I thought I wasn't able to do yoga buT...

Kula for Karma visited the Ronald McDonald camp this summer and Caren Patterson, a Kula instructor, received this note:

Dear Caren,
There wasn't enough big paper for me to write you a "warm and fuzzy" so this will have to do. I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed yoga this week with you. I thought I wasn't able to do yoga but you showed me that I could. I feel so much better after doing yoga. It's awesome. I'm able to do more things and deal with my CP better, and I'm not so tired any more. Thank you so much. I cannot tell you how much you have changed my life and made it better. You are so kind and generous. You have truly shown me the way to live a better life.

God bless you and I hope to see you next year. Thanks again!

Love,
A 16-year old girl with leukemia

TRANSFORMATIONAL EXPERIENCES

"I would like to thank you with all my heart for your passionate efforts for my Vet Center...One of my clients who had a family crisis over the weekend and during a heightened state of anxiety he told me he put his hands to prayer position and began his learned breathing from Friday's yoga class and stated it markedly diminished his anxiety!  I was so happy to hear that you have no idea--not surprised that it could have that powerful effect but overjoyed nonetheless. ... I sent an email out to all the friends and family I could think of letting them know about your program... and asked them for any support their heart might feel inclined to give as I sung your praises and thanks for all you have done for the Vet Center and starting a yoga program that I believe will be transformational for those clients that are involved. ...Thank you for all that you have done and I want to be able to return in kind and help in any way you might need in the future."

- Teresa Bennett, Vet Center, Secaucus, New Jersey

Bringing the healing spirit

"The teachers and staff at Kula for Karma have been exceptional in bringing the healing spirit of yoga to the Positive Yoga program. Positive Yoga is our program for men and women with HIV, combining yoga and group psychotherapy. All members were new to yoga prior to joining, and many found it challenging, but could not wait to return. Participants commented that after their first class, they slept better than they have in years, and enjoyed both the physical as well as emotional benefits. They also enjoyed the positive connections and transformative aspects of the Kula, and I feel that the group really connected with the heartfelt commitment of the teachers that are bringing more light into their lives. Thank you for all you do and all you are. Namaste."

- Frank Hoehne, MSW, Positive Yoga, Teaneck, New Jersey