Best Retreat Center Ann Arbor Near Me

Steve: Great atmosphere for meditating and reflection. Promotes peace and comfortable cushions...

Analía Lessenberry Valdez: When one has certain difficulties in life, or perhaps, feels lost, it can be really hard to take advice from people who have not gone through what you have gone through.I am choosing to be very candid in my review, in hope that it might help or encourage someone else who is in the place that I once occupied.I came to Ema a little over 12 years ago. Only 19 at the time I wanted to learn more about yoga, one of the only things that made me "feel better". I had a very high score of "Adverse Childhood Effects". This manifests itself in many ways in those who have suffered trauma, but in me it manifested itself in: depression, anxiety, insomnia, emotional, physical and other types of imbalances in my mind and body. Simply put I had never seen what it was like to have a good, happy, balanced life. Many things about society had me questioning. Why were my instincts so different than what society told me they had to be? Couldn't I just be myself? First I had to meet my "self" and that is where Ema came in.At the time I was studying the 500hr Yoga and Meditation Teacher Training, but now as an adult I realize I was really receiving a sophisticated form of Yoga Therapy. Learning the techniques that Ema taught me, helped to save me what would likely have been thousands of hours in talk therapy and even more money in medication. I am so grateful I found a natural way to bring about harmony and balance in my life. Not to mention grateful that I was exposed to "real yoga" which encompasses a wide scope of topics well beyond just physical postures. I notice friends and acquaintances who have completed yoga teacher trainings elsewhere often have no clue of certain topics I bring up to them that are integral to my personal practice.During that period I was able to enjoy around 3 yoga retreats with her in amazing locations around Michigan. The Lake Michigan retreat really stands out to me and I look forward to returning this summer.Now at 32 years old I have begun studying with Ema again. I was going through another transition period in my life and wanted to learn deeper forms of meditation. Ema was right there for me as if no time had even passed. Since I live on the East Coast now she was willing to do private virtual lessons with me. I felt like that experience would not be the same as in person classes. To my surprise, even over the internet, Ema is able to transmit a special energy. It is hard to describe but with some simple instructions, meditation feels easy and natural with her.Without her guidance and the acquisition of a yogic lifestyle I would have never been able to be at the point I am at now. I have a good full time job, many fulfilling artistic hobbies, as well as meaningful friendships and relationships. When I started studying yoga with Ema over 12 years ago I never could have even conceived of viewing life in the way I do now. The world is no longer a horrible place where everyone was out to hurt me. I am able to be happy, but without the manic ups and downs. Younger me still cannot believe what I have been able to accomplish.Ema showed me how to be a "balanced" creative person and follow my natural intuition. This has given me unspeakable opportunities and experiences.Thank you Ema! I am eternally grateful for you and for the grace of yoga! I look forward to doing Continuing Education courses towards my Teaching Certification with her.

Pugal Janakiraman: Awesome teacher with really deep knowledge who have transformed my life in less than 5 sessions.

Karen Stevens: Hello! I went to the Retreat at SW Lake Michigan, last weekend (July 29-31/2022) and I have to say it was one of the most touching experiences I have had in my life, the place is so peaceful, special, it's magic!! However that was nothing compare to Ema, she is such an amazing woman, she has a lot of knowledge and his energy is very special. Words can't describe very well what I experienced. But if you made it to this comment, just go!! You won't regret it!Thank you Ema!!

Cass Donakey: Ema is really knowledgeable at her craft. Her training is admirable.

Brandon R. Lewandowski-Scott: To say that I enjoyed my experience and that I am glad I did it, is an understatement; this experience is difficult to put into words. Ema is extremely knowledgeable and it is apparent how she has dedicated her life to learning and teaching. I admire Ema and strive to be like Ema in the way that she operates from heart and passion only! I intend to return again someday and hope to experience other adventures offered by Ema, along the way, as well.

Judy Bradford: My weekend retreat with Ema was soooo relaxing and informative. She is very sensitive to each individual's needs, and won't move on to the next exercise (whether yoga or mediation) until she is confident everyone "gets it" and is ready to move on. I learned so many new ways to get into a meditative state, and I will continue to use these methods to reduce anxiety and help with my sleep.

Emmy Schwab: Ema guided me through very specific yogic exercises that brought me consciousness-based experiences of a singular, universal insight. This insight in their moments gave me a novel sense of clarity and purpose and love, the power of which I’d never before experienced. Before we departed, Ema gave me the resources I’d need to continue down the path.

Kyle Kleeberger: I attended a 3 day retreat back in April of 2021. The instruction was genuine, thorough and positive overall. I look forward to my next encounter with Ema Stefanova!

wesenf peterson: Positive:QualityEma is a great instructor. I have known her for more than 22 years and really enjoy her classes.

Jasper Z: I am new to yoga and have worked with Ema for only a month and a half... and the results are immediately visible. I have a Fitbit watch and it has shown a dramatic decrease in my resting heart rate that visibly correlates to the start date of my yoga lessons. I usually have liver and hip issues around this time of the year from season changes and doing yoga with her has significantly helped me cope with those things... and I'm just starting. Her instructions are very well geared towards addressing my immediate issues and are tremendously helpful for everyday life. I would highly recommend her.

Chris Traugott: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,Quality

Jennifer Toothnanny: Positive:Communication,Professionalism,QualityFor the best yoga experiences, look no further. Ema provides her students with excellent classes for yoga and meditation. The retreat experiences were incredible. Ema is a professional with years of experience and the yoga is very traditional and authentic. This center will help your mind and body!

Russell Quillin: Ema Stefanova is a knowledgable and skilled yoga instructor. She is competent in working with students with a variety of experience and skill levels in yoga and meditation.

Tanya DesJardins: Ema is a very knowledgeable Yoga and Meditation teacher. She is patient and caring and has a great approach. Ema takes time to get to know her students, she make everybody feel welcome and is very encouraging. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for a traditional approach to yoga or meditation.

Nick Szpond: Ema is very passionate, patient, and willing to teach. Being a beginner student, I learned a lot about meditation and yoga and was able to use some of the techniques at home as well. I highly recommend Ema whether you are experienced or new to meditation.

Eric Ederer: I took the 500 hour Yoga Teacher course. The course empowered me to make authentic, safe, and personalize Yoga routines with postures, breath, and meditations for overall health and well-being. It is a good course for committed students.

Rho Ostrowski: Ema taught me a great foundation of yoga years ago. During my yoga practice, I often find myself remembering the foundation and structure both energetically and physically that Ema instilled into me. Her depth of Yoga knowledge is refreshing. I would highly recommend anyone looking to get in touch with their body and inner self to take a class with Ema.Thank You Ema! :)

Tina Green: Ema is a very knowledgeable yoga and mediation instructor. Her teaching is not your typical westernized yoga classes. She is true to the practice. The retreat atmosphere that she offers is perfect for self reflection. The balance between group practice and self practice was perfect. I love her guided Yoga Nidra. I opted to take my yoga teacher training from Ema after researching all the available trainings in the area. I believe that her training is extremely comprehensive and much more in depth than others that I reviewed. I know I will be a successful teacher because of her guidance.

Doug Wathen: Ema's teaching style is very personal; what works for you. This is not trendy yoga but traditional with high quality instruction. Like many of her students, I have been studying with her for years.

Emmak9: Amazing knowledge and insight on traditional yoga and meditation, improved my practice and general out look. Definitely recommend.