Cliff: We have lived and taught overseas for many years – spending ten in the Middle East and three years in Thailand before coming to Taiwan in 1998. It was here in Taipei that we decided to learn (TM) meditation. This had been in our minds for some time after having witnessed first hand the visible effect that TM practice had had on a colleague dealing with a busy and demanding life. You may think that the adoption of yoga was an obvious and quick transition to make after having taken up meditation but not so -we didn’t take this step until much later, almost 8 years later. I’m at a loss to understand why we waited so long to take up yoga but wait we did. In many ways I regret that we didn’t decide to do this much earlier in our lives given the very real benefits we now feel in both mind and body. From my perspective, I earnestly believe that in today’s fast-paced world, where material possessions are often prized above the spiritual, the daily practice of meditation and yoga helps redress this false perception and brings balance to life.

Carla: Unlike Cliff, I had taken the odd yoga class in years past but the experience had not been a happy one - all that twisting and straining to get into a pose, holding my breath to stay there and, inevitably, a painful crick in the neck the next day. It was infuriating. How could this be the so-called antidote to the stress and anxiety of modern life? Then quite unexpectedly SPACE Yoga opened its doors a mere stone's throw away from where we live in Tien-Mu. How could I not go? I joined five years ago and have been a regular ever since, attending class 4 or 5 times a week.

I discovered that SPACE is a wonderful place to practice. It has been rewarding to experience the different yoga styles and learn how each complement the others: the sheer hell of "Hot" yoga, the challenge of "Flow", the pleasure of "Hatha" and, for me, best of all - the inner peace that always comes from a session of "Yin." It did not take me long to realize that teaching yoga is an art and that SPACE is blessed with some master teachers. For yoga is not about twisting and straining into a pose but about finding the breath.

Thanks to my time at SPACE, I am now fitter and more flexible than I ever was. I feel healthier and find that I am no longer susceptible to the colds and sniffles of the changing seasons. I have more energy, feel less stressed and more even-tempered. And when the unthinkable happens, it helps bring composure and acceptance. Practicing yoga has changed my life for the better.

My husband, Cliff, noticed and commented on the improvements he saw in
me but shied away the idea of beginning yoga whenever I suggested that he might come along and try for himself. However, after two years of constant badgering, he relented and very reluctantly agreed to try a two-week CNY special: he has been a regular ever since. Once Cliff discovered YIN, he was hooked! The improvement in his physical flexibility and mental wellbeing has been truly amazing.

Cliff: SPACE is now an important part of our everyday lives and we love it. From the team of youngsters behind the desk to the ladies in the cleaning crew, all are good-natured and helpful. Our teachers are superb and every one of them LIVES their yoga day in and day out. We know we are fortunate to have had teachers of the calibre of Michelle B. and Michelle C., Tina, Ada, Amanda and Lars. Each has touched our lives and helped us look for what is best within. For this we are truly grateful.

Namaste