Cecile’s Letter to Rolling Stone Magazine
Posted 03/03/2010
on:Dear Mr. Dana,
After reading your articlein the February 5th edition on Dahn Yoga, I felt I needed to write and share my story. I have been a member of Dahn Yoga for over 4 years now. I am middle-aged, a business woman with my own company who has a master’s degree in Chemistry, married with 2 grown boys. Dahn Yoga was and is the best investment I have ever made. I attend classes 4 times a week and love them. It has completely changed my life. It pulled me out of a depression, taught me skills that I use everyday to cope with stress and anxiety, and I have met the most wonderful people ever. When I told my husband about this article he coaxed me to write to you. He can attest to the fantastic changes that I have undergone over 4 years. He will tell you that I am a better wife and mother.
I was never pressured to abandon my family and friends as alleged by the people who have filed the lawsuit.We have Family Potluck Night once a month at our center where members bring their family and friends and enjoy food as well as a special class. Also I met my best friend at the Dahn Yoga center. She has MS and this practice has helped her tremendously – so much so that she herself has taught Dahn Yoga to others with MS and has also made a “Dahn Yoga for MS” DVD.
My sister was diagnosed with breast cancer last year and has been depressed and anxious. She now goes to Dahn Yoga 3 times a week. She emails me every week to tell me all the amazing ways that she is healing. There are so many people this organization has helped and I am appalled at how one-sided your reporting is.
I have never witnessed anything but good during my practice. I have been to many trainings in Phoenix and also in Sedona and loved every one of them. Some of the practice may seem strange since it originates from Eastern philosophy. But just like standard yoga, which will seem strange to someone who has never practiced it, the benefits are many. Yes, some of the trainings are expensive, but so are most intense trainings like yoga, dance, gymnastics, etc. I’ve set a timetable for myself and I do what I can based on what I can afford but I never felt pressured to do anything I did not want to.
I would just like to end this letter by saying I am really insulted that you have portrayed me and other members of Dahn Yoga as weak-minded. Honestly I don’t think I could run a small business in this economy if I was weak-minded. It would have been a better idea if you actually investigated the total picture before writing such a damaging article.
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