FULL TESTIMONIALS

Participating in the Denver Institute of Integrated Yoga was one of the most enriching and rewarding experiences for me.  My knowledge of yoga has expanded so much and this program has helped build a foundation upon which my practice will continue to evolve.

It does, however, require a significant amount of time and energy.  Because of this, the program became a stable element of my life, the group somewhat of a family, and all of the effort we as students put forth was merely a fraction of the time and effort the instructors devoted.

Each teacher was so caring and committed and their dedication alone was quite inspiring.  This program encompasses multiple aspects of yoga; being able to study both Ashtanga/Vinyasa and Iyengar styles has expanded my view of asana on a much deeper level, just as the pranayama and meditation portion has greatly enhanced my own personal practice.

Yoga, because of this training, has become so much more spiritual to me and more profound in my life.  I don’t believe you can partake in this program without experiencing a sense of self evolution - physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Likewise, I remember at the beginning of the program feeling extremely uncertain and somewhat terrified with the thought of having to teach a class to the general public.  Derik announced that it would be a long road but we would be ready by the end of it.  And he was right.

Somewhere along the way I had acquired all of the necessary skills and tools I needed and by the final practicum, I felt very at ease with sharing what I had learned with others.  I contribute my confidence to these amazing instructors and know that my training has prepared me for whatever lays ahead, both on and off my mat.

 Jessica Mustafa (2005 Graduate)

Out of my experience during this wonderful training I have grown in all ways.  I am better prepared to offer my love and skill, in all areas of life, as a service and contribution.  I now have the confidence and skill to support others in the practice of yoga, which is a huge privilege.  Maybe more importantly, I have grounded and shaped my personal commitment to the practice of yoga.  I found community, guidance, challenge and growth in my training.  The difference this training made in my life is unforgettable, so dear and worth every bit of effort.

Thank you Thank you!!

Shanti Shanti OM

Kathy Delamia (2004 Graduate)

When I first think of the yoga intensive I just went through, the phrase life changing experience comes to mind.  Yet upon further reflection that term may not be 100% accurate.  I think the program is a life improver before a life changer.  This class has not only affected my yoga practice but has helped my yoga practice become more prevalent in every aspect of my life.  Whether it is in my personal relationships or my career, I bring the calming aspects and insightful introspection that yoga brings out in its practitioners to the table.

This is not to say I am perfect or that this program has solved all of my worldly problems.  What this program does is help a person build a well rounded yoga practice.  In turn this has helped me lead a more balanced life.

The program teaches balance in many ways.  Theory, meditation and asana are all taught on an equal basis.  There are three instructors, who all bring a different area of expertise to the program.  This is supplemented with guest instructors who help add to the diverse curriculum.

Since the intensive has ended I have taught a kids class.  (I am a teacher and it is at the school where I teach).  I was amazed at the detail I could see in each students poses.  And when I first opened my mouth to instruct, I was shocked at the knowledge that actually came out of my lips.  I would recommend this class to anyone who is interested in deepening their yoga practice.  In my experience it has helped in all aspects of my life.  One word of caution: make sure to allot a great amount of time.

The course is long and a serious time commitment.  Make sure to have a talk with any of the significant others in your life.  The time commitment will affect them too.  My wife clearly saw the benefits this class provided us.  Yet we were both grateful that we had talked about the possibility of our lives being seriously altered for those 5 months.

Peace and Love

Kevin (2005-06 Graduate)

I decided to enroll in DIIY yoga practicum because I have been teaching yoga for three years and wanted a registered 220 hour yoga alliance training.  The program was more than I could have ever hoped for!  I wanted something that was true classical yoga.  Beyond just asana.  I wanted theory, meditation, philosophy etc.  This program delivered!  My own personal practice grew immensely as well as my technique as a teacher.  The combination of Iyengar, Hatha and Ashtanga was just what I needed. 

Ashley (2005-06 Graduate)

First off, thank you so much for the intensive: the knowledge and experience you have given me was the foundation I needed to actively pursue my spiritual journey. The program was an opportunity to deepen my experiential knowledge of Yoga, from the introspective work of meditation and pranayama to the physical reformation of asana.

The community that was born from the intensive was the quintessence of the program and through the support of the teachers and student I was able to develop my personal, integrated practice of yoga.

As for personal development, just recently I have applied for two major individual movements which have manifested themselves from the program. In the Spring of 2006 I will go to Mount Madonna (in California) for an 8 week Yoga Service & Learning program, then I will be heading off to Varanasi India for a year of academic, photographic and spiritual studies through the University of Wisconsin.

Without the guidance of Derik, Brena, Kevin and friends from the program, none of this would have been possible.  Thank you my dearest mentors.

Namaste,

Adam Cohen (2005-06 Graduate)

My practice and understanding of yoga  continue to deepen as I have integrated the Intensive’s teachings into my teaching, practice and life.  Brenna’s background in anatomy, Kevin’s detailed and precise understanding of asana placement from years of Iyengar practice, and Derek’s comprehensive investigation into and integration of the philosophy and practice of the eight-limbs of yoga, make for a powerful combination.  I continue to experience the benefits from the Yoga Intensive I took in the Fall/Winter of 2003/2004, and would recommend it for students, practitioners and teachers of yoga who wish to enrich and deepen their knowledge and their practice.

 Lili Zohar (2003 Graduate)