“A stabilizing and grounding influence the way nothing else has been ...”

I started my Yoga life in the safety nest of Jyoti Chrystal's basement over 15 years ago. It gave me the security I needed to surrender to a deep internal process I didn't know I was capable of. The power of Starseed's caring safe community allowed me to slowly climb back to become a functioning person. Through the varying and numerous Starseed programs, I have been privileged to meet and watch other people in their personal growth and achievements...some of them have become wonderful role models for me. I observe the beautiful young people ...a delight to watch them emerge into confident adults. I believe this on going yoga in my life has been a stabilizing and grounding influence the way nothing else has. I am finding my voice. I have stopped dying my hair and am enjoying the gray. I have almost accepted my body in its older, roundness. I am able to let people rant about what is important to them with out becoming involved in a war if I disagree. All of this new behavior is newly learned self-assurance, self-knowledge, self-acceptance gained in lots of classes with Starseed's very talented and caring teachers under Jyoti’s guidance. My hats off to Jyoti...she has touched so many of us and trained these people so very well. D.A. -2004

“Extremely privileged to have the opportunity to observe Jyoti ..”

I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to observe Jyoti's wonderful yoga work that she does and to learn from her and be a part of the experience. I am so thankful that she is sharing these skills and insights with us. Jyoti is truly being part of the change that we all wish to see in the world. With deep gratitude, N.W. Starseed Teacher Training, -2006

“I have really begun to GET yoga”

I just wanted to write a quick note of thanks and a testimonial to Jyoti. I am relatively new to Yoga-I have taken prenatal yoga classes which were invaluable in helping me have the drug free births ( 3! ) that I wanted, but it hasn't been until recently that I have really begun to GET yoga, and that I have to thank Jyoti for.

I have begun taking her Wednesday morning class and through her instruction have really begun to see how life-changing yoga can be for me. I have done what I thought were poses before, but Jyoti has helped me do those poses correctly and made adjustments that were perfect for my body, so I could truly feel the difference. I have also begun to see how that benefit can carry throughout my day even as I step outside the yoga studio into my busy life as Mom of 3 children 4years old and under.

One example I would like to share occurred after last Wednesday’s class. It was a truly beautiful day outside. I took Jyoti's class and it was a challenging class, but it left me feeling so great afterwards. Wednesday is my day with a babysitter--I had so many errands I could have done that day--or taken some more time just by myself since my children were being taken care of. I just felt so great and so in the PRESENT that all I wanted to do was go BE with my children. I wanted to forget about the chores--I went home and told my babysitter we were going to take the kids on an adventure to the zoo. It was a great day. For me, that day, yoga made me the mother I want to be.

Thank you Jyoti! I look forward to continuing my yoga practice and hope that includes more instruction from you! R.M. –June 2007

An “Extraordinary and gifted teacher, healer, and wise woman ... ”

I have worked with Jyoti for about ten years, individually, in groups, and as part of a couple. She has truly been a transforming person in my life. Her work for me has been like a laser of wonderful, powerful light that goes directly to the heart of the matter and ultimately to the heart itself. She is an extraordinary and gifted teacher, healer, and wise woman, and she is helping me to deepen and own those parts of myself. I carry her with me through the most difficult of times and feel the joy of lightness and clarity when I call up the fruits of our work together. It has been an honor and a blessing to learn from and grow with Jyoti.
With gratitude, B.K. -2004

Jyoti… “a figure of importance in my life”

Jyoti has been a figure of importance in my life for many years…First, as my yoga instructor, then as my guide, friend and therapist. I have watched her development in fascination and seen her skills blossom and become honed to a fine extent. She has inspired me, taught me, confronted me, comforted me and healed me with her immense compassion and commitment. Her work is unique in the realm of empowerment therapy and I have learned a whole new language and perspective from her. I consider life differently because of my interaction with her and I have deep respect for her desire to bring her healing techniques and teaching to others. K.M. -2005

Increased quality of life amazes Restorative Yoga student, asthma sufferer

"Dear Doctor [Name held by request]: I don't know if I will be able to express the difference this [Restorative yoga] class is making in my life. I have only been to five classes, and I am amazed and thankful.

The way I understand it, with asthma I have the unconscious tendency to round my shoulders in an automatic protective position. This has affected my shoulder, chest and back muscles. The muscles on my rib cage have tightened and my back and hips are "out of whack." I have occasionally had back problems over the past 25 years but about two years ago I really did a good job of it.

During my second yoga class, I heard my hip pop back into place (the same pop I remember when it popped out two years before).

I had not realized how much pain I was living in until I felt the relief. It was wonderful!

I am practicing my yoga breathing and I am sure the consciously controlled breath is a sense of control or at least some active way of dealing with asthma. I am so much more calm. Jyoti Chrystal and this amazing class have helped me to heal a lifetime of pain." M.J.K. -2002

“excellent foundations for a lifelong yoga practice that continues to give me rewards”

Dear Jyoti
I came across your website while looking up some info about Montclair. Your new yoga centers sound wonderful, and you look as vibrant and creative as ever!

I've been working at … San Antonio, TX, since I left Montclair in1988 and been involved with a good yoga studio in this area for most of the last 15 years. I took my first class there with the director who immediately exclaimed "You've had extremely good training!" And indeed, I know I have. Thanks again for the excellent foundations for a lifelong yoga practice that continues to give me rewards I never thought possible.
M.M. -2007

“Jyoti Chrystal’s work as a teacher and shaman speaks to the core of the human being.”

Jyoti Chrystal’s work as a teacher and shaman speaks to the core of the human being. She challenges us to stand up and claim our beauty and power. She is intense, focused, clear and connected to her heart, which helps her students find themselves in her. Her Shamanic rituals are experiences of authentic freedom and always stimulate a more joyful understanding of our deepest truths and greatest purposes. J.W.-2007

“…feel as if I could take on anything that comes my way”

From the moment I walked into Jyoti's class, I felt as if I was about to experience something that would help me change my life for the better. I cannot express enough how Jyoti’s incredible knowledge and experience in yoga and the healing arts has helped me to improve the quality of my life. Her teachings have unquestionably begun to cure my mind, body, and spirit. Her breathing techniques have done wonders for my anxiety as well as my sinuses. The more I learn from Jyoti the stronger I become, the more energy I have, and the more centered I am.  Even my husband has commented on the difference!

I feel honored to have the opportunity to learn from Jyoti, whose constant encouragement makes me feel as if I could take on anything that comes my way. D.R.-2007