SPRING 2008

Dear All,

As a yoga teacher, I am in a unique position to impart information, not only about the practice of yoga, but about everything that is in the human spectrum of life as we know it. Yoga is a way of living that life as well as a philosophy that is helpful in establishing values to keep us healthy, vital, energetic and optimistic. Feelings of respect and gratitude for these blessings enable us to fully appreciate our bodies, minds and spirits.

As we learn to pay attention and be conscious and, we notice how life presents us with situations that need this focus and are the opportunities that promote within us change, growth and development. Karmically, that is what life is all about: undoing negative actions done in the past and doing what we can to help our souls evolve.

“What we do makes a difference” is the slogan for the transplant organization, Transplants Saves Lives, Inc. So much extraordinary work is accomplished because of the generous and unselfish acts of donors who give their organs upon their demise so that others can live. Tissue donations help burn victims survive who otherwise would perish. We in the yoga community are taking care of ourselves in very good ways so that we can fully participate in the life that we were given and just think ahead a bit- what a Karmic act it would be if, when we were no longer in the body, we relegated our parts to someone who needed a replacement in order that they may go on living. I believe this is the ultimate act of recycling! Why bury or burn what could bring so much health and happiness to others.

I was very fortunate that some wonderful soul made that generous bequest and my husband received a liver transplant that saved his life. We, as family, are so grateful to that caring soul for his compassionate gift.

Every single one of us can take this benevolent step as a final heroic action. This would be a fitting arena to explore with our friends and family, to enlighten them about the miracles that are happening through transplantation; miracles that they can help create.

Much love, light and joy.

Paula (Renuka)

For many years (more than 5) I suffered with chronic back problems. It seemed to come on very suddenly and I had no idea as to why. All I knew was that one morning I could barely get out of bed, get dressed and go to work. I suffered with this for a few months before it was suggested that I try going to a chiropractor. I went twice a week for months but there didn’t seem to be much relief. The chiropractor said that since this treatment was not providing me with enough change in the condition he recommended going to an orthopedic doctor. The orthopedist sent me for an MRI of the back and informed me that several issues existed. I had disc degeneration in my lower back, stenosis and a loss of fluid between some of the spinal discs. In his opinion only surgery could correct these problems. I refused to take that path so he said to try physical therapy, even though he didn’t really think that would be effective. He was right about that because after almost a year of therapy I still did not find enough relief. There were times when it was even getting worse and I was beginning to experience numbness and tingling that was generating down the left side of my body. The constant pain was making me cranky and affecting my daily life.

The physical therapist told me to try a physiatrist. I didn't even know what that was but it turns out to be a specialist in rehabilitation medicine and pain management. This doctor put me on steroids and suggested doing YOGA. That was amusing to me as I could barely walk, never mind twist my body into a pretzel. The steroids were a very temporary therapy as the pain returned once the medication was finished.

One final attempt led me to a doctor at the Rusk Institute at NY University Medical Center. he said this is a medical disorder know as Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS) and it is a mind-body connection. I bought his books and followed his program for more than a year. Guess what...no relief or change. I was very confused and discouraged by this point. I had seen so many different doctors and therapists, received different diagnosis, taken a variety of pain medications and still not any closed to being pain free.

My sister gave me Paula’s name and encouraged me to speak to her to see if she could help me, as she had so many other people. We spoke on the phone and she assured me that yoga would help. I was very skeptical but had already tried everything else. (It was also what the pain management doctor had suggested).

It didn’t take very long before I saw some positive results and for the first time in years I began experiencing some pain free days! The more I worked with Paula the better the results. Paula’s extensive knowledge of the body gave me a new awareness as to how I was using mine. I often hear her voice in my saying “lift, externally rotate, wrap the glutes, etc.” After one year of working with Paula I have not needed to return to any doctors, therapists or taken pain medication for my back. Whenever I do experience a set-back, and it appears that the pain has returned, Paula helps me work it through.

There is a happy ending to this story and I owe it all to Paula. Thank you Paula!

With much appreciation and gratitude,

Debra Litman

Dearest Paula,

I’m, writing this letter to express my heartfelt appreciation for you and your exquisite teachings and your wonderful words of wisdom. As you know I had been away for some time due to some traumatic experiences. Since I’ve been so wonderful!

As always, you’ve welcomed me back with an open heart, and your teachings reach me on an even deeper and emotional level. I don’t think you realize all that you do for your students. You not only teach us different poses but the wisdom that you give us (me) is invaluable in our day to day life.

Whenever I think I’ve reached my limit, there you go pushing me to reach a little more within myself and you know what? It usually works, and there I go stretching even deeper, reaching even higher, bending even lower. It is amazing to me how you can pull stuff out of me I didn't even know I had.

So in essence, this is a love letter to my wonderful teacher and I hope friend to thank you for all that you bring to my life and to thank God for you and I hope this will be the case for many years to come.

With Much Love and Gratitude,

Nancy Canals

It would not be possible to praise Paula Heitzner highly enough as a human being or as a Yoga instructor. I cannot begin to extol Paula’s virtue without seeming excessive, so let it suffice to say that her teaching has been instrumental in helping me through some very deep behavioral and life changes.

When I began as Paula’s student, I had the sense of the value of yoga as a way of life, as exercise that prepares the practitioner for meditation, but had no idea of the depth, breadth and extent of changes. there is no doubt in my mind, or in any of her many other student, Paula knows yoga.

In the short time I have been learning from Paula, I have made significant progress on many fronts. Besides being healthier than at any other point in my life., I feel I am making slow, but steady and consistent physical, emotional and spiritual progress toward fulfilling my potential as a human being and in al honesty, I feel obliged to honor Paula as an excellent teacher who’s help has been instrumental in my life changes.

Shortly before beginning classes with Paula, I quit smoking tobacco, after 34 years as a heavy smoker. Shortly after beginning her class Paula suggested that I quit smoking pot, which I had also smoked for most of my life. Since I trust Paula’s advice, and the time was right, I quit smoking pot and have not smoked since.

Besides the obvious benefits of becoming more physically and mentally flexible, I have found that I often enter into slightly elevated spiritual states of samahadi during Paula’s classes. I feel that this is the reason why it has been so easy for me to quit smoking pot, which has been effortless...because I am getting what I need directly through yoga and meditation.

Once Ken Pollinger, who is the proprietor of The New Age Center where Paula has been teaching for over 40 years said: “Paula is the best Yoga teacher on the East Coast.” I don;t know many yoga teachers, so I cannot substantiate Ken;s assertion; all I can say is that Paul’s reputation precedes her. Many people to whom I have recommended Paula’s class have said they have only heard good things about her. Every yoga teacher I have met was one of Paula’s students. Need I say more?

Paula is a tough teacher who pushes every student toward reaching their potential, but she is also compassionate, knowing that each person and body has their limits and is wise enough not to push past that point. It is truly amazing to watch Paula’s students do things they never thought possible. Paula is an engaging teacher, who delivers her wealth of knowledge and experience with a sense of humor that makes her classes a worthwhile pleasure for her loyal community of students.

Eric Gendell

Check this for Eric’s art: Go to MySpace, Type eric gendell into people search, click on any of the links in bold red. On the external link alert, click on: http://www.song3.com/arsmagna.htm

Yoga and the Gym

Do the above disciplines sound in contradiction to each other? Before I started with Yoga I might have said yes to that question.

I have been going to the Gym for at least 30 years, and I do love a good workout. From body conditioning, weight lifting, aerobics, step classes, Pilates, treadmill, resistance machines, if they offer it. I am doing it!!

However, lately I noticed that the usual soreness following a good workout was no longer there. It made me wonder what I might be doing differently. Then I realized that I was incorporating all the little important adjustments that Paula stresses in her courses.

Most notable is the idea of directing the sit bones in one direction, while extending the chest forward or away from the sit bones. This is helpful while doing the dreaded “fire hydrant” leg lifts, also lunges, squats, forward bends. There is room for the hip flexors to move and rotate.

Keeping myself lifted and being light on my pelvis (you remember Paula telling us that our pelvis is not a table for our upper body to rest on!) keeps strain off my lower back while doing any of the standing exercises and weight lifting.

So thank you, Paula, for all your caring words and instruction. You are the BEST!

Dot Garabrant