Testimonials
Brianna Boedecker
As a graduate of the University of California with a degree in religious studies, just stepping foot in India had been a dream of mine for a long time coming. When i became aware of Valerie's retreat to Rishikesh,India this past Fall (2008) , I barely hesitated in buying my ticket. Little did i know Valerie was to make this trip an experience of a lifetime.
I can honestly admit that my experience in India enriched my mind, body and spirit. Valerie was not only a guide through this beautiful country but a friend. She truly opened my eyes to a 'new' type of Yoga. Yoga within. I will be forever thankful for this experience and would recommend it to anyone... Not to mention i met the coolest chicas on my journey!!!
Chaya Greenwald
"Valerie reminds me of Who I AM. She is an incredible Guide that enables me to, stay on my mat as my "shadow" appears. The moment my minds repeats "Its too much", Val reminds me that "I am not my body". Valerie's classes are filled with Life, Love and Empowerment. She has a graceful way of incorporating Spirit into her Teachings. Valerie embodies the essence of Yoga, of Love. I bow my head in gratitude and honor to G-d, for allowing us to be apart of each other's journey."
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10 November, 2010
To anyone considering joining ’s retreat to India, I implore you to GO! While at the resort in Rishikesh, our group was discussing the reasons we felt drawn to come to India. I truly couldn’t cite a single reason. I had always been fascinated by other cultures; I wanted to experience something radically different from my every day life. However, neither of those things really led me to decide to go. I heard Valerie speaking about the retreat to India and I had an almost visceral reaction. I just knew that I needed to go. Now I am so thankful that I did.
The trip was everything I needed. Valerie is a beautiful, wise, compassionate sage. She has an unparalleled ability to gently guide you toward a connection with your highest self, toward an exploration of thoughts and feelings that (at least in my case) I was trying to avoid and to leave you with a sense of having connected with yourself in a tender and loving way. I left feeling grounded with a profound respect for the ‘little things’ in my life. I met people who touched my soul after our first meeting. I experienced a constant vibration of gratitude all around me, and how beautiful that the vibration was coming from some of the most materialistically poor people I’ve known. My journey found me at times laughing hysterically (when is the last time you’ve had your chipati stolen by a monkey!?), breathing deeply, even crying with Valerie holding on to my arm. Every range of emotion, every range of experience and it was perfect.
The journey to India is an opportunity to find yourself truly present within your own body, in a magical land surrounded by genuinely loving new friends. I hope that you give Valerie the opportunity to lead you on this trip.
If you have any questions about my experience on the trip, I’m open to phone calls, e-mails or chats over chai!
Jessica Hartwell ~ jetiwi@gmail.com
