
force. The physical therapists would love to take credit for this dramatic change in my health (very
dramatic change) but I know in my heart that it was you.....All you.....

Namaste,
Ruthie

Thank you so much for offering a variety of classes...I find them to be such a great mix that I truly do
feel much more balanced inside and out. - Sara G.

I have been practicing yoga for a little over a month now and I’ve lost 20 pounds. I have been trying to
make it to class at least 3-4 times a week, something challenging but definitely worth striving for. In such
a small amount of time I’ve really seen a big change in myself and my interactions with my body. I met
Melissa over three years ago at a holiday party my parents were throwing, she told me about her studio
and how I should attend a class or two. But since I’m a very self-conscious person, my biggest
hurdle was actually going to a yoga class, and actually performing the postures in front of
others. In my mind I pictured her studio to be filled with beautiful plastic people, people that
have mastered all the postures taught in class, people in amazingly coordinated outfits, people I
didn’t want to work out around. I asked myself, how could I ever feel comfortable there? Three
years later, I decided it didn’t matter. I headed over to class and decided to do something for
myself to better things in my life. The first time I went to class, I was greeted by heat and a
dimly lit room full of people that were just like me. For now, I am perfectly happy in my back row, and
eventually I’m sure when I’m ready I will move up to the middle or front row. Had I listened to my
preconceived notions and allowed my self-consciousness to hinder my choice to go to class, I would still
be where I was a month ago, 20 pounds heavier and at home watching TV. So now I look forward to my
sessions at Balance. I get out of work, take a quick shower and head over to Green Street. -JM

Hi Melissa,

My story as you know, is quite similar to Ruthie's though my pain was not as severe or I didn't need to
take pain medication. Instead I was taking help from Chiropractor for last 10 years or more on a regular
basis for my
back problem. It did help me, but it was also expensive, even though Insurance did cover part of the cost.
But since I started Yoga from you in 2005, I didn't need to go back to the Chiropractor. Besides getting a
stronger back, I've also started developing muscles at this age (!) in last few months.

Yoga has also given me clarity of thoughts, increased my awareness about my inner-self and my
surroundings. Not to miss the compliments I get from family & friends who say I look much better these
days. I know it's the 'yoga glow'.

And I'm sure you have never heard this one before. Since I started Yoga, my toe-nail infection
disappeared. It can't be anything else, if not Yoga, since I had the problem for last 5 years or so & it only
got cured after
you made me do all those toe-stands :-)

Last but not the least, besides your skills (of all those twisting pose), you have something else in your
personality, in your presence that's very comforting which not everyone has. I think it only comes from
experience & wisdom.

Namaste.

Simita.

What a great bunch of dedicated folks you have teaching. Just walking into the space I feel calmer and
more relaxed.
- Jim A.

The hardest part about my yoga experience was finding the studio. Once I relaxed and let go I really
enjoyed class. I will be back! Thanks for the laughs, Ken

If you would like to share with others what yoga has done to enhance your life please email me at:
balanceyogastudio@yahoo.com