Testimonials

Identity Regained and Re-imagined

 

"Two years ago I was diagnosed with three inter-related diseases; Antiphospholipid Syndrome, Neurocardiogenic Syncope, and Lupus Anticoagulant. Autoimmune in nature, these diseases cause my body to identify my free floating phospholipids (fatty cells) as a virus, thus allowing for the formation of blood clots throughout my body. Because of this, the right side of my heart is enlarged and does not pump enough blood to my brain, causing seizures, TIA’s (aka: ministrokes), extreme fatigue, dizziness, headaches, joint aches, and heart palpitations.  Since my diagnosis, I have struggled with retaining my identity as an involved, active, and overachieving student leader due to the pain that has overridden my daily functioning.  Over the past years, I have gone to many pain management therapists and neurological specialists, yet nothing has helped me to balance my life as much as participating in Hatha Yoga.

            I decided to take this course at OCU with Dee Mathis from Free Spirit Yoga Studio when my educational advisor gave me the testimonial of one of her close friends who was diagnosed with terminal colon cancer and was given two months to live. This friend began to take Hatha Yoga classes for pain management and has now celebrated her tenth year of being cancer-free. My advisor thought this course would teach me to meditate and tune out the negative circumstances of my life which have been causing me so much pain and stress. On the first day of class, the term “Yoga” was defined as a union of one’s mind, body, and soul through the ancient Indian art of meditation (through the focusing of one’s breathing), the practice of asanas (postures or body positions), the concentration of the energy of the body (called Chakras), and the connection to the spiritual world through prayer. and thankfulness.  By implementing this definition into my daily life, I have found a new balance in my life and have begun to regain a sense of self worth and identity. "

 from OCU Student Heather Clark

 

"Dee,

You requested a synopsis of my neck issues.

In December I was diagnosed with a disc protrusion in my neck.  As a result of the protrusion, my neck, shoulders and arms were hurting.  Since I wasn't a surgical candidate, they felt the best way to proceed was with epidural steroid injections.  I started taking yoga from Dee in January.  I decided to give the yoga a chance to work instead of the ESI.  The later part of February, I went back to my doctor because the jpain had decreased.  He decided that I didn't neeed to pursue the injections at this time.

Dee, I will see you at class on Monday."

 from Kathie Stepp

 

 

When I met Dee a few years ago, I was miserable.  I was a new mother and no longer felt any real connection with myself.  I was about 50 pounds overweight and felt disgusting.  With her first class, I was already feeling calmer and at peace.  Feeling better was the first step to changing myself.
Within 6 months I was taking two classes a week and my mood was completely reversed.  I had started out a really tired, unhappy person.  I became a relaxed, happy and more confidant woman. I was more limber and much toner too.  Later, I started going to her weekly meditation sessions.  It's not often that I get any peace and quiet but have learned the importance of taking time for yourself and meditating whenever you can.  Meditating returns clarity that gets too blurred with unimportant things that I worry about daily.
To say that Dee 's classes have changed my life is an understatement.  I have lost over 45 pounds, smile a lot more, have met some wonderful fellow yoga students and just feel like I'm closer to the person I used to be and want to be.  I am a yogi for life! 
-Laura Fought
 

"I was overweight, depressed, my digestive system was out of whack and I was having migraines.  The doctors had me on so many medications that were making me sick plus I was going through a very stressful divorce.  My body began shutting down, I was retaining a large amount of water and I kept getting sinus infections.  I began taking yoga classes with Dee at Oklahoma City University and then moved on to classes at her studio.  Not only did her classes make me more fit and flexible, they also showed me how to release stress through both yoga and meditation and how to listen to my body.  I no longer have migraines and very few problems with allergies plus I can manage stress a lot better now and my body just overall feels better.  Dee has become a great friend who has helped me through the lowest point of my life and I owe my health and my sanity to her!"

-Melanie Smith