I gave a class at the senior center today. I talked about what is yoga and what is stress and gave some pointers of accepting situations and doing work with happiness. Then I gave them class with simple yoga movements, breathing practices, laughter and ended with simple A, U and M chanting.

Six people attended including Director attended the class. They were very happy and said they felt relaxed. First, they had asked us to give yoga once or twice a month and now they want yoga class every Tuesday and if possible twice a week

— - Yoga Bharati Teacher

Thank you for the beautiful Surya Namaskar class today. I do not know the teacher's name (apologies) but the class experience was beyond something I can put in words. On a physical level, it opened up my shoulders, neck and tightness in my upper level. On a mental level, it calmed me down reduced my anxiety levels. I felt a better connection with the universe. Overall it was very blissful and I felt better equipped to face challenges that I might encounter. As I was driving back, it also helped me brainstorm on a challenging situation at work and how to conduct my interactions with a co-worker in a positive fashion. 

I have also been extremely kind and patient with my family today which has been very helpful for them and me.  I plan to continue to practice the modified version and hope to learn the classic version gradually.

- New participant after third class
 

A part of me felt ecstatic, nervous, complete and fulfilled and another part felt happy that a long pregnancy has come to a logical conclusion. After learning about my conception, I pledged to raise a good human being and to keep up to that promise, I made a baby step by enrolling into yoga classes
To everyone's surprise, after more than 48 hours of induction, I could gather all my strength to breathe strong enough to deliver the baby normally in 1.5 hours. The deep breathing techniques and stamina building postures came to my rescue; not to mention other pain management practices (most helpful in 3rd trimester). After every contraction my resolve grew stronger to put my body and determination to test. All along I kept remembering my yoga teacher's words that "you won't know your limit until you venture".  
Today as I see my smiling daughter and hold her to my chest, I can only thank Savita and Deepa (of Yoga Bharati) for teaching me the best yoga poses thereby helping me bring a happy and healthy child to this world!
I wish that all moms-to-be practice yoga and bring a happy and beautiful child to this lovely world! As they say...."let's not raise our children to be tough to face a tough world; rather, let's raise (from inception) a beautiful child to make this a more beautiful world"
- Prenatal Yoga Participant