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Any Body. Any Condition.
At Any Age.
(212) 472-YOGA (9642)
Over the years some people have felt strongly enough to write
about the benefit they received in their studies with Paul JJ Alix of Y
OGA
for A
LL
®
. Their letters have been gathered and posted on this page for
your reference. When contact information is available it will be found with the letter.
Scroll down the page to view
various letters or pick from
topics in the links at right column.
*
Indicates that a letter had a sentence or two removed which YFA
felt would not be of interest to the subject.
All other letters are exactly as the original.
Simple spelling errors may have been corrected.
AMERICAN VINIYOGA INSTITUTE
July 1, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
I met Paul JJ Alix over twelve years ago, when he was already a serious student and practitioner of Yoga. Over the years he has continued to deepen his practice and expand the scope of his studies to include not only asana, pranayama and meditation, but also Patanjali's Yoga Sutra, Sanskrit language, Vedic chanting, and Yoga Therapy.
His dedication to personal practice and his ongoing broad based inquiry into the multidimensional nature of Yoga teachings will make him an asset to any teacher training program, at an introductory level as well as continuing education for experienced teachers.
Sincerely,
Gary Kraftsow
American Viniyoga Institute
Maui, Hawaii
email: info@viniyoga.com
August 20, 2001
I just want you to know I have been inspired by your chanting and how it has affected my students here at Starseed.
We have gone into a deeper understanding of the Sutra work. I
see each of my students working more confidently with the material
and they are learning to make changes in their lives which the
Sutras suggest are possible. Indeed, this is the teaching itself. I know we all feel a fuller connection with our practice.
Like any master, Paul, the work you have done in India and the
United States in perfecting your practice has certainly helped
you become an expert in Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and Vedic chanting.
I love the way you integrate it into your asana instruction and
I see how it helps novices understand yoga on a visceral level.
I honor the example of living yoga you bring into my Starseed Yoga Teacher Training Program.
Sincerely,
Jyoti Chrystal,
Founder/Director
Starseed Center for Yoga and Shamanism
Morningside School of Yoga and Physical Culture
October 7, 2002
To Whom It May Concern:
It is my pleasure and privilege to offer the highest recommendation for Mr. Paul JJ Alix, who should be considered to be at the top of the class of professional Yoga teachers in America today. Unlike too many of his lesser contemporaries, Paul does not wear his accomplishments and spirituality on his sleeve, but quietly plies his trade as one who has mastered the technologies and philosophies associated with Yoga proper.
We have twice hosted Mr. Alix at Morningside in Syracuse and consider his knowledge of Sanskrit to be an invaluable resource. Although his mastery of the language and content of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali make him worthy of an academic appointment, there is nothing academic about his reading of the text. His reading is alive, vibrant, and relevant as if the text were written yesterday for us to apply to our lives today.
Paul clearly observes the kind of disciplines we commonly associate with the Yoga practitioner: dietary habits, regular early morning practice, and ongoing spiritual training with teachers and systems in the U.S. and abroad. Yet, it would not occur to him to use these perspectives as a basis to judge others who may not follow such practices. The name of his business, "YOGA for ALL," bears testimony to someone whose teachings are grounded in service to the health and happiness of the citizenry, nothing more and nothing less.
As we approach a more professional environment for teachers of Hatha Yoga, Mr. Alix should be automatically considered for grandfathering into the highest level of certification offered by government agencies or trade groups whose purpose is to establish credentialing for the modern practitioner.
Michael R. Smith
Director
Email: syryoga@yahoo.com
www.morningsideyoga.com
315.428.1278
1.888.256.1304
1134 Westcott St. Syracuse, NY 13210
Evaluation Form
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
April 8, 2002
This course was unexpectedly fun for me. I have never been much for anything that looked like, sounded like, or smelt like religion. That's what I thought the yoga sutras were about. So, needless to say, the course has been an eye opener for me. It was fun, engaging, interesting and I learned more than I ever thought I wanted to. It was great, the sutras were something I have been searching for but didn't know it until this course.
This course has planted a seed. I have always had the thirst for knowledge, I just didn't know it would lead me in this direction. I plan to continue with my study of the sutras, hopefully another course with Paul at Starseed.
Paul, Thank you, it was a blessing to have you as a teacher.
Namaste,
Jennifer Terhure
Montclair, NJ 07042
email: jenni1030@hotmail.com
Evaluation Form
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
December 24, 2003
This course was like turning the lens on a camera (remember the old analog lenses?). I was able to get a much better overview of the first chapter while bringing the sutras themselves into sharper focus. I began to see how the threads of many sutras interwove. The sutras are a part of my life my guidebook. The steps are a lot clearer. You bring a very special understanding both to the sutras and to their essence through your use of Sanskrit.
Thank You.
Tara Linda Wortman
Cell Phone 201 264-3422
Home Phone 201 487-9031
email: YoginiTara@att.net
Evaluation Form
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
January 11, 2004
Paul, your class has deepened my understanding of and relationship to yoga in ways that I continue to uncover daily. Thanks for sharing your wisdom. I look forward to more opportunities to study with you.
Namaste,
Jennifer Hondru-Celestin
Starseed Trainee
Montclair, NJ
Evaluation Form
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
December 16, 2002
This course was the missing link I need[ed] to grow as an individual, a teacher, and a student. It has deepened my relationship to yoga in a new way and has helped to keep me away from just the physical aspect of yoga. I now see there is so much more. This course has filled a major void in my practice, my teaching & in my life, Thanks.
Jody Domenstad
513 Union Ave
Rutherford, NJ 07070
201 842-1080
email: xena2JD1@aol.com
Evaluation Form
Patanjali Yoga Sutra
December 16, 2002
Before starting this course I had very limited knowledge of the Sutras. I really didn't know what to expect and after hearing Paul chant the entire first chapter at our first class, I was terrified that I would be expected to do the same!
Each class has been such a wonderful learning experience for me. Even after reading numerous interpretations of the Sutras, I have found that Paul's insight has made these ancient teachings so much clearer to me & more pertinent to my practice and my life. Somehow when he very patiently explains each sutra, it takes on such a deeper meaning. I confess I am one of the incessant note takers in class, but I really do refer back to those notes, especially when writing my sutra reflections or even when explaining a particular concept to a student or friend.
I am in favor of continuing these teachings possibly on a less intense level. Maybe one class per month?
Thank you, Paul, you are a wonderful teacher!
Dee Laratta
Montville, NJ 07045
email: DLarattaRD@aol.com
Evaluation Form
Viniyoga Asana Principles
January 21, 2002
This course exceeded my expectations because I was able to relax and enjoy the flow versus jamming to "get somewhere."
What I enjoyed was the knowledge that where I was, was where I was supposed to be! Paul JJ Alix's instruction was gentle and so wonderfully light that it spoke peace to my spirit. "Poetry in motion," was what I felt like as I moved to my own internal rhythm. I no longer felt as though I had to be pleasing to anyone else, except myself.
I also left the competitive sphere and I quieted the voice that told me to push harder and go further than I was comfortable. I felt down right good to be me. It is a great complement to my Ashtanga practice as it teaches me to be both firm and pliable at the same time.
This course has expanded my mind, practice and life in the way of introducing me to awesome possibilities. I am grateful for the opportunity to have taken the course and would like to delve even further.
Namaste
Rev Keishe L. Harris
59 Kenwood Place
East Orange, NJ 07018
email: usnklh@aol.com
September 21, 2001
Susanna Nicholson
Greenane Cottage,
Templenoe, Near Blackwater,
Co. Kerry, Ireland
susannanicholson@hotmail.com
To Whom It May Concern:
I am a Yoga Teacher who has studied Yoga for over 30 years with
a variety of Hatha Yoga practitioners. I now primarily concentrate
on Viniyoga. I made a commitment to this tradition because of
my studies with Paul.
Paul's chanting, asana practice, and his teachings on the Sutras
have changed my personal practice and my classes profoundly. Thanks
to his teaching, I can help my students with breathing and asana,
much more coherently and clearly than before. I understand the
principles behind class planning better. And I have a firmer grasp
of the theory behind adaptation of poses. Exposure to Paul's Vedic
chanting is not only a pleasure, it has also radically changed
my consciousness, my practice, my day to day happiness.
The primary virtue of the Viniyoga Tradition is adaptability and
simplicity, but these virtues can take years to embody into one's
practice.
Without getting too caught up in rating and evaluating, I can
say that Paul's clarity and modesty, his innate intelligence and
extensive learning made this tradition very accessible to me in
a short period of time. I have since studied with some of Desikachar's
leading students in Paris and Lausanne, Switzerland, and I have
found that Paul, too, works within the very "Heart of Yoga" as
Desikachar would say.
Best wishes to you on your path.
Sincerely,
Susanna Nicholson
The Well-Being Inc.
Fran Ubertini
167 Carter Rd., New Hampton, NY 10958
914 335-7308 (voice & fax)
wellbein@frontiernet.net
December 1997
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have had the pleasure of knowing Paul Alix for about one year.
Paul is not only my own Yoga teacher, but as a Yoga teacher myself,
I refer many of my students to him. I have Paul conduct many of
my Yoga seminars and find him to be one of the most proficient
and knowledgeable teachers I have come across.
Paul has the ability to connect with his students with ease and
to teach them at their own level of ability. His non- threatening
and accepting manner is always part of his demeanor as well as his professionalism.
As in individual, Paul is sincere, generous and reliable. His
dedication to his work is apparent in his life. He is truly a
master Yoga teacher. For all that have the pleasure and opportunity to study with him, their lives can only be enriched.
There are many great teachers in India and perhaps a handful of
master teachers in this country. In my opinion Paul is one in
that handful and we are truly blessed to have him as a teacher in New York.
Sincerely,
Evaluation Form
Viniyoga Asana Principles
January 14, 2002
I was an Iyengar adept and believed that there was nothing beyond him. You, Paul Alix proved to me that there are other methods as valid. Physically and psychologically as beneficial... maybe better.
You Paul Alix are an incredibly good teacher, [full of art] and down to earth. By watching you, one sees that you have integrated Yoga in your life and that it is working! You teach very difficult postures with such ease and clarity that
you make the student believe it is easy so they perform it!
You are also a great teacher, I recorded all your quotes, questions and answers and have used it extensively for my own evolution, for my teacher training and I am sure I will use it with my future students.
A teacher that inspires and leaves a legacy is indeed a great teacher. And you are definitely one.
Thank you,
A grateful student
Fusun Charles
83 Cedar Lake East
Denville, NJ 07834
email: KenWCharle@aol.com
Addendum:
(Book report; The Heart of Yoga)
I wrote this paper before my class with Paul JJ Alix. I was told that Mr. Alix [studied with] Desikachar [and trained] in the Mandiram that Krishnamacharya created. After seeing Paul do the asanas, I [realized] Paul Alix embodied the whole book. It was as if I could see all the pages I had read in Alix's poses. It was a unique experience! The way he engaged his bandhas, the way he breathed, the position of his eyes, the perfection of his poses, his utter and complete focus and dedication, he has certainly mastered the art and is a great credit to his teacher.
Now I know that Desikachar is a great teacher and that I should pay very close attention to his teachings and that I am going to learn an awful lot with Paul JJ Alix.
76 Noel Drive
No. Arlington, New Jersey 07031
March 15, 1998
Dear Sir or Madam:
It has been my personal pleasure to be the recipient of Paul JJ
Alix's excellent Yoga instruction for the past year and one half.
Although I have had opportunity to study with several Yoga instructors
over the course of my twenty years of involvement in Yoga, Paul's
level of insight and expertise have surpassed all. His personal
study of the Yogic tradition has occurred under the direction
of some of the best Yoga masters in both the East and West. As
a result, he has gained a repertoire of knowledge that enables
him to personally tailor classes to the individual needs of the student.
Paul's training and skills have taken him beyond the parameters of a Yoga teacher and into the realm of a Yoga master. In addition to his very personal style of teaching, he has applied his breath and depth of knowledge to the field of yoga therapy, dedicating himself to sharing his skills to help individuals heal from physical injuries. I recently incurred a knee injury for which I sought treatment through both traditional medicine and chiropractic treatment. However, there was limited relief from the pain and little healing. Through Paul's offer to construct for me a Yoga practice utilizing the body's energy to heal, I experienced the first improvement in the knee in two months. Through his guidance, patience, and expertise, I am now able to resume my daily activities without the limitations of pain. His shared lessons, however, go far beyond the healing of a specific body part. He is able to give students the tools through which they can maintain the well being of their bodies as they go through the experiences of daily living. His teaching gifts to others are therefore both therapeutic and preventative, delivered in a caring, devoted, and reverent manner with the well being of the individual always foremost in his mind.
Although there is much literature available about the fine form
and function of many yoga teachers, little is mentioned about
their grounding in the spirituality of Yoga. Paul is the consummate
teacher for his teaching stems from his deeply spiritual foundation
in the Vedic scriptures. His path is to serve as a guide, through
his teaching, to help his students witness for themselves the higher levels of consciousness.
As a consultant in the field of education, I daily encounter the
attributes of good teaching. My experiences as a Yoga student
of Paul JJ Alix place him far above the ordinary and easily into the level of the Master Teacher.
Sincerely,
LINDA VAN NESS
30 WEST 95TH STREET. APT. 3 . NEW YORK NY 10025 . 212-866-9479
Dear Madam/Sir:
I have had the pleasure of working with Paul Alix of Yoga For
All in the last half of 1997. I went to Paul in the hopes that
the practice of Yoga would help me manage my chronic pain stemming
from a herniated disk and a disintegrating disk and in the hopes that the Yoga exercise might even positively impact my back condition.
Both my work and social life have been severely curtailed in the
last two years. A full day of work meant that I would either have
to take medication or ice my back for two to three hours at a
time in order that I might work the next day. After just one session
with Paul Alix, I went home on a Friday after a full week of work
and was pain free and did not need to apply ice to my back at all.
As I continue my sessions with Paul I have become convinced that
my back problem is getting better and through the exercise and
breathing techniques I am learning, I am getting stronger and
stronger and more able to resume a normal social and business
life. It is my belief that the Yoga sessions will help to stave
off or completely eliminate the need for a dangerous and costly surgery.
Sincerely,
Linda Van Ness
Vice President, Account Director
Medical Health Education Agency
April 3, 1998
From:
Harsha Duvvi M.D.
35 Puckey Dr.
Cortlandt Manor, N.Y. 10566
To: Whom it may concern,
This is a letter of reference for Mr. Paul Alix.
I have studied yoga with Mr. Alix for about 3 years on a regular
basis. During this time he has shown a high degree of competence
in his ability to perform and demonstrate the difficult postures correctly.
In his class he emphasizes the development of the body awareness
through the focus on the breath (Viniyoga). This is in line with
the classic Vedic teachings to reach higher states of consciousness.
It certainly produces a marked relaxation response and reduces psychological and physical stress.
In addition I have found his classes to be effective in increasing
my degree of flexibility, heightened my sense of awareness, balance,
and increased my vital capacity. Breathing techniques to enhance
blood and lymph flow, regulate the autonomic nervous system, and to heat and cool the body were also taught in depth.
Mr. Alix's classes are mixed in age, sex and health status. He
has demonstrated the ability to elicit a brief history and use
appropriate caution and care in dealing with those with physical
limitations. He also emphasizes the need for prevention of injury to the body by the use of proper life style management.
Class schedule was interrupted twice in the past two years while he had traveled abroad to India on further training in yoga. He states that he has assisted the internationally known yoga instructor BKS Iyengar in his medical classes (which included participants with various bodily injuries, problems with the cardiovascular system, CNS and spine; including multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy). He also trained with the son of the founder of Viniyoga tradition- Mr. Desikachar.
He is certified in pre-natal yoga by the Integral Yoga Society
for the past 10 years. He is also a teaching assistant to Gary
Kraftsow* in continuing education programs for established teachers who are already certified in yoga.
In short I feel that Paul Alix will be a valuable asset in teaching
the benefits of yoga not only to the fit but also those with health
problems requiring an emphasis in relaxation, flexibility and
breathing techniques training. He is well versed in Yoga psychology and puts into practice the holistic lifestyle that he teaches.
Sincerely,
Harsha Duvvi M.D.
*When this letter was written, Gary and I were in agreement that
students in his program could do a part of their Teacher Training
studies in my school for credit.
Charlotte Brady
201 East 80th street, apt 7i
New York, NY 10021
October, 2001
To pregnant women and others:
The Prenatal Class at YOGA for ALL helped me have a natural delivery.
The exercises helped me strengthen my body and relate to my unborn
child. At eight months pregnant I could do poses my well trained husband found strenuous!
The breathing technique I learned in Prenatal Class works with
the pain. During contractions and delivery it enabled me to accept the pain and transform my relation to it.
I was able to completely relax my body. At one point a nurse said,
"It's incredible how relaxed she is between contractions". She could not tell I was having one right then!
The strength I had gained also helped me to push in synchronization with the baby without getting tired.
You are never guaranteed to have a perfect delivery, but I know
this class made it possible for me. I enjoyed every minute of it, from beginning to end. Never once did I feel out of control.
Sincerely,
Charlotte Brady
Joan Suval
11 KEMEYS COVE
RIARCLIFF MANOR, N.Y. 10510
(914) 941-8245
December 21, 1997
To Whom It May Concern:
Paul Alix
has been attending my meditation and yoga-philosophy programs
at Ananda Ashranm (Monroe, N.Y.) for several years on a regular
basis. He has proven to be a sincere and excellent teacher of Hatha Yoga.
I am a senior disciple of Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati (formerly
known as Ramamurti S. Mishra, M.D.) and for more than 30 years
have been presenting ongoing meditation and Yoga Vedanta programs
for the Yoga Society of New York, Ananda Ashram and other yoga centers throughout the United States.
During the years that I have been offering these programs many
students have come and gone. However, the truly earnest seekers
come and remain steadfast in their pursuit of knowledge and truth.
Paul Alix is one of these students. He has also demonstrated a
profound and intuitive grasp of the ancient Yoga scriptures and texts.
On a personal level, Paul is an extremely creative and exuberant
individual, whose positive outlook and delightful wit are enjoyed
by all who have the pleasure of his company. But as I have said,
beyond his personal life, Paul's primary devotion is to his work
in Yoga, as a student and a teacher. And he has excelled on both levels.
I am convinced Paul Alix would be an asset to any organization or agency. He has been to ours.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joan Suval
_______________________
____________________________________________
Ananda Ashram
Yoga Society of New York, Inc. A nonprofit Organization
SHRI BRAHMANANDA SARASVATI
Founder and Spiritual Director
December 21, 1997
To Whom It May Concern:
I have known
Paul Alix for a number of years, both as a member of the Yoga Society and
in his capacity as Yoga teacher at Ananda Ashram and in New York
City.
Paul is a skillful teacher and well versed in Sanskrit and Yoga
philosophy. According to our senior teachers of Sanskrit at Ananda Ashram, his chanting of the ancient scriptures is excellent.
As a volunteer teacher, we have found Paul to be extremely responsible
and dedicated, traveling to Monroe from New York on a weekly basis
at his own expense. Paul enjoys teaching very much. His students
obviously are delighted with him personally, and have spoken enthusiastically of the benefits they have received from attending his classes.
As President of The Yoga Society of New York, I would be happy
to recommend him for a position in any of the fields of his work
in Yoga, as mentioned above. His training, much of which took
place in India, is quite thorough and indicative of Paul's unusual self-discipline and earnestness.
Very truly yours,
Marvin L. Suval
President, Yoga Society of N.Y.
aol.com
R.D. 3 Box 141 (Sapphire Road), Monroe, NY 10950 . (914) 782-5575
________________________________________________________
__
____________________________________________
Ananda Ashram
Yoga Society of New York, Inc. A nonprofit Organization
SHRI BRAHMANANDA SARASVATI
Founder and Spiritual Director
8/15/96
To Whom It May Concern:
Paul Alix has been one of Ananda Ashram's Hatha Yoga teachers
since 1992. He was trained in India and returns frequently for
further study. He has taught all levels of Hatha Yoga including
the most advanced quite successfully, and is sought after by his students who often sign up for his courses months in advance.
Paul's general reputation as a Hatha Yoga teacher among both students
and peers is impressive. I would not hesitate to recommend him
for any position dealing with Hatha Yoga, Pranayama, Meditation or Chanting
Shrimati
Donna Viola
Director
Ananda Ashram
aol.com
Ananda Ashram
13 Sapphire Road, Monroe, NY 10950
________________________________________________________
__
____________________________________________
Ananda Ashram
Yoga Society of New York, Inc. A nonprofit Organization
SHRI BRAHMANANDA SARASVATI
Founder and Spiritual Director
1/25/98
Dear Paul,
This is letter written in appreciation and support of your gifts and your generosity as a yoga teacher.
As you know, I have done some hard practice these past few years,
experienced many different types of yoga and teachers, and I will
tell you what I have told so many others; that I consider you
one of the handful of very top yoga teachers in New York City.
Whenever someone says that they are thinking of starting practice,
I always recommend you first, because your particular lineage
of Viniyoga makes you the most responsive to individual limitations and physical problems.
That is, you don't teach the same thing to everyone, but teach
according to each person's needs, which is directly in tune with
the origins of this path. And, you manage to do it even in a group setting, which shows how talented you are.
Thanks again. It is always a privilege to be in your class. I thank you and my body thanks you.
________________________
Nadishvara Don Perley
Ananda Ashram resident
Employee of Berlitz Translation Services
R.D. 3 Box 141 (Sapphire Road), Monroe, NY 10950 . (914) 782-5575
_
___________________________________________________________________
_
Integral Yoga Institute, Inc.
A Tax exempt, Nonprofit, Nonsectarian Religious Organization
Founder-Director:
Rev. Sri Swami Satchidananda
227 West 13th Street
New York, New York 10011
(212) 929-0585
August 27, 1990
To whom it may concern:
This is a letter of recommendation for Nataraj Paul JJ Alix. Mr.
Alix is a certified Yoga instructor who has taught for our organization
for three years. He is experienced in teaching the Yoga postures
at the beginners, intermediate and advanced levels. He has also been trained to teach Prenatal Yoga for pregnant women.
Mr. Alix has always been a popular teacher at the Integral Yoga
Institute. His students especially appreciate his attention to
detail, and skill in deepening their practice with sensitive corrections
and advice. Although Mr Alix has been well trained to teach Yoga,
his real success as a teacher comes from his commitment to his
own practice of Yoga. His understanding of the poses goes beyond
book knowledge, so that his students are able to relax and enjoy the class having full confidence in his instruction.
I have no doubt that you will be very happy to have Mr. Alix as
an addition to your teaching staff. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
Sincerely Yours,
Swami Asokananda
President
GOAL: healthy body, sound mind, dynamic will, ethical perfection,
universal brotherhood and realization of the True Self
THE WAY: yoga postures, breathing, mantra chanting, self-discipline,
selfless service, meditation, study and reflection
William T. Kennedy
100 Memorial Drive # 2-1A
Cambridge, MA 02142
______________
Patricia Walden
Director of the Iyengar Yoga Center
240-A Elm Street, Suite 23
Somerville, MA 02144
07/19/96
Dear Patricia,
For some years I have been taking classes with Paul Alix, a former
ballet dancer and Yoga teacher in Manhattan and Ananda Ashram,
who tells me that he met you at the Iyengar Yoga Ashram this winter.
Paul has quite a large following in New York and is a remarkable
teacher. I believe that students of Yoga in Boston would benefit a great deal from his talent.
His style of teaching includes years of studying Iyengar Yoga.
He just spent six months in India with Mr. Iyengar himself, and
he combines this with years of training and teaching Krishnamacharya's
methods of teaching as taught to him by Desikachar. His brochure
is enclosed. One of the special qualities of his teaching is his
ability to help the student maintain deep rhythmic breathing even
in the most rigorous of postures. I know you would find both his
style of teaching, and his ability to communicate a useful complement to your work.
I am contacting you because it seems that Paul's teaching most
closely fits with the excellent teaching the Iyengar center offers,
and I feel that the students would be interested to know first
hand some of the ideas that Krishnamacharya, Iyengar's teacher,
taught his son and how Paul, after spending time with Mr. Iyengar
makes it possible for the connection to be understood by even
beginning students. Paul can chant all four books of the Patanjali
Yoga Sutras as put out in Mr. Iyengar's tape, and can help students
understand the relevance to their yoga practice and to their daily
lives. In fact this was one of the things that pleased Mr. Iyengar
this last winter. Like yourself Paul has studied Sanskrit with
my good friend Vyass Houston and has also been studying for several
summers with our late teacher, Shri Brahmananda Saraswati, at Ananda Ashram.
He would be happy to offer a two day retreat, or even longer if
you wished. If you wanted to see him in action, he would be willing
to come to Boston first to teach an introductory class, but I
think you would probably want to have him come for at least one
day even at the beginning so as to get a comprehensive picture of his extensive teaching skills.
He will be available to do such a retreat if you wished at your
convenience, however the time he is most free at present is late
September or early October. He leaves again for India in December,
but could arrange to fit a weekend into his teaching schedule in the fall before that with adequate notice.
I will give a copy of this letter to some of the teachers at the
center so they will know I have written you. If you wish to contact
Paul directly please call him at #212 472-YOGA. I am sure you will enjoy making
his acquaintance again as well as having him as one of your guest
teachers. I know that his instruction has enriched my life and I hope you will find the same.
If you wish to call me instead, please feel free to contact me
at 864-5555. Either way, I would appreciate it if you would let me know by August 7, 1996.
Congratulations on how much you have expanded your teaching since
the Cambridge Center days! I hope I will be able to respond to
your invitation of over a year ago to attend some of your classes, now that my calendar has freed up a little bit.
Sincerely,
Bill Kennedy
cc: Paul Alix
EUGENE ARONOWITZ
460 45th Street
Brooklyn, NY
718.972.0645
FAX 718.972.0643
E-mail: lindagene@worldnet.att.net
January 20, 1998
To whom it may concern:
This is a letter of support for the inclusion of Paul Alix on your roster of practitioner as a yoga instructor.
I use yoga because of persistent back problems and other muscular
difficulties. My back difficulty resulted from my ongoing involvement
in rehabbing our 3-story brownstone residence in Brooklyn. I use
yoga to minimize the deleterious effects of this activity and
in preventing additional problems. The inclusion of yoga among the alternative approaches to care is wise and appreciated.
Mr. Alix is an excellent practitioner and instructor. I will not
elaborate on that statement for there are many yoga instructors
who share that characteristic. What sets him apart is that he
is extremely knowledgeable about physical problems and seeks an
update each session on prevailing conditions and, consequently,
modifies his instructions to each participant accordingly. This
characteristic is essential for someone involved with those who
use yoga for therapeutic purposes. I never exceed my capabilities, which vary from session to session.
In summary, I unconditionally recommend Mr. Alix to you for inclusion on your roster.
Sincerely,
Stasia Pasela
NYC
January 6, 1998
Oxford Insurance Company
Alternative Medicine Department
1133 Avenue of the Americas
New York, N.Y. 10036
Attention: Network Recruitment
Dear Sir or Madame:
I write to support the application of Paul J.J. Alix, Founder
of Yoga for All, to become a treatment provider for Oxford. In
June 1997 I began yoga classes with Paul to adjunct my treatment
for allergies. I had tried several yoga classes with the goal
of stress reduction and relief of headaches and face pain associated
with allergies. Paul's particular emphasis on breath awareness
and each student building an individual practice are very beneficial.
In particular, the yoga practice of cleansing the nasal passages
with water in combination with breath exercises have reduced the
number and severity of headaches and ear pain which frequently
curtail my routine activities. My immunologist/allergist, was
curious to known where I learned this and related that he stopped
using a similar treatment in the 1970s because it is difficult to teach patients.
With Paul's instruction and feedback, I have established a daily
practice without physical force or struggle. Additionally, I am
receiving many benefits beyond those I mention related to allergy
treatment. Changes to my diet, elimination of caffeine, and stress reduction are all supported by my yoga practice.
I have found Paul to be professional, and have often observed
that he will honestly impart what yoga could offer a particular
problem without discrediting other treatments or personal feelings
and concerns. He will be an asset to any insurance provider and
an especially good match for Oxford's excellent reputation of providing preventative and wellness care.
Please contact me if I can be helpful to provide further details.
Sincerely,
Stasia Pasela
c. Paul J.J. Alix, Yoga for All
Martina Werner March 21, 1998
440 East 81st Street, Apt. 3F
New York, NY 10028
Dear Sir or Madam,
I have taken Yoga classes with Paul JJ Alix for two years. Paul
is a dedicated teacher and helps his students to understand the
physical and mental aspects of practicing Yoga. It is obvious
that he has an in depth understanding of Yoga in all its aspects.
He also continually advances his own studies, to the benefit of
his students. In his interaction with his students he is patient
and respectful, and has a great sense of humor.
In his classes, he pays attention to the individual needs of each
student and encourages them to focus on their specific health
problems. Within one year, I had different foot and ankle injuries:
a severe sprain with torn ligaments and a bone fracture of my
right ankle and, several months later, bunion surgery on my left
foot. In both instances, Paul's Yoga classes were the only form
of exercise I could do during the time of recovery. Not only did
he design a special Yoga practice for me, he also taught me to
help the healing process through breathing and mental focus. Due
to regular Yoga practice guided by Paul the recovery after the
surgery (or injury) was unusually fast and without any complications.
The Yoga classes have also helped me to maintain overall physical
well being, especially during the post surgery / injury recovery period.
Paul JJ Alix's
YOGA for ALL truly provides great benefits for health and wellness though
the preventative and healing potential of Yoga, which he makes
accessible for all.
Sincerely,
Martina Werner, Ph.D.
mewerner@yahoo.com
___________________________________
Fiorentino Leibe Associates
134 West 26th Street
New York, NY 10001
212 243 2236
______________
YOGA FOR ALL lives up to it's name by offering to everyone, not
just the athletically endowed, the wellbeing of an individually
challenging yoga practice. This is particularly hopeful for persons
who have physical injuries, or disabilities and might believe
that pain, or discomfort is to be endured. I have personally found
not only substantially less lower back discomfort from an old
disk injury, but overall flexibility that I never knew even in
my twenties. However, the most rewarding benefit I have received
from working with YOGA FOR ALL's founder Paul Alix is a new suppleness
in my breathing that has relieved the tightness in my chest which
I experienced after lung surgery. This kind of benefit goes beyond
mere physical improvement for it gives one a strong dose of self-esteem and a lasting sense of total health.
Helen Fiorentino
New York City
1993
1220 Spruce Street
Berkeley, CA 94709
July 13, 1998
Mr. Paul JJ Alix
Yoga for All
Dear Paul,
It was such a pleasure to receive word from you last week. I don't
know if you remember me but I certainly remember you and the class
I took with you very fondly. I took a number of sessions of yoga
with you at the Hamilton Fish City Park Recreational Center in 1995 when I had just moved to New York.
I had taken Iyengar Yoga when I was in college at Smith College
in Massachusetts a year earlier and when I moved to New York I
was hoping to find a yoga class of similar quality. Unfortunately
I was straddled with school loans and working for a poor nonprofit
so I could not afford most of the yoga classes I saw offered in
the city. I was excited to see your class advertised at a price
I could afford and within walking distance of my East Village
apartment. I was even more pleased when I attended my first class
and immediately recognized that you are an exceptional teacher and the class would challenge me a great deal.
I remember that time well, full of difficult adjustments and much excitement and learning. No matter how hard my week was, coming home from your class I always felt renewed and excited. I especially appreciated how much you understood the human body and that you could analysis each of your students' physical ability and individually, pushing us at different rates depending on our strength, and weakness. I also loved the way you gently suggested different ways we could understand our breathing, leading us to explore some of the more spiritual aspects of the work we were doing without being dogmatic.
I was sorry when I changed jobs and could no-longer make it to your classes. Eventually I started learning salsa dancing and have since become a great salsa aficionado. But I often long to return to the yoga classes I took with you. Unfortunately I cannot as I have moved to California.
I wish you the best and congratulate you on your excellent work.
Sincerely,
Anya Baum
Hilary Nudell, M. S. Ed.
390 Riverside Drive, #4G
New York, NY 10025
December 2, 1997
To Whom it may concern,
I am writing on behalf of Paul J.J. Alix, my Yoga teacher at The Asher Levy recreational center on 23rd Street.
The Asher Levy Center has always provided excellent service to
the community. I thought Paul Alix's Yoga classes were part of that excellent service.
Paul always focused on individual students. As an advanced student
and a Yoga teacher myself, I always felt adequately challenged
by his classes. At the same time I observed that beginning and
disabled students were given instruction that focused correctly on their needs.
One of the biggest difficulties that face Yoga teachers is that
you never really know who is going to be in your class and for
what reasons. A yoga teacher must be prepared in ways for which
they are not always appreciated. Good training is hard to come
by, and is only received through a quite a bit of effort. Paul
Alix met the challenges of his own continued training and provided true service to students in an exemplary way.
As a Yoga teacher who has an interest in educational standards I enjoyed Paul Alix's classes.
*
Thomas R. Bowler
2 Stuyvesant Oval
Apt. 8H
New York, NY 10009
September 30, 1997
______________
Henry J. Stern, Commissioner
City of New York, Parks & Recreation
Manhattan Borough Office
830 Fifth Avenue
New York, NY 10023
Dear Mr. Stern;
I have been taking classes with Paul JJ Alix for almost three
years. They have become the highlights of my week on Wednesday and Friday night and Saturday morning.
I've gotten to know Paul pretty well over the last three years
and have spread the word to my family and friends about the wonderful classes taught by him.
When I started yoga in 1994, I had just had a close call and spent
five days in intensive care with a bleeding ulcer and had given
up smoking. I decided I would try yoga to relax, relieve stress,
and get this 58 year old body in some sort of shape. I'm now 61
and feeling better than I have in years. I've also grown emotionally and spiritually because of these classes.
During the past three years I have studied with other teachers
and there is no comparison with Paul's patience and thoroughness.
The age span in the classes runs from Teenagers to Octogenarians
male and female. He brings individual attention and knowledge
of the body and health to each student while keeping everyone occupied during the two hours of class.
Aside from Paul's skill and devotion to his art, Paul is an honest
person and works much more for the love of what he's doing than to make money.
*
Sincerely,
Thomas R. Bowler
C:
Hon Rudi Guiliani,
Mike Klien
Linda Ricciardone
John Studiner
49 West 72nd St. #10D
New York 10023
October 2, 1997
To whom it may concern:
For 4 years I have been a student of Paul Alix, a yoga instructor
at both Asser Levy and Hamilton Fish Recreation Centers. He is
one of the best yoga instructors in the City. He is the reason
I became, and continue to be, a member of the City Parks & Recreation program.
I have taken classes with many other yoga instructors, none of
which have the background, training, and teaching skills that
Paul has. His classes are geared toward people of all types, ages,
and abilities. Yoga is not like aerobics, where classes are basically
the same and any instructor will do. Yoga is a discipline in which a good teacher is crucial.
Sincerely,
*
Barbara Saunders
October 14, 1997
To whom it may concern:
I have been an avid member of Asser-Levy recreation Center for
several years now. The reason I joined was because of a friend's
high recommendation of a yoga class with a particularly special
teacher, Paul J.J. Alix. He is a trained, professional teacher
who takes time with each of his students individually. He demonstrates
and explains each movement so that everyone in the room, from
beginners to advanced, understands and has personalized it. He
is a kind, patient person and a fun teacher who challenges one to think a different way about yoga and life.
Sincerely,
*
Susan Curbow
ISOTONER
FITNESS CENTER
A PILATES EXERCISE FACILITY
_______________________________________________________________________
29 WEST 56TH STREET, 6TH FLOOR, NEW YORK, N.Y. 10019 212-974-9511
January 23, 1986
To whom it may concern,
Paul J.J. Alix was a scholarship student trained by myself in
the Pilates Method of physical conditioning. The method uses the
muscles of the body against the resistance of springs as designed
by the late Joseph H. Pilates. When he joined my staff, I received
only compliments of his gentle ability to pass on his knowledge of the work.
He is well mannered , always on time and conscientious of his
work. Although I envy anyone else who employs him, I give as I
always have in the past, my highest recommendation of his services to anyone who inquires.
Sincerely,
Ramana Krysanowska*
Director
*Ramana was a direct student of Joe Pilates. She took over Joe's
studio when he retired.
Carola S. Trier
[pilates studio]
To whom it may concern,
Mr. Paul Alix is working at my studio as a gym teacher.
Mr Alix is most reliable.
I can recommend Mr. Alix as a responsible and honest person.
Carola S. Trier*
May 1, 86
200 W. 58 st
Nyc. 1u0019
265-1697
* Carola was a direct student of Joe Pilates. She was very highly
respected for her ability to work with sports and dance injuries,
of which we worked with continuously.
Phone: 4985320
The Kuppuswami Sastri Research Institute
(Regd. S. No. 32/1944.45 dated 24-2 1945)
84, Thiru. Vi. Ka. Road.
(Royapettah High Road)
Mylapore, Madras-600 004
Dr. N. MAHALINGAM
President
Dr. S. S. JANAKI
Adviser
B. MADHAVAN
Secretary
Date:
24.4.97
C E R T I F I C A T E
This is to certify that Mr. (Natarajan) Paul J.J. Alix studied
some yogic texts and vedic chanting (select hymns) at the Kuppuswami
Sastri Research Institute from the first week of Feb. 1997 to the third week of April 1997.
His vedic chanting conforms to the tradition followed in South India.
B. MADHAVAN
Secretary
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Any Body. Any Condition.
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| Over the years some people have felt strongly enough to write about the benefit they received in their studies with Paul JJ Alix of Y OGA for A LL ® . Their letters have been gathered and posted on this page for your reference. When contact information is available it will be found with the letter. |
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various letters or pick from
topics in the links at right column.
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Indicates that a letter had a sentence or two removed which YFA
felt would not be of interest to the subject.
All other letters are exactly as the original.
Simple spelling errors may have been corrected.
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*When this letter was written, Gary and I were in agreement that
students in his program could do a part of their Teacher Training
studies in my school for credit.
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Ananda Ashram
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R.D. 3 Box 141 (Sapphire Road), Monroe, NY 10950 . (914) 782-5575
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*Ramana was a direct student of Joe Pilates. She took over Joe's studio when he retired.
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* Carola was a direct student of Joe Pilates. She was very highly respected for her ability to work with sports and dance injuries, of which we worked with continuously.
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