Oncology yoga

This class brings me great comfort. Every time, I feel heard and respected in what I’m going through. Thank you for allowing me to share what I’m experiencing and finding a place to unwind and relax.

In addition to our treatments, I believe it’s important to take care of ourselves to enable healing or a sense of well-being, and these sessions have allowed me to do that.

In March 2016, at the age of 56, I was diagnosed with breast cancer, fortunately not too advanced. The treatments went well, but a year later, I experienced a kind of backlash. Depression set in, and I faced the classic choice of letting myself sink or seeking help. So, I knocked on every door, in every direction, and that’s when I met Laura. Because I think that before saying that I met yoga, it was Laura who first came into my life. From the very first session with her, something happened. It wasn’t just a series of movements followed by relaxation and a polite “thank you, see you next week,” which I had already experienced. It was the discovery of a whole new world. A welcoming environment, eye-to-eye contact, time to arrive, to let go, focusing on breathing, postures, relaxation… Everything had meaning, and I distinctly remember how much calmer and lighter I felt after that first class, as if a weight that had been suffocating me had been lifted. I was fortunate that Laura agreed to give me private lessons because deep down, I felt that I had probably found the means, the crutch, that would help me out of my despair. During our initial meetings, Laura took the time to get to know me beyond just my body, so that yoga could assist me in other aspects of my life, not just physically. She didn’t position herself as a guru at all, but rather, she guided me in uncovering the incredible resources buried deep within me. Each week brought something new in our group classes; Laura came prepared with a series of asanas adapted to the time of year to help us cope with our daily lives (shoveling, raking leaves, gardening, changing seasons…). With infinite patience and a listening ear, through sharing texts, at a pace that so profoundly respected the individual, we progressed week after week until yoga became a part of my daily life. I may not practice every single day, but if I haven’t done a series of postures on a given day, I’ve certainly ended my day with my legs up the wall, or started another day with a cup of warm water and a moment to breathe… Thank you for everything, Laura, for your support and encouragement, for continually seeking knowledge for your students, and for your exceptional teaching.