"I must first thank you [Del] for providing the amazing experiences that I have discovered at Garden of Zen! It is not what I expected!! So I feel compelled to write a testimony of the benefits for my health in so many aspects following a terrible illness, near death long term hospital stay, and recovery. I came to your "business" with much doubt and reluctance! I finally "tried" because I was "ordered" by my doctor to try yoga on a very regular basis. He has been my long time doctor and I'm friends with his colleague. I always thought yoga would conflict with my spiritual beliefs so I actually avoided the discipline in any regard. Since my doctor and I are of the same faith, I began to listen more closely due to my serious health issues. I have been more willing to try anything to relieve my pain, and my doctors enthusiastic endorsement of yoga finally made me explore possible yoga classes. My doctor was emphatic that I NOT take "gym yoga". He wanted me to participate in yoga classes that would allow me to address my medical limitations, heal, and not become discouraged. I visited Garden of Zen because another friend also encouraged me to visit. I immediately "felt at home" and signed up for unlimited monthly classes. I was also pleasantly impressed that I received a military discount. I was very nervous, and did not believe I could do any of the practice nor remember any of the instructions due to my physical and mental impacts of my illness. I had a terrible attitude of doubt. I was shocked on how my body, mind, and spirit responded! That was almost a month ago. I have been attending almost every day, sometimes twice a day! To my amazement the improvements in my overall wellbeing have been almost miraculous! The various teachers have noticed the marked improvements as well as everyone else in my life. I do not question the results …I am only thankful. I have purchased books on Yoga and realize I can embrace yoga without compromising my faith. I close with much thanksgiving on this Veteran's Day for Del and her family, who also serve our great country and for having the insight to create such a healing place. I would also like to recognize my doctor, Dr. Hoag, who literally saved my life, first in recognizing my serious health problem and providing the correct health guidance and for recommending yoga as a way to a healthy life! Dr. Hoag is a doctor with the Tidewater Physicians Multispecialty Group @ Discovery Park Family Medicine, 5424 Discovery Park Blvd. A, Suite 201, Williamsburg, VA 23188. Thank you for allowing me to share my story."
_ Darla K.