Testimonials:
 A Noble Heart - Bali, Indonesia 2011
I wanted to thank you for facilitating such a 'dream' holiday in Bali.
I had a few concerns about spending 10 days with people I had never met before but that turned out to be one of the highlights of the time away. What a great group of interesting, warm people from diverse backgrounds.
I needed a break from my hectic, stressful present life and this trip exceeded all expectations!
I came home feeling energetic again and ready to cope with the demands of my busy life.
It was the most self-indulgent, relaxing, nurturing and calming holiday I can recall experiencing.
There were many personal highlights......from the many, massages and spa treatments, the gut wrenching laughter and camaraderie of the rafting experience, the peaceful yoga sessions each morning (and I am NOT a morning beast OR a yoga girl!) to the profound experience of the temple water immersion and blessing.
I have recommended the experience to many friends and work colleagues and would love to participate again next year.
Love Judy
Judy Nutbean
Mother, Pediatric Nurse & Humourist
A Noble Heart - Bali, Indonesia 2010
I wanted to write to you and thank you for an amazing holiday. I do feel as though I have truly experienced the “Noble Heart” of Bali; its people; its amazing beauty and its serenity.
The itinerary you put together was just the perfect balance of Yoga - soothing treatments, beautiful locations, great food and unrestricted access to you and your informative and entertaining Yoga philosophies.
The whole trip was planned and timed to perfection, you did not miss a beat, nor did you leave anything out.
The service, the spectacular properties and having the opportunity to practice Yoga in beautiful locations is a treat that I wish everyone could find the time to enjoy.
If you asked me to find a “still frame” in my mind, one that captured the bliss of “A Noble Heart” it was lying in the Yoga Bale enjoying your guided deep relaxation, as the waters of the Ayung River meandered past just meters away at the Royal Pita Maha hotel. It has to be one of the most spectacular properties I have enjoyed.
Thank you Annemaree – now the challenge is “how can you better this” You can count me in.
Kathleen Moore
Patron of the Arts, Entertainment Director, Mother of 3 teenage boys.
Land of 1000 Smiles - Kerala, India 2011
Exhale.... the inhale will take care of itself!
I had the privilege of attending the 'Land of 1000 Smiles' - Kerala, India 2011 and it has touched me ever since.
As a mother, spouse, business owner and operator, there is very little time in my life to “just be me”. It was a huge indulgence for me to take a few weeks away from responsibility to escape into another world, but it was well worth it. I met Annemaree on a marketing course many years ago, and at that time could see she was a person that lived by her ethos (something I greatly admire). Although we had little face to face contact in the intervening years, her newsletter was a refreshing “breath” for me each month it arrived, so I stayed subscribed. Needless to say when I actually decided to go, my expectations of the trip and Annemaree herself were high. I was not disappointed in any way!
I have travelled to India in the past, but feel Kerala is the best of India I have seen. The lush vegetation, beautiful backwaters, fabulous food, magnificent accommodation, to die for massages and oh so friendly people are memories I will treasure forever. Little reminders come up in my daily life since I have returned, and I am transported back to a place and time that is special. In this environment of sensory overload, it was amazing how relaxed I became. Of course this had much to do with the gentle morning yoga and meditation under the expert guidance of Annemaree. She is a model of calm and nurturing, as she adapts the classes based on the needs of her students, and she is so perceptive at reading people! The benefits took about a week to materialise, but after that I felt amazing.
I had no qualms about travelling alone on this tour as I knew there would be other “likeminded” travellers/yoga enthusiasts. The fabulous ladies I did meet were an absolute hoot - we laughed our way around Kerala and created lifelong memories.
I see Annemaree each week now for a yoga class, trying hard not to allow the chaos of daily life undo the benefits of a trip I will always remember. Sincere thanks Annemaree.
Lisa Shaw
Managing Director
Hamilton Shaw Consulting
Land of 1000 Smiles - Kerala, India 2009
GUILT, GUILT, GUILT was all I could think about on my way to the airport. I had just kissed my husband and three little children [6, 4 and 3] goodbye and was off on a trip to India to some relatively unpronounceable place [Kerala]. Yoga, well I hadn’t really done a lot of that before but a 7am start was sounding like a sleep in and I figured my body could use a bit of exercise…..Stress levels – yep, they were off the scale [kids, work, domestic duties and only 24 hours in a day].
Two weeks later, I was a changed person and I will remember this trip as one of the best of my life to date. People are a huge part of any experience and I traveled with an exceptional group of people. We were likeminded in our desire to explore and experience Kerala’s history, culture, and beliefs. In addition, we wanted to understand, the social and economic issues across the state and in India as a whole. Annemaree provided us with access to the most amazing people to talk to including our expert guide, Gerard himself a rice farmer in the off-season; the teacher and children at a local school; and the owner of a local spice and oil shop who, apart from being a great salesman, knew everything about the Kerala spice industry.
By week 2, we had visited amazing spice and tea plantations and were staying at one of the most beautiful resorts in the whole of India. Treen, [my great friend and room-mate], and I were thinking it must be downhill from here. It was unlikely that Annemaree could pull anything else out of her hat. However, by the next morning we had SMS’ed our husband’s from a houseboat on the canals …“died and gone to heaven…trip extended indefinitely….”. The kaleidoscope of colours of the women’s saris, the landscape and the waterside housing was drawn together in a setting of beauty and serenity on that boat. It was truly extraordinary.
The experiences continued with a trip to the cinema for a Bollywood movie, a fantastic shopping expedition with a driver who took us to all the local places where his wife shops, and did I mention the many [but never enough] Ayurvedic massages.
The thing I think I will remember the most though is starting every morning in a fantastic frame of mind after a wonderful yoga class. Then going out into a country where no matter what their circumstances and often in the face of extremely poverty, the people always welcomed us and smiled and we smiled back.
Sally McCutchen
Mother, Corporate Executive and now...a yoga devotee!
Land of 1000 Smiles - Kerala, India 2009
I would like to congratulate Annemaree for organizing a most wonderful trip to Kerala.
By letting us experience the best blend of both worlds, she introduced me to India in a way that I could not have created, even in my dreams. It was simply amazing.
After getting over the shock of being in the midst of such busy cities, with all the little shops, motor bikes, busloads of people and amazing buildings, we travelled through the most beautiful countryside in the highlands; floated on the tranquil backwaters; and rested in picturesque beach-side locations.
Our driver and guide were the loveliest and most thoughtful people. They adored sharing their culture and wealth of knowledge with us all. We met a host of interesting and warm-hearted people and caught glimpses of everyday-life in Kerala, a land often described as “God’s Own Country’…a truly beautiful part of India.
We toured in a private bus (I will never forget Krishna’s incredible driving skills!) to the most fascinating and colourful sites. We relaxed overnight in the comfort of magical, heritage hotels, and we commenced our days with yoga sessions often amidst nature and in the most amazing locations. We enjoyed exciting Indian dishes in many interesting restaurants and experienced the most heavenly, Ayurvedic massages.
Finally, I must add, that my hesitation in traveling with a group of people I didn’t know was unfounded, as our small group was very versatile and worked perfectly!
This was a most remarkable, mind-blowing and indulgent trip!
Thank you Annemaree!
Yvonne Gunther
Mother, yoga devotee and businesswoman.
Land of 1000 Smiles - Kerala, India 2009
The Cool Calm and Collected Kerala trip is the experience of a lifetime.
I returned feeling a sense of wellness that resulted from an assault on the senses: unforgettable scenery, vibrant culture, amazing hospitality, warm hosts, fresh and tasty food, envigorating yoga, and exceptional friendship amongst our group.
I would love to go back and do the whole trip again.
Libby Tudball
Mother, yoga devotee, keen traveller and academic.
Land of 1000 Smiles - Kerala, India 2007
Knowing Annemaree’s exceptional talents as a yoga teacher and her many years in the travel industry, my expectations were high.
I needed a break, wanting to enjoy a vastly different culture and to improve my yoga. I was able to achieve these goals and so much more.
My trip to India under the personal direction of Annemaree Rowley was in one word outstanding.
The trip was planned to perfection and its execution was seamless. From practicing yoga every morning in a peaceful and beautiful place – to enjoying our own house boat complete with local seafood and wine gathered from the closest village by our own chef, to looking for tigers, the trip created was a tapestry of experiences that created a wonderful sense of wellbeing.
It is truly. “Incredible India”.
The people, the colour, the energy, the laughter, the scenery, the massages, the yoga , the hotels, the temples, the drivers, the food, all beautifully blended in just the right amount to create one of the most outstanding adventures I have experienced.
I left Sydney a wreck and returned..refreshed, rejuvenated and re energized. In fact “Cool, Calm & Collected.”
My yoga improved; I ate everything in sight and did not put on an ounce.
Annemaree’s attention to detail, her knowledge of India and her sense of fun gave me a travel and yoga experience that everyone should enjoy at least once in a lifetime.
Kerrie Hayes
Executive Producer
KERRIE HAYES PRODUCTIONS
Yoga Sessions & Meditation Courses
I remember first inquiring about yoga classes with Annemaree back in 2009 and telling her "I just want to learn to breathe properly - I feel like I am never breathing properly." I know that sounds absurd since we all know how to breathe from the moment we are born. But as we grow older and our lives are filled with more stress, anxiety and pressure, our quality of breathing (as well as health) diminishes. I mean, when was the last time you took a long deep breath right from the stomach and really enjoyed the sensation of re-energizing yourself and feel your stress melt away?
Right from the start, going to yoga class was like going to my safe haven away from the mobile, email and computer. It's so easy to become addicted to the (relaxed) high you get after a class as well as how clear and positive your mind becomes. It's also great to see how quickly our body and mind improve when we nurture and nourish them with yoga and meditation (and it's is so satisfying when you can finally conquer a new yoga position!).
For me, Annemaree's yoga class has helped me in my own time address the way I was living my life and how off- balance it was. I would walk into class highly strung and stressed and walk out transformed. I was always surprised at the contrast and decided enough was enough - it was time to focus on how to make my everyday life feel like a yoga class. Life is too short to work 24/7 in an unsatisfying stressful job. So for me this has meant a career change. It hasn't been easy but because of meditation and Annemaree's teachings I am now learning to listen to my heart and intuition and I now know I am following the right path for me. I vow never to go back to my old lifestyle as it was just a dead end.
Whether you are looking for a healthier lifestyle, ways to relax and de-stress or even feel a bit lost, I urge you to give yoga a go and stick with it because while the transformation may not be immediate, after a while you will begin to notice changes in your body and the way you see things. Over the two years I have been a student, I have loved seeing how flexible I have become. But more importantly these classes have helped me uncover what I truly want in life. Yoga and meditation will always be in my life. Thank you Annemaree.
Lana Matafonov
Yoga Student & seeker of purpose
"I met Annemaree at The Living Room, GPO Melbourne, and had never
practised Yoga before. I became an instant convert! I never believed you
could exercise and feel relaxed at the same time but Annemaree showed
me how you could. A class with Annemaree was better than an hour on the
therapist's couch!
I asked Annemaree to come to Swinburne University to give a session to student psychologists - they said yoga and deep relaxation were the most useful stress reduction techniques they had learnt in four years of study. I look forward to having Annemaree work with my students on a regular basis."
Dr Naomi Crafti
Lecturer/Psychology
Swinburne University of Technology
"The “Cool, Calm & Collected” meditation sessions opened my eyes to the many benefits of deep relaxation. Not only does it improve your quality of life in being able to deal with life’s stresses, it allows you to take on more and be happy!! When you are relaxed and happy you start to see the many positives in the world that you normally pass by.
Annemaree is a very special person with very special gifts and I highly recommend her meditation and relaxation classes to all".
Andrew Mounas
General Manager,
Visy Leasing Pty Ltd.
“Annemaree’s yoga classes provide me with the revitalisation I need to deal with the exhaustive challenges in corporate life. I come away feeling physically and emotionally calm but energised, ready to take on the world but in a much more centred and sustainable way.”
Alison Johnston
General Manager - Marketing Best Practice
National Foods “The meditation course with Annemaree was the tonic my body and mind was crying out for. Just to take the time out and stop was fantastic and the workshop showed me different ways of learning to do this more regularly. The classes were calming, peaceful and easy to slip into...”
Kathee Gunn
Director
360 Degrees Focus
“Last year passed in a blur. I was so busy all the time, I almost burnt out. I thought I had no time for me. The problem was that I wasn’t making time.
Then I attended Annemaree’s course and everything changed. At first, I thought it was indulgent to stop and relax – now I know it is essential. I am more balanced, less stressed and far kinder to myself. I loved Annemaree’s meditation course and would recommend it to everyone. She is a wonderful teacher and offering 10 different meditation techniques means that everyone who attends is assured to find something that works for them.
One of the first things we were told is that meditation is very easy to learn but difficult to master. That advice has given me the patience to keep practicing – and I am so much better for it. Thank you Annemaree – I am wondering when I can attend a follow-up course??”
Lisa Corduff
Producer
Global Vision Media
"As a complete beginner, I had tried to establish a (daily) Yoga practice so many times that I had decided that the discipline just wasn't for me.
However, after starting to train with Annemaree in Hatha Yoga almost by accident, (I accepted a one month free trial offer to participate in a new multi-discipline clinic), I soon found out that here was a style that I could enjoy and make progress with.
To my pleasant surprise I achieved significant results in health and flexibility without feeling that I was 'busting a gut' to do so. The classes were well structured to push you only as far as you wanted to go and the combination of gentle stretching and relaxation at the end left my mind clear and my body fresh and energetic.
It was not long before I found myself going because I felt I 'needed to go' rather than feeling that I 'ought to go'.
I strongly recommend this teacher and this style to anyone who is new to the discipline and interested in finding out what it's about; or anyone who has trained in Yoga before but has not achieved what they were hoping to."
Martin Huish
SP-Ausnet
" I looked forward to Sunday afternoons when I arrived at the calm and reflective venue for a 'chill-out' under the expert tutelage of Annemaree. Wonderful deep breathing and the gentle tones of encouragement from Annemaree allowed all the tensions to release and the body to respond in the most appropriate way - by relaxing. I recommend it."
David Corduff
Corporate
Ian Spence - Project Manager - CSC
Hi Annemaree,
I have been away - cycling around New Zealand and climbing volcanoes! Back today.
Took up yoga to improve core strength and flexibility
Took it up in the office because of the convenience.
Yoga is doing what I wanted and much more:
- improved balance,
- improved posture
- relaxation and ability to switch off
- breathing (especially useful when I'm at 4000m and there is no oxygen)
- recover from riding around New Zealand and climbing volcanoes.
- getting rid of those niggling aches and pains.
Darren Holness - CSC
I feel so good after a yoga session that Mondays have now become my favourite day of the working week.
In addition, I have been able to use some of Annemaree's teachings at yoga to great success whenever I feel pressured or exhausted at work. Now when the 3pm slump hits, I take 5 minutes to apply a mind relaxation technique, and I am good to finish off the day strong.
Corey Sutton - CSC
Prior to these classes I had never done Yoga before, and have found it a fantastic experience. I have found that in recent years I received back and neck pain which I have attributed to the long hrs sitting at my desk working. I have watned to do somehting about this but find it hard to find the time. As I start early and usually leave late the last thing I want to do is exercise when I get home, plus there is always something else that I need to attend to.
Yoga @ CSC has been convenient as I don't need to leave the building and it has provided a break in the day for me that I ussually wouldn't get. Thse classes have have higlighted how bad I really was and following the first few classes I had pain in my neck and back but once I overcome these I found myself feeling lot healthier. The yoga classes also feature meditation which I have found incredibly relaxing. I find at the end of each class I am more rested and my body feels more energetic.
I have encouraged many others in our group to join and try it out as it has been such a positive experice so posistive that I have started doing an extra class every second week.
Doan Vo - CSC
For me, yoga makes me excited to go to work on a Monday. Working all day in an office makes you become very lazy, having yoga come to our office makes it so convenient to improve our health and well-being. It also helps people practice better posture, stretching and bonding around the office. Yoga relieves our tension and makes our shoulders much lighter and relaxed.
Matthew Lew - CSC
I've been attending the Yoga classes for a couple of months now and have been really enjoying it. Previously the only knowledge I had of Yoga was that it was something my sisters did. But as a few of my team-members were attending the classed I decided to give it a shot.
The class has a very welcoming feel to it. There is no feeling of 'competition'. The class is of quite a varied age group and everyone gets something different out of it. The atmosphere really is great and also provides an opportunity to meet with other CSC'ers who you might not otherwise see.
Personally, I feel it is a great way to counteract the 35 hours we are sitting at our desks each week. My posture was becoming quite poor but since taking the classes I feel that this is being addressed. Not only the back, though, everything right down to the toes and fingertips is addressed.
It also is great cure for 'Monday-itis' and a good energy boost for the start of the week. Everyone comes out of the class with a really positive attitude and fully recharged. I can imagine even the mid-week class would provide a great opportunity to regain perspective and relax in the middle of a hectic schedule.
All in all I am really enjoying it and getting quite a lot of out it personally. It will be good to see more people taking part and receiving the benefits that the current attendees are already experiencing.
Diana Fatouros - CSC
I just wanted to thank you for organising yoga to be held in our building so that it is more practical for us to make it to classes. I have been really enjoying the sessions and it is definitely a great way to actually do something each week because I can get to the classes easily.
Our yoga teacher is excellent and very knowledgeable making for well structured sessions which cover flexibility, strength and relaxation.
Ann James - CSC
Principal SAP HR/PY Consultant
A right merry Christmas to you Miss Annemaree - thank you for stretching me over the year! The feelings we all have post Yoga on a Wednesday is just divine - and I do believe we are all nicer people for attending your classes!
'A Breath of Fresh Yoga' Weekend away - Lake House, Daylesford, Victoria 2010.
Hello Annemaree
What can I say....the weekend was simply exquisite.....the location magic, accommodation wonderful, meals superb, service faultless.
However,the opportunityto have shared your company and that of the rest of the group was trulythe highlight as well as being a delightfulexperience - and one that I know I want and hope to replicate many times more.
It is truly amazing how a bunch of people all of whom did not all know one another initially,managed to create such a loving and caring ambience.
Thank you for organizing such a memorable, meaningful, peaceful and restful (despite the early starts & many hours of yoga!) weekend.
Om Shanti
Enza Galleazi
Mother, Corporate Manager, & friend
|
