Sent: Thursday, May 08, 2008 9:53 AM
To: harmony@harmonyyoga.com
Subject: Missing Harmony Yoga

Dear Harmony Yoga,
I have been attending classes with you for years and love everything about your studio, instructors, classes, ambiance, etc. Sadly, I moved away from the South Bay for the summer (temporarily) to save money before going back to school in the fall. I'm having Harmony withdrawals. I've tried every Yogaworks class and it's just not in any way comparable (closer to more like a 24 hour aerobics class). I've come to learn that going through the motions of yoga practice is beneficial, but Harmony has a unique quality that is inviting, comfortable, and allows for a deeper/spiritually connected practice.

I will definitely be back in the fall. Just wanted to thank you for everything you do. If there is any chance you will be opening a studio in Newport Beach from now through say August... I'd really appreciate it. :) Haha.

Best,
Amber Young

 

My name is James, and I would like to exercise a little space here to say "Thank you".

As a brief intro, I've been a student of yoga for some time, having attended several studios over the last many years. Two years ago, I moved to Redondo Beach, and looked at three studios; Harmony was the last of them. I then decided to actually sample offerings from two, and just happened to pick Harmony first due to the availability of classes at times that worked well for me. Being new to the area, and without so much as a referral, I set my expectations for "reasonable", and ventured into a session one Sunday...

Julie's class was excellent; even now I remember her spirit and the tone she set as being nothing short of elegant. Later that week, I ventured into a class taught by Marla. The initial reason here again was pragmatism: the offering fit my work schedule. For more compelling reasons however, I soon became a "regular". Having found a home base within the studio, I then ventured on to take classes from Najla, Simone, and some truly expansive, challenging and creative classes with Chappy. It dawned on me pretty quickly that I could very happily take classes from _any_ of the instructors here  --something I had *never* experienced at any other studio I had attended before.

About three months in, I missed my regular Friday evening class, but saw that Catherine (needless to say another one of my favorites!) was teaching something called "Yin". Although I was ready for something externally vigorous (she teaches a level 1-2 Vinyasa Flow class in which she frequently invites her students to find their "edges"...), she briefly explained only that Yin was "not _that_ class". As with my first experience with Harmony, I set my expectations for "reasonable", and stepped into the room. What followed was a style and series of movements that I had only ever explored while practicing alone. That I had now found this type of expression in a class setting, and with such high quality instruction, was fantastic. As frequent participant in more "Yang" style yoga practices and activities, I found Yin to be a beautiful compliment.

As fortunes have it, about eight months ago a better work opportunity came available in San Gabriel Valley. I considered staying in Redondo, but a couple of issues made my decision to move back to Pasadena the right one for the time. The decision was not entirely easy, however. Among other things, the move meant largely (if not completely) limiting access to the quality of classes I had now become used to at Harmony. The conflict was significant enough to me that I arrived at a concession: as much as possible, I would leave work at 5pm to be able to attend Yin class on Friday evening. Though not entirely optimal (putting it mildly!), I have followed through fairly consistently and find that the experience of that class _easily_ justifies the effort getting there.

So in short (if that's still possible!), I want to offer a very sincere "thanks" to Chappy, Marlyn, and the instructors and students at Harmony Yoga. I have been (and continue to be) blessed to have your assistance in my practice -- I truly consider you the best in class.


Namaste,

James Collins