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As I sit here and reflect on the last three months of my life at Shine Yoga, it is hard to keep my feelings at bay, and I am finding my eyes welling up with tears. This isn’t really anything new though - I would need more than two hands to count the number of times in the last 90 days that I have been overcome with gratitude that has brought me to tears.
 
When late February of this year rolled around, I found myself in a pretty dark place. I was struggling with a recent spinal diagnosis that was not only causing me a great deal of physical pain, but threatening to bring my love of running to a close. I felt hopeless, like I was never going to be able to find a solution. And I could already feel the effects of my body image (which was never very good in the first place) deteriorating due to lack of ability to exercise.
 
Although I knew in my heart of hearts that starting a regular yoga practice (at the suggestion of my doctor as a replacement to running) was not financially feasible because of my medical bills, I still felt the urge to start researching local yoga studios. Shine Yoga came highly recommended, and I visited the website and stumbled upon the scholarship program. Asking for help has never come easy to me. I was always taught that if you want something, you and you alone are responsible for working hard to get it - and if you don’t get it, you’re not working hard enough. I don’t know what it was that night that made me step outside of my box, for one of the first times ever, but I did, and I applied for the scholarship, and was accepted.
 
Fast-forward to today: to say that Shine has changed my life would be a huge understatement. I have found, and am still finding, a great deal of relief of the physical pain within my body. It is getting stronger every day, and I have noticed a lot of improvement in my practice. But I am also finding myself. I am finding peace. I am learning to be gracious and accepting of who I am, and of the body that I was given. That includes not just its growing achievements, but also its limitations - and being okay with them. When I am away from Shine for a period of time, even if only a day or two, I notice it, and I can feel it. It’s like a part of me is missing. And as soon as I step foot through that door again, feelings of peace and knowing that everything truly is going to be alright, wash over me. The atmosphere is calming and gentle. From day one I felt welcomed, accepted, supported, and loved. Never once have I felt that I am not good enough, or flexible enough, or strong enough, or knowledgeable enough.
 
I don’t know where I would be right now without having been provided this amazing opportunity - honestly, I really don’t like to think about it. It’s as if the “pre-Shine” me has disappeared, and a newer and better version of myself has emerged. As crazy as it sounds, I am glad that I had come to the low point in my life that I did, because if I hadn’t, I don’t know if I would have taken that step to do something for myself and apply for the scholarship. I couldn’t possibly be more grateful for this opportunity I was given, and am so thankful for Shine and all of the amazing souls that are there.
 
I wanted to end this by sharing a song that has been a favorite of mine for many years now - the lyrics were always powerful to me, but now they have a personal meaning in my life, thanks to Shine Yoga. It is coincidentally titled “Shine On” and was written by May Erlewine. The lyrics are below.

 

Knocked me off of my feet

But I think it's time for me to start walking again,

Stop running away from things.

Next time you see me,

I will be singing a new song/

I am learning to shine on.

 

Shine on, shine on,

There'll be time enough for darkness when everything's gone.

Shine on, shine on,

There is work to be done in the dark before dawn.

 

It's been hard not to give in,

And it ain't easy living in hard times.

I know it's weighing on your mind.

Next time you see me,

I'll be uplifting, yes I will give you hope!

I am learning as I go to shine on.

 

Shine on, shine on.

There'll be time enough for darkness before everything's gone.

Shine on, shine on,

There is work to be done in the dark before dawn.

 

I know how dark it seems,

Feel it coming up inside of me,

And I feel it in you too, in everything you do.

Next time you see me,

We'll both be laughing, oh just to be alive!

We are learning to shine, shine on.

 

Shine on, shine on.

There'll be time enough for darkness when everything's gone

Shine on, shine on.

There is work to be done in the dark before dawn.

 

There is work to be done,

So you you've got to shine on.

 

 

 

 

Staying consistent with yoga has gained me awareness in my mind, body and soul. Shine yoga is awesome for beginners and all levels. I learn something new every time I come into class. The teachers are so diverse and all offer so much love, making everyone feel welcomed. My favorite thing about the studio is the two big windows that let in so much light into the room and instantly relaxes me after stressful work days. Thank you to my shine family for always making me feel amazing even on my off days !! Namaste   —Pauline, Va Beach, VA, 2019

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Every single time I walk out of this door, I feel like a million bucks. Thank you shineyogavabeach.com for giving me this opportunity, it's truly amazing. —Katilin, L., Va Beach, VA 2019
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you make available to cultivate safe spaces for healing. It's BEAUTIFUL, peaceful and welcoming here. Hugs,
—Megan Jenifer Harris, Va Beach, VA 2019

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Karen fills the room completely with the heart of yoga. I always leave feeling full of bliss. Thank you, Karen. —Tess, Va Beach, VA 2019
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Previously I have had to have MRI’s of my head and neck and barely made it through due to the claustrophobic feeling. Yesterday as they strapped me in I immediately closed my eyes and began focusing on my breath. I truly just tried hearing Jen’s voice breath in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 breath out 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. and before I knew it I was in that Nidra state of mind. Twice the noise from the MRI brought me out but I immediately went back to the breath. 40 minutes later it was over and I actually felt relaxed. I’m pretty sure that was meditation! Thank you Jen. —Kathy H., Va Beach, VA 2018

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am in my 50's and have really felt the effect of my years lately. I have bad knees and never thought I would be able to do yoga! Boy was I wrong! They have taught me so much and I am seeing tremendous improvements in my entire body! My knees ACTUALLY FEEL BETTER THAN EVER! I love how they make the classes perfect for any level! There are some really skilled yoga students and beginners like me in all of the classes. I don't feel intimidated and in fact, it is so encouraging to see so many levels working together in one class! If you are interested in learning yoga, check out one of Shine's Intro Classes. Not only do you get 3 weekly 2 hour learning/practicing classes, but you also get to go to any of their scheduled classes for free during your introductory time! You will not regret it. Namaste! —Colleen, Va Beach, VA 2019
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Dear Jen,
Just wanted to say "thank you" so much for letting me use the Biomat during my healing process. I truly believe it was the reason I healed up perfectly with no surgery. I am so looking forward to getting back to my yoga routine. So glad I found Shine and you!
— Lenora P., Va Beach, 2018

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I am so glad I decided to go. Artis took the time to show each pose and to make sure each of us were in the correct position.....I am so grateful for that as I want to learn and grow in my yoga practice. All of the teachers as Shine are awesome and I love each of their classes but I needed this class this morning. Thank you Jen for a great studio where I feel free to learn ....do not ever feel intimidated and can feel myself getting stronger, more flexible and balanced. —Julie O., Va Beach, VA 2019

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I’m grateful for someone I met very, very recently but who more than deserves to figure on this list, my wonderful yoga teacher and reiki energy healer Jen, for her extreme kindness, patience, positivity and the truly magical healing vibes that she gives just by talking (or even without talking; I felt drawn to her before even having even spoken to her or set foot in Virginia Beach!). I was the biggest yoga skeptic in the world (because of a couple of hilariously disastrous attempts, including one involving a Youtube video with a woman who uses, ahem, interesting metaphors, and the aforementioned cousins, and their cat who was determined to make me trip and break a bone), but now I can’t go 24 hours without attending a class, and being a member of Jen’s studio has been truly transformative on so many levels that I can’t list them here, I'd just go on and on and on about how I'm slowly transforming into Gwyneth Paltrow (with raw organic apple cider vinegar flowing in lotus-shaped veins and all). But I’ll say that it is worth moving from DC to Norfolk/Virginia Beach just for the yoga! — Sophie D., Va Beach, 2018

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