Denyse LeFever

At 16, I discovered Yoga based on a recommendation from my Mom. She was deeply concerned by the level of stress and anxiety, I experienced in anticipation of standardized testing. The gentle Hatha based practices and guided meditations calmed my mind and spirit. The movements made my awkward adolescence feel graceful. These early lessons were imprinted and eased my transition from teen years into adulthood.

As I embarked on a rewarding, but sometimes stressful, almost four-decade global business career, Yoga retreats at Kripalu in PA and MA brought me back to balance. In my 50s, after a diagnosis of Type II Diabetes and while in recovery from a difficult foot surgery, I decided I was too young to feel so old. The corporate job I loved was going through yet another reorganization. To deal with pending health and life changes, I enrolled in a two year long, weekend Advanced Yoga study program. This seemingly casual interest in Yoga led to many more years of in-depth study, healing and focus.  My health and balance improved.   I also rediscovered a childhood passion for writing and started a blog.

In 2017, my husband had major heart surgery and spent almost two months in the hospital.  My yoga training was put to good use as my husband began the long road back to improved health.  We consciously made healthier lifestyle choices.   In 2018, I completed additional certification at the University of Virginia as a Diabetes Prevention Lifestyle Coach.  This program complemented my previous yoga training.  During this period, my yoga teaching changed from traditional yoga studio classes to restorative and gentle yoga classes more suited to a senior population and/or those coping with lifestyle maladies.