Dear Siva I used to attend your yoga classes in Pretoria around 2000-2002, and stopped when I moved to Johannesburg. I just looked you up on the internet to say THANK YOU VERY MUCH. I am still doing yoga exercises on my own, guided by what you taught me. I hear your voice in my head... "Relax your body, relax your mind" "look up" "love yourself, love your family, love your country..." :) You are a great teacher wishing you all the best in work and life Elizabeth Jansen van Vuuren-  Sat 2009/01/17 09:48 AM

I have been attending Siva’s yoga classes for five months, and have loved it, I’ve been practising yoga before in Norway and India, and it was really nice to get back into it in South Africa. I would have continued here if I weren’t returning to Norway now! I find that yoga improves my health, making me stronger and more flexible, as well as helping me to relax. Best wishes!

-Marit Erdal, Oslo, Norway-

Dear Siva, Thank you for three years of yoga, it has meant a great deal to me.

-Jill Anderson, Secretary, South African National Council for Blind: Lynnwood Ridge Pretoria-

Just to say how much I enjoy your Hatha yoga classes, your sharp mind, and business like approach to life. Thank you for sharing some of your background. Best wishes.

-Robbie McIntosh, Pensioner, Engineer: Menlo Park Pretoria-

  I have been attending Yoga classes with Siva for almost 2 years now. The physical benefits are a bonus. Mentally and spiritually, this has really been the best thing I could have done. Siva’s infinite patience also sense as an incredible role model to all of the people serious about their practice. Siva, you are honestly helping me live more in the present--- little by little. 

-Johan spies, Independent Management consultant and Facilitator; Hatfield, Pretoria-

Today is the first anniversary of classes at Sivaya Yoga Studio, Pretoria. I began classes two days before my 66th birthday in 2003. I was not feeling energetic then and my legs were stiff and the hamstrings often in pain. Now I have flexible legs (without any form of medical treatment or medication), have lost weight, regained my waist and back muscles which had become a flabby and have a sense of physical well-being. I did Yoga previously in another style, but Siva’s classes are absolutely perfect for gaining both strength and flexibility as well as mental and emotional equilibrium. This is the answer to retaining vigour and forgetting about age.

I have been attending Sivaya Yoga Studio since February 2002 and had never done any yoga before that. It has changed my life. I am much stronger and much  much  more flexible. My chronic back problems have disappeared and I a have lost 30kg. My blood pressure has dropped so much; I had to stop taking medication for hypertension. After every yoga class, I know exactly how strong I am, and where my problem areas are- I have become much more aware of my body. I am very relaxed after class, and feel fantastic! Thank You Siva.

I love doing Yoga- it feels like receiving myself in the new version. Better focus greater and greater clarity of mind is what I observe within myself. Peace of mind instigated by listening to instructions- where personal thought is slowly disengaged and the emergence of being- “the sensing self “ is felt instead.

My vices have left me without effort. Choices of lighter, easier digestible food also seem to be a natural outcome in my diet.

-Grazyna Kimble, House wife; Wapadrand, Pretoria-

Dear Siva,

It has been 10 months since I started with your yoga classes and those 10 months determined my future path.  I started with yoga classes when my orthopedic surgeon suggested I engaged in regular exercise to help strengthen my lower back muscles.  I suffered from a slipped disc after an accident and it deteriorated to such an extent that the disc disintegrated completely causing the two vertebrae to rest directly on each other.   These days I can get out of bed without having to take it slow for 15 minutes.  In fact, I have almost no lower back pain to complain about.  Friends and family also commented on my healthy glow since I started practicing yoga.  I plan to continue with yoga until someone gets sick of me and throws me out!  In the meantime I am on a quest to proof that practicing yoga in fact does build bone in post-menopausal women.  I plan to be the guinea pig and will report back in a year or so.   Thank you for improving the quality of my life, for improving my sleeping pattern and most important, for a calmness I have never experienced before.

-Stephanie Townsend, Freelance journalist; Pretoria-

I gain a lot from yoga. It helps me relax, become fit, contributes to my health (I get less headaches) and I experience the physical difference – I am stronger and much more flexible. It is a constant challenge and I really miss it when I cannot attend classes for more than a day. The best of all is that I enjoy it a lot! Thank you Siva!

-Phoebe fouche, Psychologist; Menlo Park, Pretoria-

Through the advice of my friend Emi I started to practice Yoga at Sivaya Yoga Studio. I would like to share the effect that it has on me as an individual:

It helps me to live life in a harmonious relationship with my environment and to cope with different situations.

It enhances my personal relationships at work, within my family, between friends and in the community.

It takes me on a fascinating journey of discovering my internal organs, body parts and breathing movements

It fosters good health and leaves always enough opportunity for improvement   Thank you, for your time and effort Siva. “I salute you!” -Lenbe Smit, Receptionist Psychiatrist; Pretoria-

Dear Siva, on a journey to re-discover the body, thank you for your guidance. I’ve learnt much in this short time starting to hear again the child within that gives me the strength to grow…Now every time I do Yoga I hear your voice guiding the moments thank you for the work you do all the blessings of the universe-love +light.

-Nicole Dziembowski, Artist Pretoria-

Yoga is just what I need after a long day of studies. It helps me to relax and unwind, gives me new strength and always-welcome break. There is challenge in Yoga for everyone; no matter how good you get, you can always go further. It never gets boring!! It's fun, challenging and really makes a difference to your body! I can really recommend it to anyone and every one! 

- Pauline De Beer, BEng Student University of Pretoria-

I am 57;3 month ago, I began yoga on a regular basis, before I was in constant pain from slipped disks. This month I climbed Mt. Kenya. For ten days I carried my 30kg back pack and never felt stronger- Thanks to Yoga.

- Susan Blanche, Super Tramp-

I have found that Yoga has relaxed me, not only in the sessions themselves but after the sessions as well. Yoga has sensitised me to the art of breathing, which in turn promotes a sense of well-being. My flexibility and agility have also increased but in particular, the positions that are held have increased my stamina as well. Although yoga is slow and not aerobic, it really does feel that after a class you have had a workout, benefiting the muscles as well as the internal organs-an area most often neglected by other physical exercises. The more one practices the better one becomes. The Sivaya Yoga Studio encourages you to take the classes at your own pace and encourages you to attain your potential in an environment, which is conducive to calm, and relaxed exercising. I am happy to say that I have eventually found a form of exercise that suits me!!

-Regan Murphy, PhD Psychology Student, University of Pretoria-

For a discipline that offers strength without sacrificing flexibility, and flexibility without sacrificing strength, yoga is the way to go-That is not to mention the balance and proper breathing techniques it teaches one.

-Igor Tonzetic, Geology Student, University of Pretoria-

The nature of my work requires that I maintain a high level of concentration, often under very stressful conditions. Yoga allows me to concentrate for longer stretches than before. I also enjoy the discipline in the different postures and I am satisfied with the progress one makes without the pressure to achieve immediate results. Yoga truly relaxes the mind and body, leaving me with a feeling of awakening from a deep sleep after every session. I also believe Yoga is the key to helping me discover who I really am.

-Eben Pieters, Engineer-Pretoria-

Reaching the full Yogic level will most definitely be "The Ultimate Solution"

-Patrick Ellis, Bar Manager-

Yoga helps relief out back pain and lessen my depression. Thanks Siva.

-Hanes & Meisie Blignaut, Family-

 Yoga helps me to relax my mind as well as my body. I am also learning to focus my thought and concentration for longer periods.

-Richard Benade, Graphic Designer-

Because I have an academic career, I hardly ever get any substantial exercise. Also, four years ago I had a major cancer operation, but because I don't get much exercise, I haven't recovered the full use of some of the muscles affected by the operation. Also, I don't feel at home in the "gym culture": lifting weights three times as heavy as my car just does not appeal to me :-).

However, by chance I happened across these yoga classes. And I find myself enjoying them very much! The fact that there is no pressure to "achieve" makes for a relaxed environment with which I am very comfortable. I only go twice a week, at times even skipping one of the meetings, and despite doing this for the relaxation and for the stretching exercises only -  not to "achieve results" - I find a marked improvement after attending these yoga classes for only a month.  Last night my wife was astounded to see me keep my legs straight, bend over and touch the ground. Five weeks ago I could only reach my ankles.

However, I still do not want to set any "targets to reach".  That is not why I attend these classes.  I just need a little exercise. The improvements in the condition of my body is just an added bonus that I am happy with nonetheless. The fact that our yoga teacher enables this with his quiet and supportive manner, is why I keep coming back.

-Christo Lombaard, faculty of Theology university of Pretoria-

Yoga relaxes as it energizes. It allows me to be more myself and less the product of life's stresses. But beware: It is addictive. Luckily, all the consequences are positive.

-Dr. Andre Venter, PhD Chemistry-

I was born with a feeling to always rush. This sometimes means that I'm rushing without actually achieving anything. Yoga helped and is still helping me to be more in control of "Rush" feeling! I enjoy every class! Thank you.

- Leonie Marais, Cultural Historian-

Learning all the yoga poses is a challenge for me, it strengthens my body and relaxes me afterwards.

- Anel Schoombee, Fine Artist-

Classes in Yoga have made me increasingly more relaxed in both mind and body. I cannot imagine doing without it now.

-Joyce D Mpopu, Researcher-

I can get rather dramatic about stuff sometimes- yoga helped me to calm down considerably, think clearly and think laterally. I also sleep like a rock.

-Renske Jacobs, Journalist/Actress-

Yoga makes me feel like I belong somewhere; helps me to relax and get into shape. Thank you.

-Vanessa Buchan, Fashion Shop Owner/Business Women-

Yoga helps me to relax and forget all about the hectic stuff that happened during my day at work. I can go home with peace in me.

-Ida Becker, Fashion Designer-

Yoga gives me peace in my mind and relaxes my body.

-Wendy Jacobs, Credit Analyst-  

Yoga helps me take time out from life's hectic schedule, to relax and get in touch with myself.

-Carol Jacobs, Research Coordinator-

Yoga helps me focus. It makes me remember people and values that are important to me by concentrating on them. I find it very relaxing. It is an important step to taking control of your health, both in body and soul. Thank you for enriching my life!

-Dr. Michelle Greyling, PhD Zoology,University of Pretoria-

Intensely relaxing! Peacefully invigorating!

-Dr. Steve Henley, PhD ecologist, University of PE-

Yoga with Siva brings serenity to my day. I am also becoming more flexible and strong. Its great.

-Marie Dwyer, Development Worker NZ-

Yoga helps me to relax, makes my body feel good.

-Sumari De Beer, Personal Assistant-

Yoga changed the way I look at gym. It relaxes me, lets me do things at my own level. It let's me do what I want, when I want without overdoing it. It's really great and everybody should do yoga.

- Elmare Landsman -

"The mind is a drunken monkey....". Yoga forces you to unwind to see things in perspective and helps bring discipline to our hectic lives.

- Mariette Van Jaarsveld -

The transformative effects of yoga are unbelievable. Ones mind and body becomes synchronized as you become gradually more and more aware of the capabilities and limitations of your body. The types of people who are attracted to Yoga are usually friendly, interesting and open minded which is an added bonus! All areas of my life have improved!

- Mia McDonald, Student University of Pretoria-

Yoga: A method of practice to attain to absolute truth.

-Adriann Voors, Seeker of Truth-

Focusing on one constant thing is such a change to my every day scattered live. Also doing Yoga in South Africa has helped me feel more confident and centered. What a great Addition to my life.

-Naeve Quigley, Student Houston Texas USA  -

Finding Yoga has been a life changing discovery. I have lost 10 kg and feel 10 years younger.

- Maureen Billingham, House Wife-

My Experience of Yoga - on the one hand, it expands the consciousness and raises one's awareness, focusing on the essence of one's being, and on the other, it is simply relaxing and invigorating. It really enriches my life.

-Louisemarie Combrink, Artist, Teacher Pretoria-

Yoga lets me see; who's the god in me.

-Zanja Voors, Software Developer-

Yoga is Great!! I've felt and exercised places of my body I never thought I had. I feel relaxed and strong everyone must try it.

-Denise Martins, Reflex Student-

I attended Yoga classes in order to find a non-strenuous workout. I found a challenge that has kept me busy for six months so far. I discovered a direction and meaning to my previously unknown directionless life. I have found an alternate lifestyle with enough questions to be answered to keep me busy for the rest my days.                          -Ivone Billingham, Computer Nerd; Hatfield, Pretoria-

Yoga is great way to trim your body and expand your mind; is Very relaxing after a strenuous day.

-Debbie Meyer, a new recruit-

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Last modified: December 02, 2008