Ann Arbor Yoga & Meditation

• EmaStefanova@cs.com

Brandon Lewandowski

To say that I enjoyed my experience and that I am glad I did it, is an understatement; this experience is difficult to put into words. Ema is extremely knowledgeable and it is apparent how she has dedicated her life to learning and teaching. I admire Ema and strive to be like Ema in the way that she operates from heart and passion only! I intend to return again someday and hope to experience other adventures offered by Ema, along the way, as well.

Dandan Shan

Highly recommend. I really enjoy doing yoga with Ema. She is caring about you and knowledgeable in traditional yoga. I feel better with my body and decide to take more sessions with her. I previously did not believe in yoga but the experience with her totally changed my mind because it is effective for my back pain and helps me gain more relax and inner peace.

Analía Lessenberry Valdez

When one has certain difficulties in life, or perhaps, feels lost, it can be really hard to take advice from people who have not gone through what you have gone through. I am choosing to be very candid in my review, in hope that it might help or encourage someone else who is in the place that I once occupied. I came to Ema a little over 12 years ago. Only 19 at the time I wanted to learn more about yoga, one of the only things that made me "feel better". I had a very high score of "Adverse Childhood Effects". This manifests itself in many ways in those who have suffered trauma, but in me it manifested itself in: depression, anxiety, insomnia, emotional, physical and other types of imbalances in my mind and body. Simply put I had never seen what it was like to have a good, happy, balanced life. Many things about society had me questioning. Why were my instincts so different than what society told me they had to be? Couldn't I just be myself? First I had to meet my "self" and that is where Ema came in. At the time I was studying the 500hr Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training, but now as an adult I realize I was really receiving a sophisticated form of Yoga Therapy. Learning the techniques that Ema taught me, helped to save me what would likely have been thousands of hours in talk therapy and even more money in medication. I am so grateful I found a natural way to bring about harmony and balance in my life. Not to mention grateful that I was exposed to "real yoga" which encompasses a wide scope of topics well beyond just physical postures. I notice friends and acquaintances who have completed yoga teacher trainings elsewhere often have no clue of certain topics I bring up to them that are integral to my personal practice. During that period I was able to enjoy around 3 yoga retreats with her in amazing locations around Michigan. The Lake Michigan retreat really stands out to me and I look forward to returning this summer. Now at 32 years old I have begun studying with Ema again. I was going through another transition period in my life and wanted to learn deeper forms of meditation. Ema was right there for me as if no time had even passed. Since I live on the East Coast now she was willing to do private virtual lessons with me. I felt like that experience would not be the same as in person classes. To my surprise, even over the internet, Ema is able to transmit a special energy. It is hard to describe but with some simple instructions, meditation feels easy and natural with her. Without her guidance and the acquisition of a yogic lifestyle I would have never been able to be at the point I am at now. I have a good full time job, many fulfilling artistic hobbies, as well as meaningful friendships and relationships. When I started studying yoga with Ema over 12 years ago I never could have even conceived of viewing life in the way I do now. The world is no longer a horrible place where everyone was out to hurt me. I am able to be happy, but without the manic ups and downs. Younger me still cannot believe what I have been able to accomplish. Ema showed me how to be a "balanced" creative person and follow my natural intuition. This has given me unspeakable opportunities and experiences. Thank you Ema! I am eternally grateful for you and for the grace of yoga! I look forward to doing Continuing Education courses towards my Teaching Certification with her.

Cori Sanford

Taking private meditation classes with Ema was a game-changer in my life. As someone who suffers from moderate to severe anxiety and insomnia, I truly feel that Ema's instruction has provided me with meaningful tools that I can carry through my life. With these tools, I have noticed a huge change in my attitude and quality of sleep and life. Ema is very engaged, gentle and customizes her lessons for the individual. I was 6 weeks pregnant when I started lessons with her and she kindly provided different breathing techniques and practices that were tailored to the later months of pregnancy. After working with her, you can easily recognize her genuine nature and care for her students. I would not hesitate to sign up for more sessions in the future.