I asked my students, if they wished to contribute to this page. The premise I suggested was 'Why do you choose to practice Yoga, what do you particularly enjoy and the benefits you have found or perhaps a difficult period of your life where Yoga practices have been helpful'. The responses and insights are wonderful. Do take time to read this page.

‘Yoga classes for me are a vital part of my life. Not only do they stretch, create flexibility and strength, but they help create a way of life that is more harmonious and more in touch with the essence of who I am.’

Pamela Hurwitz

'My first yoga class was in the 70's (yes, that far back!).  I didn't even know what yoga was and only went because I couldn't find a keep fit class in the area.  It was a Friday evening and I felt tired and didn't really want to go. Well, I came out walking on air, completely hooked and have been ever since.

It has given me an awareness of my posture as well as fitness and I really do believe it has helped me through difficult times. My only regret is having given up yoga for the odd year here and there when I became fed up with the adult education classes.  (Extremely nice teachers but too PC for my liking!).'

Trish Biggs

"I feel energised and at peace with myself after a yoga lesson. Even, if I am feeling tired and stressed before a lesson. My favourite things are relaxing, dog and bridge."

Pam Farley 

'I reached a time in life where I needed a gentler form of exercise, non aerobic and decided to try Yoga. I found it to be therapeutic and relaxing. I have a shoulder injury and working it at Yoga relaxes the tension in the muscles. I look forward to the company during our Yoga sessions and see you on Wednesday.’ 

Chris Gardner 

‘I first learned Yoga in the 1960’s in Hong Kong where the main attraction was to lie on the floor on a blissfully air-conditioned room for two hours!  Retirement gave me the real chance to come back to it and the weekly session with Sarah is wonderfully calming as well as helping me to overcome any physical problems.  Every week I vow to practice at home but I seldom do!  However the sense of well-being at the end of the session is unique.’ 

Christabel Sworder

‘I first started yoga with Sarah over five years ago now.  I was looking for  a form of (non-competitive) exercise I would enjoy after having tried things like the gym and being so bored!  But I've got so much more from yoga than just exercise.

Suppleness and more strength in my muscles, my lungs are healthier, I breathe properly, and I have learnt so much about the mind.  I know I don't meditate as much as I should, but I now find that, for instance, when I walk with the dog, I can "switch off" my mind, and relax, and return to the normal stresses and strains of the day feeling renewed and refreshed. 

I know how to relax and release the tension in my body.  If I feel stressed  in the day, I can concentrate on my breathing and calm myself down.  If I  can't sleep at night, I relax, perhaps use one of the sleeping techniques Sarah has taught me and I am away in no time.

I am fitter, my posture is better.  My back, which used to give me problems, is stronger and I rarely experience pain now.  I can bend over to pick something off the floor without straining.

Yoga has given me time for myself - everyone who knows me knows I am not contactable on a Wednesday morning! As Sarah says "relax the body, relax the breath, relax the mind" which I have found has led to "Stronger Body, Stronger Breath, Stronger Mind".’

Kathy Clark

I do Yoga to remain supple. Since I started Yoga seven years ago I have never had cramp and my golf handicap has come down! (Interpret that as you will!).

To be honest I do not actually enjoy the sessions, but I feel so much better afterwards and I cannot see a situation where I shall not continue to do Yoga under your expert tutelage!’ 

Chris Reece

‘Practising yoga regularly has kept my body flexible and agile despite my ageing years.  However it was the breathing exercises and meditation that helped during a period of health problems that kept me more relaxed and positive during difficult treatment.’ 

Joy Maitland

‘‘A year ago due to backache I started a daily routine of yoga stretches.  We were working on the Moon Salutation in class which I found centred me far more than the Sun Salutation. I added this to my morning practice and immediately felt the benefits of being more centred and settled into meditation more easily.  

My daily yoga practice helps to focus my scattered mind and leaves me centred, calm and at peace. If I am having a particularly busy day or need to focus on a specific piece of work I will often make myself stop, do a short yoga practice and meditation, and then start work again.  My simple yoga practice has now become part of my life.’ 

Susie Korean

‘I live a very busy life juggling work, children and family commitments and like many others in my position, find it very difficult to really relax. I came across Sarah Holland 7 years ago and found her yoga classes to be uplifting, fun, relaxing and rewarding. 

Sarah inspired me to introduce yoga into my life on a regular basis and it is a commitment that brings much enjoyment and relaxation on a mental, physical and spiritual level and brings balance and harmony into my life.

Sarah is a lovely person who possesses a wealth of knowledge on many health related subjects, is always available to help in whatever way she can and is discreet and professional in every aspect of her work.’  

Fionah Rowland

“I began yoga classes with Sarah 6 or more years ago at a time when I needed a space in my week that was just for me.  I was two years off 60 and aware also that I  needed to pay more attention to my overall health and well being, could not take this for granted! Yoga is the perfect answer for me, offering a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual space which is restorative and balanced, the perfect combination.”

Sally Sugg

'I have attended yoga classes for many years on and off - one thing has remained true over the years : during the periods when I have managed to attend classes regularly I have managed stress better, felt more  peaceful and centred, felt more healthy  and my body has been happier!  This has been particularly true  for me of Sarah Holland's classes which  I have enjoyed immensely : her combination of repeated routine, more  challenging postures and meditation/relaxation/breathing time has really suited me. Thank you!'

See you soon.

Love,

Sarah

'I started yoga when I was living in Brighton about 5 years ago.  I had sciatica, a burning pain going up my leg, and was having acupuncture, my acupuncturist suggested yoga as a way of maintaining improvement. It worked wonders and I have not had a problem with that since.  Since then it has been very helpful for all my aches and pains, the relaxation is great too, and those are just the physical benefits.'

Best Wishes

Ros Annesley

'My Yoga lesson is an oasis of peace in my stressful life.'

Lin Epps

'I sum it up as follows:- To stay supple, feel energised and keep myself fit and well.  You have, without doubt shown me how to do many exercises which keep my neck comfortable and can be done on a regular basis - Essential in my case as I work with a screen.

I do a lot of cycling and when I get home I can counteract my riding position by practising "the camel" pose amongst others.  It's wonderful. 

Finally I can find some calm in the practices, which are so important in our busy lives.  I certainly could not live without yoga - I look forward to the classes every week.'

Jane Bentley

Dear Sarah

I wanted to drop you a line for a while. I came to your lovely classes in Forest Row, probably about 12 years ago and I don’t expect you to remember me as I am sure you have taught many students since! But I wanted to thank you for your classes and for being the first teacher to guide me on my own path into yoga - in an expert and inspirational way as I never stopped. Quite a few years and several teachers later, I am now teaching yoga full time in Canterbury , where I moved to 10 years ago. The move was the reason I stopped attending your classes. As a teacher now, I often wonder what happens to my students when they disappear and I always hope yoga remains a part of their life. I don’t know if you do, but I just wanted to let you know I am very grateful to you as my very first teacher. You sowed a seed with your teaching which is now flourishing and benefiting many more students that come to my classes.

With gratitude,

Namaste.

Karin

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