Judith Hanson Lasater

I wanted to express my gratitude to Lanita Varshell. She is a person who really personifies yoga to me.

I had arrived in San Diego to teach a workshop at her center, and within one hour received a call that my mother was gravely ill and might not make it. To say that Lanita rose to the occasion is an understatement. She took me immediately back to the airport. Lanita supported me fully, dealt with the students, taught the workshop, and conducted herself with great compassion and love.

Lanita runs a small studio which caters to yoga populations who might not be comfortable in many "go go" yoga studios. She has helped many people.

I have thanked her many times for her help during that trying time. My request of you is that you support Lanita and her studio, A Gentle Way Studio, in any way you can. With prayers, good thoughts, donations, attendance."

Carol Briskin - Therapist

"When I first arrived at A Gentle Way Yoga, I had been in nonstop pain for eight months due to a torn Achilles tendon and ensuing complications in my legs.

Not only did I immediately feel a sense of welcome and safety in the very first class, but after only two weeks of consistent classes, I had learned to so deeply relax into my body that the pain was down by 80%.

Lanita has truly created an oasis of healing here, and I am so grateful to have found this community.

Gail L Braverman

Dear Lanita,

It is a pleasure to support you and your work at the center.

You have brought such a sense of deepness and richness in the creation of your Yoga community.

I think often of all the folks who would not have been introduced to Yoga if you had not followed your heart and offered it to the 'general' population.

I admire your wholehearted authenticness every day!"

Anita 0 - July, 2020

"I would like to tell you how grateful I am to have been to be a part of the A Gentle Way Yoga family for the last 4 plus years. It has changed my life in so many wonderful ways.

I haven’t had to see my Chiropractor all this time so I know how amazing the benefits of Yoga are to my well-being both physically and mentally. I have learned enough at A Gentle Way to now create my own personal yoga practice and know that I need to stick to it so I won’t ever lose the benefits I have achieved. Who would have ever guessed such a drastic change would happen in such a short period of time. But as you said in one of your quotes, “from great chaos comes great change”. When times are tough, I will always remember this."

Linda B. - November, 2020

"I know that A Gentle Way has done far more for me than I have for A Gentle Way. It has made such a difference in my life in many ways. I just love the instructors and think they are so special. Once I can travel again I can just take it with me. Thank you again for this investment in our mental and physical health."

Susan Angelo - 2019

“Words cannot express the depth of my gratitude to A Gentle Way for providing me with a place for such gentle healing. I came from L.A. to visit your Studio, entering with a tremendous amount of pain, both physically and emotionally. After 35 classes with the gentlest and most nurturing teachers, I am leaving on a path of healing, hope, and profound amazement that life indeed unfolds and provides exactly what we need.
Thank you all so much!”

AGW Student - May, 2020

"For me, the greatest blessing about these online (virtual) classes has been the freedom to “pop into” ANY class on the schedule and try it out.

As a person who lives in a very limited movement body, I am finding out that there are things I can do in ANY class. Even if I only take 30 minutes of the class, or need to sit in a chair instead of on the floor. My body is getting stronger each day and my confidence is growing.

As Lanita has said to us for so many years, “it is not about what you can do, it is about showing up for yourself and others.” I am one of your students who never wants to be seen on the zoom camera, or does not want to share in class, but I want you to know how grateful I am for this “new studio format.”

Aenea M. - August, 2020

One of the words that kept going through my head in your restorative class last night was luxury. What a luxury it is do be able to do restorative yoga with you in my home! I even wrote down the sequence of poses because every pose felt so good and I felt quite a bit of release. This morning I felt so much more mobile and I am going to continue to take it easy, even though my first thought was: I can probably do Pilates again, but then I realized I don’t really want to, and don’t have to; my body is receiving exactly what it needs through gentle and restorative yoga. I get so many of the same benefits in these soft classes than I do in more active exercise and yoga! Thank you for a truly perfect class last night!"

Kathy Dobbins - August, 2020

"It has been a blessing to have the studio online, as I spend much of my time traveling or outside of San Diego County. I am hopeful the studio is able to continue in this virtual format in either live or recorded versions. Best Wishes for continued sustainability."

Karen W.

I like online classes more than in-person classes. I can come to more classes. I don’t have to fully dress. I don’t have to drive. I can modify my poses. I don’t have to set up props - everything is right here.

Barb Alpert

"I have been thinking about yoga for quite a while but never did anything about it until the place I work gave a free yoga class for one month. I really liked it. I decided to research my options. I searched and found A Gentle Way Yoga. I went to some classes and found it was perfect for me. There is no pressure or negativity, just positive, supportive fun. Just thinking about going to class makes me feel good. The staff are wonderful. I had lower back pain for years and since I started yoga it is gone. I am in my seventies and have improved flexibility and energy. I look forward to every class. Also, the cost is reasonable and they have several payment options. They offer classes at various days and times and ability levels. I am so happy I found A Gentle Way Yoga!"

Dr. Angel Lopresti, Angel Eyes Optometry

"Dear Lanita,

I am so glad that I found A Gentle Way Yoga Center. My life has forever changed for the better. I am so grateful for all the healing, on so many levels, that I have received at your center. Even more amazing is that I feel I've barely scratched the surface of the peace and bliss yoga has to offer. I thank god every day that I was led to your center. Let the healing continue!"

AGW Student, February, 2020

"I would have never gotten started with yoga again if I had not come to your Chair Yoga Classes. The poses are great for my body, and you have given me the personal guidance and courage to try classes with your other teachers.

Per your suggestion, I had a great online private session with Diane yesterday, it was exactly what I needed and I'm looking forward to getting some routines from her that I can practice throughout the day. She's wonderful :-).

I'm just so thrilled at the progress I've made in the short period of time I've been taking classes with your online yoga studio. Working from home and practicing online with you has given me a wonderful opportunity to keep my body healthy as I expand and deepen my yoga practice."

June Dudas, Artistic Glassworks

"Thank you, Lanita, for providing such an amazing place where peace and trust prevailed. It is all too rare these days. I miss A Gentle Way and will forever have gratitude for the life changing gifts your studio gave to me. See you in Zoom classes soon!”

Veronica B. - May, 2020

"I love the classes you guys offer! It has been so good for me - it's the perfect level for where I am at, and it feels really strengthening and nourishing to be able to participate while I am spending so much time at home. Thanks again for offering so many great classes."

Karen Harvey, August, 2014

"Dear Lanita,

I wanted you to know what attending classes at your studio means to me. I have wanted to try yoga for a long time but was intimidated by other studios. I even bought a DVD several years ago to do yoga at home but it hasn’t even been opened.

Late last year, I ended up with a neck injury that pretty much incapacitated me until physical therapy allowed movement again and yoga was a recommended form of exercise to help loosen my neck and for my overall well being.

After meeting with you after the first of the year, I began taking chair classes with Carolyn and it wasn’t long before I moved to Michelle’s gentle classes as I was able to move more. While out of work, I attended as many classes as I could. Everyone at the studio, including Michelle at the front desk, was so supportive and determined to make me comfortable. They always made sure I was physically supported while doing poses and expressed concern over my injury.

It became difficult to attend classes once I returned to work so I was excited to find classes at 6:45. I come straight from work so I arrive early and use the time to relax before classes.

I alternate between your classes and Sean’s on Monday nights and I attend Amy’s classes on Thursdays. I look forward to all my classes. Your classes help me focus on being calm and while Sean’s classes challenge me, it’s a good thing. Amy’s classes help me concentrate on relaxing. I have never felt intimidated or anxious in your studio. Everyone is patient while working with those of us who have neglected our bodies far too long.

Anyway, I wanted to share with you my experiences and to let you and your staff know that what you do is important and appreciated."

Jo Ann Pedzek - November, 2013

"Dearest Lanita,
You have such a beautiful sense of inner connection & calm that it illuminates through your members. I benefited so much from my classes with you. I so miss you and your Studio. People need to know how special A Gentle Way Yoga Center is."

Patti

" I just wanted to let you know that I have reached a milestone through yoga. I have gone down one full clothing size since beginning yoga with you, your beautiful teachers, and kind students about three months ago. I lost this size without even one stitch of dieting. I ate the same food I always had - some of it good, but a good chunk of it bad. I began with committing to doing yoga two days a week.

After only three weeks, I was feeling so good, both physically and mentally. I was calmer, and much less easily irratated. During my first class, I remember laughing about the "Namaste" of yoga. Now it's an integral part of who I am. I feel better connected and more compassionate with myself and all the people around me - strangers, friends, and family. I just want to say thank you for all that you do.

Namaste!"

Lynn F - Life Coach

"I want to say how impactful attending classes with you is, and has been since I started.

You hold a depth that is palpable and mirrors back that depth in me. I feel so peaceful, expanded and connected by coming to yoga regardless of the asanas that we do. You work from the inside out. I am so, so grateful!

Thank you for all that you do creating a studio and raising a family - not easy. But you have created a beautiful profound space and serves so many."

Lynn

After several years of searching, I have found the perfect yoga center for me. The variety of classes, levels and styles offer me a choice to fit my needs on any given day. The staff is excellent, friendly and comfortably helpful. The environment is clean, organized, inviting and peaceful. A Gentle Way says it perfectly. Whether I'm needing mind, body or spirit support - from allergy symptom relief to quieting anxiety mind chatter - my classes have reconnected me to Wellness. And your inspirational messages add meaningful gifts. Thank you for providing this most welcoming Center.