Awaken Yoga Healing Arts Testimonials

Shannon

My husband and I had been trying for two years to get pregnant. We took all the tests, we were checked out from head to toe, and both of us were deemed 'fit to get pregnant'. So, we tried and tried, and two years later, after many fertility drugs, and several attempts of insemination, and feeling completely stressed out and overwhelmed, we were still not pregnant. This was very disappointing. Deep down, I knew stress was ruining any chance I had to conceive. And to add to my stress level, I had many fears and anxieties about becoming pregnant and becoming a parent that were unresolved.

I had been attending yoga classes on and off as a way to reduce my stress level. I really enjoyed the classes. Every time I left a class, I felt relaxed and at peace. I wanted this feeling to stick forever! I noticed in an update email I received from the yoga studio, that there was something out there called "Yoga Therapy". I had no idea what yoga therapy involved, but I was desperate to try anything that would help relax me so I could get pregnant. I contacted Jennifer and she filled me in. I have to admit, my first thoughts were 'this is a bunch of hocus pocus". But, I decided I had nothing to lose and I went for it.

Yoga therapy turned out to be one of the best things I ever did for myself. It helped me dig deep into my fears and anxieties and face them. It wasn't easy, but I needed to work through my issues. There were lots of tears and laughter throughout the sessions. I never feared that my secrets would be broadcasted to the world. I felt really comfortable with Jenn.

When I was about 3/4 the way through my sessions, I was surprised to find myself pregnant! Pregnant the natural way, without the help of doctors and drugs! I truly feel that the Yoga Therapy sessions played a huge role in my getting pregnant. I was able to face my fears and let go of mental baggage that I didn't need to carry around anymore. Jenn was an awesome facilitator guiding me through this journey. She is truly blessed with a talent to help others.

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Laura, Age: 60's

I can't believe that I didn't have any anxiety attacks the entire time I have practiced yoga with you. You'll be happy to know that I've been practicing Sun Salutation and have gotten really good at it and your CD has given me so much energy and a feeling of calm that no amount of Valium has given me. Oh, that's another thing, without the anxiety I didn't have to take even a tiny bit of Valium to stop the heart palpitations and shortness of breath. As I write my thanks to you, I'm crying tears of joy. I know that sounds corny, but it's true. You are truly one in a million with a heart of gold and the talent to help many many people who are in need. I know you will be a huge success and I wish you all of life's best.

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Christina Jankus, CYT from Nishkama Yoga Studio

In a relaxed and comfortable setting, Jennifer used guided questions to help me explore my chakras. The exploration of my chakras allowed me to examine each of my chakras to determine disturbed areas in my body. I was given a specific mantra to meditate on to help me create balance in my chakras. Jennifer's kindness and compasssion as well as intuition is a great comfort throughout the process of my exploration. Thank you Jennifer!

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Bea, 50’s, Treating Depression and Stress

Thank you for helping piece me back together again! I came in lost and went out found! You're the best! -Bea

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Jill, suffered from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Before I met Jennifer Kovalchik I had been suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome which developed from an influenza 2 ½ years ago. I had seen five to six highly regarded doctors at the one of Mentor's finest medical facilities; however, none could diagnose my malady. I spent almost 1 year of being so weak that it was difficult for me to clean my house or climb a flight of stairs to go to bed. In my search for a doctor, a neurologist knew something was sick, but didn't know what it was. She told me about another patient who had success by working with Jennifer. I called the very next day! Four months later, I am strong, energetic and most importantly, I feel a strong bright light inside me. My friends have commented on it as well. Thank you Jennifer for bringing life and spirit back into my being.

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Jessica, age 25, suffered from Endometriosis.

Program: 8 sessions of Yoga Therapy, twice a month for 4 months in 2007

About 2 ½ years ago I started experiencing chronic pelvic pain. I went through several months of pain before I decided to seek help. I went through months of testing and surgery. My doctor told me that I suffered from Endometriosis. He put me on medication and through a pain management program. That was no help, the pain was still there. I had attended several yoga classes that were taught by Jennifer. That is when I learned that she could help me with an alternative therapy, that didn't require me to take medication or a nerve block. When I had my first session I experienced an amazing release. The poses were great and Jennifer was very supportive throughout the whole process. I felt comfortable, safe, and secure. During our sessions we went through one Chakra at a time trying to release issues in these areas of my body. At the end of it I felt like a brand new person. All my pain was gone. I felt through yoga therapy and Jennifer's support I healed myself. It is a wonderful experience and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for an alternative therapy.

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Terry, age 70's, suffered weakness and balance problems.

Program: Therapeutic yoga sessions with Chair. Current sessions with standing and floor work

My wife Terry had been falling (or near falling) for the last year. Her legs would get wobbly and or weak. Normally, she would have to grab someone or sit down either on a chair or on the floor. Secondly, she would lose her balance from a slight trip or stumble. The doctors have been making some progress improving the wobbly legs problem by changing her medications. Her daughter Donna, a pediatrician in St Louis felt that Terry should have some therapy to help her balance. She found Jennifer on the internet and then talked to her about Terry's problem of balance. Our Daughter felt Jennifer, with her back ground of Yoga Therapy, could help Terry regain her balance. Jennifer has been teaching Yoga to Terry for five months to strengthen her and to improve her balance. The results are now that Terry is not afraid to go out of the house, stands up straight and is enjoying a stronger and better life. Terry is working toward being more confident to join a group class and continue with what Jennifer has been teaching her. Her falling episodes have decreased to barely any episodes and her strength and flexibility have increased immensely. Her practices went from simple chair postures, to a program of chair, standing and floor poses, and practicing along with a Chair Yoga DVD Jennifer recommended. Jennifer currently sees Terry about twice a month for an hour.

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Pat Holcomb, 50's, LMT

Jennifer is a very knowledgable therapist and a very upbeat yoga teacher. She really came thru for me when I was having back problems earlier this year. She designed a routine for me, showed me how to do it, watched me do it and then performed a chakra meditation on me. I can't begin to tell you how realxing and nurturing it was. I would highly recommend Jen for classes or therapy.

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Diane, 22 years old, Therapeutic Yoga and Yoga Therapy

I originally sought Jennifer’s help about six months ago when I realized I had forgotten how to relax. For someone who has been to seven different types of doctors and diagnosed with several conditions regarding back, neck and head pain, I have found that the yoga practice Jennifer created for me has had the most significant impact for the reduction of my pain. It is a practice that I believe in and will continue to explore with Jennifer to permanently improve the condition of my body, mind and spirit.

Jennifer assessed me and created a customized practice that combined Yoga Therapy and Therapeutic Yoga. The yoga therapy allowed me to examine each of my chakras to determine where unsettled issues were residing in my body. Identifying and resolving those issues released me of both mental and physical pain throughout my body. I learned that I had sole control of myself, to heal my body. It isn’t easy, but Jennifer’s support and persistence will amaze and inspire you to find your inner self.

The therapeutic yoga has become a daily practice for me which stretches my back and legs before a long day of sitting at a desk at work. Along with the stretches, Jennifer taught me breathing and meditation techniques that help reduce my stress levels, ultimately preventing the tension that creates my physical pain. I continually struggle with relaxation, but regular visits with Jennifer puts me back on track.

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Jerry, after 6 months of private yoga sessions

Jennifer is a remarkably effective teacher, acutely sensitive to the subtleties of the body's search to be open, free, present and equally attuned to the soul driving and peeking through those subtleties.

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Marcia Neundorfer

I was feeling low in energy, short on zest for life, and on the edge of mental doldrums. I asked Jennifer, my yoga teacher for over a year, if she had a program to treat depression. She gave me an initial, insightful assessment session, and then we set off on an eight-session journey through the chakras. For each chakra she asked gentle questions, supported me in appropriate asanas, and suggested specific meditations. We laughed a lot, cried a bit, and I grew in confidence, awareness, and energy. I still journey through my chakras using my new insights, with much gratitude for Jennifer’s skillful guidance.

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Teacher Training Testimonies

Carissa

I was enjoying an evening practice in the quiet of my home and you popped up in my head. I found myself filling with gratitude for your expertise as I engaged my abs and flowed from one asana to the next. My Adho Mukha Savasana feels magnificent, thanks to you. The 9 months spent studying with you were surreal and greatly missed!

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Jodi

I just wanted to drop you a quick line and let you know that I had a fabulous weekend! Unusually, I had no expectations going into the weekend and I came out of it with a wealth of insight that is encouraging me to make some much needed changes. Thank you for that! Just proof that once again when we stop resisting, goodness overflows! !

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Workshop Testimonies

Ludmilla, attended the Home Practice workshop

You are a born teacher. You were prepared for any questions, your hand-outs were thorough and well thought out, the class was well-planned. I both enjoyed it and was surprised at how quickly the time went. I learned so much and have followed your outline already for several (very short) yoga practices in my office. Thank you for all your work. I wish more people had attended to get the benefit of the class. I loved it. And your CD is absolutely wonderful.

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