Testimonials
"I feel like I grew in my ability to contribute to a community of people, in terms of being a good adult example for children, learning what it's like to be depended upon, having chores that actually affect other people, and so on.... Living at GYG was really my introduction to real-life community living. Nowhere I've been has the history and richness of communities that I experienced living in Puna. I appreciated living in an area where my lifestyle was seen as normal by the people we lived around, rather than being 'fringe.'" -- Anonymous June 2011
"The biggest lesson in this area for me was to speak my truth. Nothing was wrong, nothing was right, it just was. It’s one thing to speak your truth to a comfortable group of people like your friends and maybe family in a place you have lived your whole life. It’s another to come out of that comfort zone and into your panic zone speaking out in a time of integrating and healing with a community of people you don’t know. A lot comes up. The lesson could be summed up in six words: real, true, authentic, genuine, intimate vulnerability....I learned what it was like to truly be connected to the earth. It’s as if I finally started to see ‘her’ for who she really was. While working with the land, I acquired a whole new respect for the sacred relationship that we have with it. I learned more about how what we do on a daily basis affects the earth. I learned how to live with wild animals to some extent (mongoose, birds, chickens, and pigs). I learned more about the relationship that we all share with them. I love being outside…..that is how I want to live my life." -- Maia Kehoe, June 2011
"I am in the best health I have ever experienced yet. I have the most strength, flexibility and digestion I have experienced yet. I feel incredibly clear, vital, and empowered as a healthy human. I am so grateful to have been exposed to instinctive eating, a practice I will carry forward with me and share with others. I have learned vital aspects of being human that include emotional honesty, compassionate communication, and the myth of ownership. I have also learned key elements to raising children, instilling in me a newfound desire to be a father when the Universe ordains so. [And,] Wow! Building community is no joke. I had no idea what community was, how to build it, or even what it takes to participate in the function of one. I tip my hat to everyone, especially you Ano for your continued application towards birthing a sustainable and holistic culture. I now know, from living here, that I am destined to live in community." - Timothy, May 2011
"GaiaYoga offered me a unique experience for deep inner healing and growth. The people genuinely wanted to create a wonderful experience for us and I felt very supported. I loved the NVC and permaculture classes!" - Elizabeth H., March 2011
"GaiaYoga may not be what you are expecting, but the community will surpass all your expectations and impress you with their humility and willingness to work with where you are at in order to meet your needs." Anonymous, March 2011
"Even though you have everything already figured out, GaiaYoga 101, challenges you to go beyond that comfort to grow into the person you want to be, the person you can be." - Michael, May 2011
"I have done numerous personal growth workshops in my time, this program is more life changing and sustainable than anything I've done before, because its community. You have to live with everyone and still work and move through your patterns. I'm so excited to see how I am with people in my past now that I've gone through this experience." - Mary, May 2011
"My longtime desire to live sustainably in community drove me to
visit Gaia Yoga Gardens. The short week I spent there impressed me
greatly; Ano and Melekai were so welcoming and well-grounded.
There, I found hope for the possibility to truly live in harmony
with others and nature. At GYG, the seeds for sustainable community
are being mindfully tended, although the process is not an easy
one. Now that I have left GYG, my main desire is to return as soon
as possible, for as long as possible. GYG has renewed in me a joy
for the present, and hope for our future."
- Aisha DaCosta, Phoenix
"Ano and Melekai are amazing leaders and teachers. Their
knowledge and positive energy have created an enlightening place to
live and work, and I recommend visiting it to everyone."
-Kelly Kokaisel, Minnesota
"I've loved the structures here of the landances and the feeling
that we're all equals in this together. If and when I'm back on the
Big Island I'd love to stay for longer!"
- Ivy, Massachusets
"It's been a very spiritual place and people for me. I never
experienced before."
-Sven Sommermeyer, Germany
"Everyone who has not been here yet should experience the beauty
of that place!!! Life is so "clean and harmonious." I loved
that!"
-Magdalena Gorecha, Poland
"Be sure to communicate your needs and things you like and don't
like to do. It (GaiaYoga Gardens) is as flexible as you are."
-Lucas Orton, Washington
