This year marks an important milestone for Orenda Yoga & Healing Arts. On January 1st 2014, Orenda turned 10 years old! It is hard to believe that in 2004 I was just starting out as a lone instructor in the tiny studio at the Altamont Train Station. From those hopeful beginnings Orenda has grown to become an authority in the Capital Region in alternative health and wellness practices, often called upon by various agencies for services, consults and collaboration. I am proud to be working with institutions such as Albany Med, SUNY Albany School of Social Welfare, New Choices Recovery, MVP Health Care, Vet Help, and so many others. The reasons for success fall first to you, the students and clients! Some of you have been supporting the services and programs of Orenda from the beginning while others have come over time. You may have watched me outgrow the little studio in Altamont with a move to Guilderland Center with further expansion to the Schenectady studio. You have grown with me as I have tried new ideas and programs, some wonderful, some not so great. Many of you have been there through my professional and personal triumphs as well as tragedies. I am so grateful for the friendships and community that empowers me to continue to grow, and heal when needed. At this point there are more students attending Orenda than I had ever imagined, and if I had to name one disappointment it is that I do not have a chance to get to know each of you personally. Equally as important to the success of Orenda is my amazing staff. These professionals and instructors are dedicated, caring individuals that make up a quality team that represent Orenda Healing Arts, LLC. I am so blessed! Among this team I hesitate but must single out one. Renee Van Kuren was the very first Orenda staffer. She began early in 2004 as the in house massage therapist and has been with me ever since. Happy 10 years Renee! Thank you for your professional dedication and more importantly your friendship! In warmer weather there will be an opportunity to celebrate this milestone as a community. But for now, I have decided to mark this 10-year anniversary in a unique way. Each week I offer an insight on empowerment during my Sunday class. It is not uncommon for regular students who may miss a class to email me asking for the theme of the week. So as my gift to you I will be posting a weekly blog called Be Empowered! . I promise to keep them short and informative, drawing from reliable resources and insights. Although not necessary, you may consider a journal for some of the simple exercises that will be included. I hope you will subscribe and as you follow along Be Empowered! To live the life you want to live!From my heart I thank you for the past 10 years and look forward to a bright future.Peace,Andrea
