LETTERS FROM PARENTS
Sonia and friend, Gabriel, size one another up at September 1997 Certification Program
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LORENA
I first learned of Sonia Sumar's Yoga therapy through an article in the newspaper.
I immediately felt that Sonia was the kind of person who could understand the heartache
I was going through with my child. I was certain she would be able to answer all
my questions, because here was a mother who had already successfully completed a
journey that I was just beginning.
Now that my daughter and I have had the opportunity to experience some of the benefits of Yoga practice, I thank God for that newspaper article, which led me to Sonia Sumar and her community of Yoga practitioners. I say "community" in the literal sense of the word, since all of us are friends who share a common bond, and we are able to support one another through an open exchange of ideas and experiences.
Lorena began practicing Yoga with Sonia in August of 1983, when she was nine months old, and now it is a part of our daily life. But Yoga is not like any sport. It is much more comprehensive.
Nowadays, "Lo" is nine years old and studies at a public school near our home. It is difficult to describe the light, tranquility, strength and optimism that Yoga brings to us. My little daughter is a happy child, communicative and clever. We are very proud of her.
Glória Buval Moreira
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 1 December 1991
ELOÍSA
In a few short sentences it would be impossible for me to relate all that Yoga has
done for my daughter. Nevertheless, I would like to share my experience with the
many mothers who are searching for a way to improve the lives of their children with
Down Syndrome. Thanks to the benefits of yogic breathing exercises and asanas, my
3½-
We are deeply grateful to Sonia Sumar, a gifted and caring teacher.
Maria Piedade Kilson
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 1 December 1985
MIRA
When I attended Sonia’s Basic Certification Program several years ago, I had no idea
of the profound impact it would have on my own Yoga practice, the way I saw my daughter
who has many physical challenges due to Cerebral Palsy, or my parenting as a whole.
I continued on to attend all the levels of Yoga for the Special Child, have worked
with other children who have special needs and teach Yoga to my own daughter, Mira.
Sonia taught me that despite Mira’s physical challenges, her soul is perfectly intact. When I am connected to that soul, the physical body plays a less significant role. While the physical body is important and needs to be well cared for, the soul is what I see. The concept of soul to soul is what allows me to see each of my children for who they are and not just what they say and do.
Yoga has played an enormous role in my own parenting. When I take the time in the morning for my own Yoga practice, I leave with a sense of calm that I can carry with me throughout the day. Without it, I am unable to give my children the patience, centeredness or calm that they need.
Sonia teaches from a very deep place within herself sharing personal experiences with a wonderful sense of humor allowing us to self reflect, learn the beauty of Yoga, and truly learn to appreciate children with special needs and how Yoga can impact them.
Cindy Kaplan
Boston, Massachusetts. February 2011
HENRIQUE
"Sonia Sumar was the first person to teach me to believe in my child. She taught me that the love I felt for him would surely help us to build a brighter future together. I now see the birth of Henrique and the death of my older son, Elber, as the beginning of a new phase in my life.
With Sonia's help, I have learned to give up my bitterness about the past. I have also learned to view the passing events of my life, tragic as well as joyous, with a measure of equal vision."
Maria de Lourdes Ramos de Souza
Belo Horizonte, Brazil. 14 March 1994
Please consider attending one of our programs or reading our book to find out whether our methods can make the difference for the special child in your life.
