In the Fall of 1989 I was referred to Julie Gudmestad to deal with a back injury that I sustained. It was my first exposure to yoga, as it was incorporated into Julie’s treatment style. Taking classes from Julie was my next step and three years later Julie encouraged me to join the team at the studio as a yoga instructor. Now, more than 28 years later I have decided to decrease my working hours and will stop teaching this Fall.

This is not a decision that I made lightly. Being part of the Gudmestad Yoga Studio and continuing into the Paxson Yoga Center has been more rewarding than I can ever express. Honing my skills as a teacher allowed me to offer something positive to our students and I got to know so many wonderful people along the way. Both the yoga students and my fellow instructors and staff have been so enriching to my life in ways I could never have imagined.

I remember hearing someone in a position that we think of as supporting others say the following: "I get more out of this than I should.” I absolutely identify with that statement.

I have learned so much from you, my students, through the years that has shaped me as a person.

My gratitude is boundless and I feel so honored to have been given your trust for all of these years.

You will see me around as a substitute teacher or teaching a special focus class in the future.

Namaste,

Stuart Stark