Dear Editor:

Why do people do yoga - and why do they keep doing it? It is because it improves their lives.

I would like to thank Crow Point Yoga in Boothbay Harbor for improving the quality of my life. Just after a few short months of yoga twice a week, I feel different, better. I have had chronic pain for many years and people have sent me books, videos and CDs on yoga. I kept fighting the idea that yoga could help me. But now, I am a believer since it has improved body and mind. My posture is better, my muscles stronger, my pain lessened. And I am more able to cope with pain.

Yoga is about learning to breathe while incorporating the breath with the movement of our bodies. After all, breathing is the first and last thing we do in our lives. Many people hold their breath especially at work and in stressful situations. Doesn’t it make sense to incorporate the breath in our body’s activities? And because of this, every level of life is greatly enhanced. Learning to use the power of the breath improves our posture, our energy level, motility, self esteem and mental acuity. Pain is lessened and stress levels are lowered.

I wish to thank all the excellent yoga instructors at Crow Point including Sharon Goldhirsch, Wendy Johnson, Brittany Warren, Romee May, Dianne Daniels and Mary Fran Matichak for their caring, loving work. Each one of them approaches the group as individuals.

Yoga is a wonderful way to improve health in so many ways. My thanks to Crow Point Yoga for making my life better. Hooray for yoga!

Sincerely,
Joan McLean Fodera
Boothbay Harbor