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TESTIMONIALS

I absolutely love the way you teach the class-- it's light years ahead of any other yoga class I've had previously. I like the flow of the postures linked with breathing, which dramatically draws the energy throughout the body like a seive.

--Jenny Howard

Since enrolling in Michelle’s class in August of 2004, I have acquired an unfathomable amount of knowledge in the spiritual, emotional, mental and physical realms. She is incredibly knowledgeable in yogic technique and provides instructions for poses to accommodate her students’ differing personal physical abilities. Her instructions are verbally clear and she also demonstrates each pose with cautionary advice to avoid common tendencies that could potentially lead to injury or that may hinder one’s progression. Though Michelle is very advanced in her own technique, and therefore serves as an impressive model, she remains humble in reiterating that yoga is, in itself, an ongoing learning process. She provides many textual resources from varying sources for students and answers their questions with her own extensive wisdom.

The yamas and niyamas provide the framework for Michelle’s course. Michelle’s fluid and concrete explanations, as well as the ensuing discussions, about the yamas and niyamas have allowed me to explore how yoga gives me freedom in my life. She always reinforces the role of individual choice as well as consideration for the self and others.

Michelle’s classes flow nicely; they are ever-evolving so that boredom does not ensue yet they have a pattern so that students are able to become familiar and comfortable with poses and sequence. She includes both classic sequences as well as variations. The option for the students to choose certain variations of a pose avoids possible discouragement. The pace of her classes is optimal; it facilitates a cardiovascular workout while never becoming grueling. Michelle always reminds students to focus on pranayama and to allow it to act as a cushion for any new physical territory. Michelle encourages backing out of a pose when experiencing any strain or when breathing becomes labored.

Meditation is the integral part of asana during Michelle’s classes. Shavasana is focused upon as the most important and therapeutic portion of the sequence due to its integration of the benefits of the entire practice.

Michelle will assist students if she diagnoses their technique as being possibly harmful or not advantageous for their advancement. She does so either by discreetly assisting them physically to explore an adjustment or by making overall comments to the class, as not to target an individual but, instead, to allow the aggregate group to learn from one another.

Michelle treats students with the utmost respect. My trust in her as a teacher lies in her communication with me as an equal, not as hierarchically lower as is common within academia. Her open-mindedness accompanied by her vast offering of philosophical information about yoga has allowed me to develop a sound and continually definitive perception of myself and to filter unnecessary, harmful stimuli that I would have otherwise allowed to innervate my life. She is very accessible, time-wise as well as interactively. She is a dynamic teacher to whom I am immensely grateful.

--Sarah Blackwell

I cannot really believe how far I have come in one year. The most visible change is the loss of 30 pounds. And, I have almost reclaimed my knees. I am doing postures routinely that I once thought would be permanently beyond my reach. But the bigger changes have been internal. Michelle has helped me to find balance in my life, and she is present in my life in the way that she has shown me how to be present in the moment. Indeed, once when I told her that I was going to take a long walk with my husband rather than go to her class, she commented that she was glad that I was practicing the heart of yoga and not merely its outer appearance. Michelle is, as this comment demonstrates, a remarkable and gifted teacher. I hope to know her and work with her for many years to come.

--Louisa Enright

Monday on my way home from work, I was involved in a hit and run accident (by an 18 wheeler) on the beltway. I am fine, no cuts, or visible bruises, just a lot of pain. He came over to my lane (without warning), clipped my front bumper - spun me around twice and flipped me over. I was taken to Fairfax Hospital Trauma Center and released around midnight. All the tests came back negative. I am currently staying home, taking it easy with my pain killers. I hope to be back to work and Yoga as soon as I feel better and get transportation again. I am very lucky to be alive, so needless to say, I am looking forward to get back in to a regular routine of Yoga. I want you to know that while I was in the ambulance and throughout my ordeal at the hospital, it was my concentration, technique of breathing and your voice, that kept me calm and in control. Maybe am not explaining my self well, or sound corny, but I just want to say "Thank you for knowing you. You helped me in ways that I could have never imagined, thank you." Hope to be back in class soon - I am more committed than ever.

--Lourdes Perry

Yoga has helped the tear in my rotator cuff heal finally where nothing else would... not to mention the extremely positive effect on my muscle condition. My rheumatologist was very happy today that the yoga I did DID help my health so much.

--Sharon Moran

Michelle's patience and positive energy has made my first experience with yoga absolutely wonderful. She creates an atmosphere that allows for gentle and progressive challenges, both physically and mentally. She provides explanations of the yoga positions that contribute to the over-all feeling that you really are doing something good for your body, mind, and spirit. Since I have started taking yoga classes, my mind is more at peace (it has stopped thinking so much about all the worries/stress in my life), I take better care of my body by eating and drinking things that are better for me, my self-esteem has increased, and my weak shoulder (from an old softball injury) has finally become stronger-- just to name a few of the things that yoga has done for me.

--Carrie Penn

I've been taking Yoga classes from Michelle for over a year and I appreciate her classes. Michelle treats each of her students as individuals. She helps myself and others adapt the yoga positions based on the level of ease or difficulty for each specific pose. I originally took the classes to bring some flexibility to my stiff body, and am pleased that the classes are an aerobic workout that also make my body stronger as well as more flexible.

--Al Colvill

A year ago, I let stress run my life. I realized this only after getting really sick and not knowing why. From that point on, I vowed to get into yoga, but it never happened-- until I found Michelle. Discovering Eden Yoga has been a turning point in my health and well-being. Not only is it changing my body, it's changing my whole outlook! Thanks for giving me this amazing opportunity.

--Catherine S.

You are an amazing yoga facilitator—you are such a wonderful, soulful teacher and your class is expansive, centering, and soulful. Because we moved to Vermont several months ago, I have really needed yoga to help me without friends and family nearby. I have been exploring several different yoga teachers and I really want to tell you how much I miss your class right now. I truly miss your presence and spirit, which you shared in each and every class, and while the teachers I have met here all have talent, none of their classes felt as deep and enriching as yours. I hope this note reminds you of how talented you are—a true Boddhisatva!

--Roxanne Bogart

I wanted to wish you all the best in your new adventure with the yoga center. It sounds like it will be a wonderful place for people to connect with themselves. I also wanted to thank you for helping me along my own path. Though I falter as I go I know that there are good people in this world who are willing to help others and that gives me hope. Thank you for helping me see a different way. The reason for all this is that I am moving to Leesburg, FL soon so I will not be able to attend your new center. I wanted to let you know that you helped me out with your tidbits of information such as "know your edge". That statement helped and helps me out so much. Plus the mediation at the end of the session showed me that there are so many possibilities out there and that peace is achievable. You have showed me a way in which I can quiet my mind and that is a beautiful gift that one can give to someone. It was a joy to go to a class and not feel silly or stupid because one did not know how to do a pose. You made the atmosphere comfortable and relaxing so that one could learn how to do the pose the way their body let them. It was such a pleasure to have you as a teacher.

--Deirdre Carr

The classes are wonderful-- Michelle is an excellent instructor. I didn't know what to expect-- but I hope to keep coming for a long time! Her classes have the perfect balance between mind and body therapy.

--Kate Ange

You are fantastic! I like your music, instruction, and your ability to calm this restless mind. Thank you for sharing your skills.

--Neena Rao

Michelle is a remarkable teacher, inspiring me to stick with yoga amidst the craziness of being a parent of two young children. She combines gentleness, depth, rigor, and humor in an irresistable blend of a teaching style. This is one thing I do for myself each week.

--Unyong Kim Waide

I've wanted to thank you for your help in private session a year or so ago. Your advice about my knee problems was spot-on, and I left the class while I went to physical therapy for my knee. I now have a great plan for keeping my knee healthy, but your advice in that short session has been as helpful as anything in helping me change my posture and movements to strengthen that knee.

--Ann Bieneman

You have opened a new door in my yoga practice.

--Lucinda Sexton

I'd just like to say that after taking other yoga
classes, this one is at the top. I love it.

--Iain Johnston

I have taken classes with you before, and intend to register for your class during the fall session. I wanted you to know that I consider you to be among the finest teachers with whom I have had the opportunity to study. I admire your dedication to the spirit of yoga, as well as its form, and the way you conduct your classes.

--Stephanie Fillman

Michelle, I've really missed doing yoga with a class and especially with you. You're classes have been the best I've ever done and it's just not the same when you try and do it alone.

--Karen Maki

Your classes flowed smoothly with the relaxation in the beginning and end and the focus on breathing throughout. The demonstrations were helpful because without them I would have been lost and frustrated, wondering if I was doing the pose correctly. With demonstrations I could focus more on doing the pose and getting the benefit of the pose. I enjoyed the variety of exercises and felt like I received benefit in all body parts. I found it especially helpful that in the standing poses the use of mistakes as a way of gathering information was encouraged because I often feel discouraged when I fall out of a standing pose. Overall, the class was a very pleasant experience. One more thing...the music played during the class was wonderful.

--Menetta Meyers

--Ann Bieneman

I feel the position is something way out of my body's league:) I'm sure-- with practice-- it becomes a lot easier, but... accomplishing this position seems quite impossible. Practice is okay with me, though, because, as someone mentioned before, I like how our professor doesn't push us. She allows us to judge our own thresholds and push ourselves, and that is really helpful in relieving stress and making the class more enjoyable. THANKS!

--Lauren A. Pezzo

While I have taken yoga classes before at other locations outside the academic setting, I have learned more in the past few weeks combined than throughout my past years of experience. I attest this to the discussions; when as a class we are give the opportunity to engage experienced knowledge, the class becomes more personally meaningful.

In addition to feeling noticeably more energized and focused throughout my five-class Mondays and Thursdays, I suspect that the benefits of taking yoga twice a day have impacted my general outlook and responsiveness the remaining five days in the week. Beyond the practical aspect, which I of course expected, I am surprised at the impact of our theoretical discussions. For starters, I did not anticipate the amount of class time devoted to theory. But more than this, beginning to practice yoga on an emotional/intellectual level is subtly defining and re-defining my views of things in general. I've mentioned in class that I resonate especially well with Eastern philosophy, and the more I know the more I like. I appreciate being challenged, physically and emotionally, and the yoga takes care of both.

--Christie Moquin

Since I have started taking Yoga I have honestly felt so much more refreshed in the mornings. I feel that I can stay energized throughout the day, instead of constantly taking naps whenever I feel tired. It has been amazing-- the impact I have also felt on my body. I actually feel sore some of the time after a Yoga class. I really feel as though I have been working my body and also finding a new way to relax. Yoga has so far been extremely beneficial in so many ways. I only hope that I can keep working on my breathing and memorize some of the exercises so I can do them on my own.

--Stephanie Mardell

At Edenyoga, you move into the postures at your own pace. Michelle teaches you to "find the edge of your stretch" as she is always saying. That's the place where you get a stretch that feels good and invigorating for you. It's your body-- only you know how far to go and what feels good. At Edenyoga, yoga is about harmony: getting in touch with your body and spirit. It is about YOUR practice. Michelle and Phoebe create an atmosphere where you can go inward and find your center, and really develop a yoga practice that will enrich your life. It's hard to explain, but yoga has helped me find more fulfillment and depth in my life, just day to day. I notice it most in the quiet moments that used to feel empty. Through yoga, I am learning more and more how to appreciate them as moments of sweet peace.

--Ellen Briggs

Yogini Michelle is not just your average Yogi Bear; she brings a special energy to her classes. Good exercise as well as good attitude make for an energizing and relaxing class. Even on days when I am almost too tired (or too cranky) to show up for class, I always drag myself along and am always rewarded by a revitalizing and transforming experience. As much as old Yogi Bear liked his picnic baskets in Jellystone Park, I think everyone will like edenyoga facilitated at Michelle's facility. P.S.-- The Power Yoga is a real treat.

--Stuart Trock

I have only taken a few classes with Michelle (and Phoebe!) so far, but I find myself enjoying them more and more. Not only is she a great instructor; she is very patient and goes out of her way to make her students feel comfortable. I am already seeing and feeling a change in myself that makes me wonder why I didn't find Michelle sooner!

--Melissa McCain

I feel much more relaxed afterward as well as more flexible. The discussions about the concepts behind the physical practice are also interesting. It's an interesting feeling to have my head know what my body is doing and where it is in relation to space, and not be concerned if I'm doing things right or how I look.

--Robyn Raley

I have tried other classes with different yoga instructors and have found
that Michelle Renfield's style of teaching goes well beyond the average
instructor. She integrates challening traditional asanas with a beautiful
spirtual element. I have found I am more centered and inspired following
her class. The variety in her practice educates beginners on the philosophy
and practice of yoga and encourages more advanced students to expand their
practice. Michelle is truely a special teacher and person.

--Alex Putetti

From taking dance classes in the past, the prospect of stretching made me cringe. But, yoga has allowed me to stretch without focusing on the actual discomfort in my muscles and instead to focus on my breathing (a much more pleasurable thing to do). Also, the instructor's discouragement of 'taking a stretch too far' and the encouragement to feel comfortable with one's OWN edge allows me to actually accomplish more than if I was overdoing it.

--S. Blackwell

After many years of saying that I wanted to take yoga, I finally did start my    practice last May with Michelle. It couldn't have started at a better time because I had been dealing with an unusual amount of stress and an email from her arrived in my in-box (for I had signed up for group classes and then canceled). I took it as a sign that I could finally stop talking about changing how I dealt with the stress in my life and actually begin to embrace something with a whole new and balanced mind-body connection.
       I truly love what Michelle has taught me and how I have been able to transfer my learning in her studio to the way I carry myself and approach my daily activities (including how I grasp my steering wheel when I drive). My 7 year-old has even noticed the change and tries to practice yoga with me!
       As a teacher myself, I know how hard it can be to reach all different types of learners. Another teacher once told me that he thought that you could train someone to be a teacher even if they didn't seem to have that natural ability to nurture and support. I disagree. The best teachers I have ever had have a natural gift to do what they do. The knowledge, nurture, and support just flow from them. Michelle definitely has this gift and I have been so happy that my first experience with yoga was with someone as talented and wonderful as she is. I hope to practice with her for as long as she'll let me!

-- Tonya Guiffré

Michelle's vinyasa classes have quickly become a healthy addiction for me. I love her concise, focused manner and clear descriptions of the poses and their many benefits. The tone of her classes could best be described as completely competition and judgment free, physically challenging, and mentally calming. Michelle has extensive knowledge of all aspects of yoga and is a great resource in my learning journey. In leading the class, Michelle fully participates and is a source of inspiration with her beautiful poses. Yet she always encourages you to listen to yourself, go at your own pace and take what she is doing and saying as nothing more than a "series of suggestions." It really is a place where you can just be yourself. Also, her classes use music more fully than others I've taken, which I find very enjoyable and motivating. Yoga with Michelle has truly allowed me to rediscover my youth as I become aware of my body's ever-increasing abilities.

--Pamela D'Alexander

I have been practicing yoga with Michelle Renfield for the past year and a half. During that time, I have
developed a deep sense of respect and admiration for her as a yoga instructor. She embodies what I have
wanted in a yoga teacher: respect for the student’s background and ability, simple and straightforward
instructions during the asana practice, clarity of understanding in her yoga, and a profound love and kindness for everyone she interacts with.

When I first met Michelle, I had come for my first session at her studio, Eden Yoga. A few months before,
I had relocated to Northern Virginia from California. I was not physically fit and more importantly, had a lot ofproblems adjusting to a new life as a full time telecommuter, away from my friends and co-workers. I wantedto start yoga asana (along with running) as part of my ‘get back to shape’ campaign. Unfortunately, the
instructor for that day had failed to show up leaving me and another student disappointed. As if anticipating
the problem, Michelle showed up and I had my first experience of yoga teaching in the United States.

I was born and raised in India and remember doing yoga lessons in school and asana practice at home
with my father. Somewhere along the journey of my life, I let go of my yogic tradition and my home land. I went to graduate school in the mid west, and ended up working for a technology company in California – a jobthat left me stressed and without any down time for me or my family. I was in need of a “reminder” to help mebecome more aware of myself, accept my situation in life, and be grateful for it. Yoga practice with Michelle has been my gentle reminder.

During her class, I have noticed Michelle modifying the flow of poses to fit with the condition of the
students, both physical and emotional. Her asana demonstrations are broken down to reveal the essence of thepose. The emphasis on openness, letting-go of effort, and ultimately, surrendering to a higher purpose, givesher yoga sessions a unique feeling of weightlessness. Be it on days that I have been particularly stiff after a long run or surprisingly flexible after a relaxing nap. The flow of poses and her control of the duration of the poses have left me with the same feeling of energy and strength at the end of the class. This is a testament to the adaptive nature of Michelle’s yoga sessions.

Yoga practice with Michelle has helped me re-connect with myself on different levels – physically through
a flexible and open body which allowed me to train for a marathon without any injury, mentally by helping me
come to terms with my new life here in Virginia, and spiritually by opening my mind to the peacefulness of
meditation. I have learned to be more tolerant to others, accept the change that is inevitable in my life, and to appreciate the many blessings I am bestowed with – my wife, my family, my job, and the society that I live in.

The best complement I can give Michelle is that she won’t be affected by anything I write about her. I feel
blessed at having made her acquaintance and grateful for practicing yoga under her guidance. Her kindness andlove for her students is boundless and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

--Kamalesh Kalarickal