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87 Darius Harns Drive

Brooklin, Ontario L1M 2G2
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Tel. 905.620.1327

Cell. 905.243.3655

marissa@pureintention.ca

 


Passage by Mike Wall

Testimonials

Hi Marissa,

I am so grateful that I have added yoga classes to my lifestyle.  The way you guide your students through each class  always with enthusiasm and a nurturing, safe feeling is so helpful especially with your fun sense of humour! Anyone who is considering giving yoga a try I sincerely believe Marissa's Pure Intention Yoga studio is your best choice.  Once you go you will see that Marissa truly has a special gift as a Yoga instructor.

Jacquie Walsh

It is a pleasure learning Yoga with Marissa. You never question her commitment to teaching. Marissa makes a point of understanding what it is you want to get from Yoga and she will help you get there faster than you ever thought possible. Marissa will walk the room and makes sure everyone is doing the position/pose to the best of their ability without ever pushing you too hard. You can ask a question about anything and Marissa will take the time to answer it clearly so that all her students can understand. Classes are intense, exhausting, yet relaxing and peaceful. Perfect as far as I'm concerned. I can't imagine going anywhere else. I count myself lucky I found her. 

Joe

I have now attended a few sessions at Pure Intention Yoga, some with Marissa and one with Jen, all of them yoga classes.  I loved all of them.  The studio is lovely and instills a sense of serenity.  The instructors are excellent at what they do and the knowledge they have is extensive.  At the end of each class I feel peaceful but at the same time have had a great workout.  I would highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in taking yoga.

Shawna

We all reach various benchmarks in our lives when we realize it’s time to make a change. The question is how do you figure out what the change is? And, how do you figure out how to make the change? I reached one of those benchmarks as I approached my 50th year, and thought there has to be something more.  Not something material.  Not someone’s love or affection.  What I was looking for was a more comprehensive understanding of who I was and whom I want to be.  But how could I get into the right mind space to pursue it?

I always envisioned Yoga as a good mind relaxation practice and began researching Yoga studios in my neighbourhood. I figured if I could relax my mind enough, maybe I could figure out “me”.  Little did I realize when I began taking Yoga classes with Marissa, owner and founder of Pure Intention Yoga, that Yoga would become an integral part of my mind, body and spirit’s wellbeing.

Through Marissa’s teachings and heartfelt desire to help others, I developed an understanding of myself. I improved my physical health, along with my mental and spiritual health. I came to realize that the primary barrier to doing the things I was passionate about was being able to accept, appreciate, and love all that I am.  For this I am very grateful.

Marissa has a rare gift of being able to communicate on a deeper level, engaging your mind, body and spirit. She shares this gift with her students and those who read her book LIFE (Living In Fulfillment Everyday).  I encourage anyone interested in Yoga to experience Pure Intention and partake in this wonderful gift.

Annetta

Ashram

Hi Marissa;

This is long overdue! After more than two years of practicing yoga in your studio, reading your book "LIFE" and recently adding my own private ashram to my home, It is time to recognize what an outstanding teacher, spiritual guide, and friend you are.

Being new to Canada and unexpectedly separated, I was alone and adrift in emotional pain. There was, (and still is), much stress from legal issues and being a single parent for my now 10 year old son. But when my neighbor introduced me to hatha yoga at your home, I never imagined how your teaching would change me physically, emotionally, spiritually, truly making yoga a part of my life.

As an outdoor adventurist, I play hard at skiing, mountain biking, running and skating. For anyone involved in sports with repetitive muscle motion, nothing beats a good dose of downward dog, pigeon, and sun salutations! Your enthusiasm when teaching pushes me to physical limit, sweat, groan and don't forget the smile! Yoga enhances all my physical activities and when I get hurt, (which happens a lot more now that I'm almost 50!) helps more than any drug or physical therapy in restoring my flexibility and reduce pain.

Even more than the physical aspects of yoga is the emotional and spiritual growth you have bestowed upon and guided so many students towards greater fulfillment. I cannot speak for all, but my own personal experience has been nothing short of profound! Prior to yoga, I was literally a cess pool of anti-depressants, mood stabilizers, and sleeping pills. Now, in hindsight and years free of medication, I can see how foolish it is to seek anything to fill a void that only spiritual growth can fill. Your lessons are invaluable; that this is a lifelong journey starting with the simple observance of your breath, practicing meditation, using mantras, and your restorative classes are simply amazing! I even find myself doing the occasional Lion! In private of course!

One of my most memorable yogic moments was the Saturday class where I was the only student and tried desperately to leave. You refused to cancel and instead devoted the entire session to me, happily working me right to my limit and of course no cheating! It meant so much that you were that dedicated to your students, even if it was just me. .

If your webpage on testimonials can display pictures, I'd like to share with you the next step in my journey. I recently converted a cluttered office/divorce war room into a place for yoga, meditation, tranquility and contentment. A welcomed change to say the least! Or I simply say I'm in AA. Andy's Ashram!

In gratitude, Namaste Andy

I'm amazed at the results in just 10 classes. I've recently lost 32lbs and wasn't satisfied with just the weight loss - since taking Yoga, I have noticed that my body is starting to take on a more defined shape and more importantly, my husband has noticed!! Marissa, you're the best. This is my first time taking Yoga and you make it challenging but fun! You definitely know your stuff and let us work at our own pace without making us feel inadequate. I always look forward to Tuesdays.

Lisa

Since starting yoga, I have seen an improvement in both my flexibility and strength. I don't know how you manage to remember all your student's names, and personal limitations (IE. injuries), but you do, and your custom approach to each student's individual skill level and your light-hearted jokes are a huge asset in my view.

Danielle

I absolutely LOVE your class. Being in the fitness industry for as long as I have and after trying and teaching all the classes I have, I must say that your class is the best. Not only do I enjoy it but I am getting great results. Me and the girls look forward to our Tuesday nights with you every week.

Daniela

I've thoroughly enjoyed your Friday night Restorative Yoga classes. I've found a home, in the luxurious 75 minutes from 7:45 to 9:00PM on Friday nights, to stretch and wind down from a full week and empty myself in preparation for the next week.

Dr. Katharine du Quesnay, D.C.

“As I write this, I’m a seventy five year old male who recently moved from Orillia to Brooklin. Having practiced yoga on a weekly basis for several years in Orillia I naturally looked for a place to carry on the practice. Eventually, having found a studio, alas, several kilometres distant, I signed up for an eight-week program. Being disappointed with the type of yoga and ticked off with the travel inconvenience I attended only four out of the eight weeks.

One day, down hearted and desperate to find something that would replace the weekly yoga sessions I was used to, I scanned the local adds in search of a suitable alternative. There was one add that caught my eye – Pure Intention Yoga. I called. I went. I’m still going.

What an incredible experience. Arriving at the door I met Marissa, the yoga teacher. She ushered me down the stairs into the most beautiful yoga studio I’ve ever seen. It was graciously decorated in a soft warm colour, bathed in gentle light, and soft music was playing. On the floor were an appropriate number of yoga mats plus a number of appropriate but as yet not experience (by me) items. I was invited to lie down on a mat and relax. We then proceeded to do yoga. I had indicated a wounded right shoulder and high blood pressure as the only two items of concern.

What a session! Stretching, tennis ball and golf balls used for self massage, breathing, relaxation; it was all there, guided with beautiful awareness and sensitivity. I would return next week, the week after,and the week after that.

Today, after six weeks of working under Marissa’s guidance I can hardly believe what has and is happening to my body, my emotions, and my spirit. Many, many years of tight muscles are relaxing, stiffness is fading, the shoulder is healing and more joy is coming into my life. Many of the things I have learned from Marissa I take home with me and practice. Week after week positive changes are taking place.Needless to say, I will continue into the future.

I am so delighted to have met Marissa, to be enjoying Pure Intentional Yoga. Be you an experience yoga practitioner or a novice, I would heartily recommend your taking time out from your busy life and experience at least one day with Marissa and see for your self the beautiful, healing experience it can be.”

Graham Gunn - November 29, 2007

As a stay at home Mom, with two very active little boys I found myself thinking about how I could best spend my precious "me" time.

Never having tried yoga, the prospect of exercise and tranquility had me intrigued.

My decision was made for me when my husband surprised me with yoga classes as a gift this past Christmas. He had heard me say enough times that I wanted to try yoga and knew that if he signed me up I would no longer have an excuse not to give it a try.

After attending my first class I knew things could not have worked out more perfect. Since then I've been hooked, anxiously awaiting my next class.

I've thanked my husband countless times for his wonderful gift. Yoga has given me much more than a weekly moment of silence. I have seen an increase in my strength, flexibility, happiness, serenity, peace, awareness, spiritual growth......the list is endless really. WOW, talk about a jammed packed gift. You can't find that on the store shelf!! :) No, seriously, I have challenged myself under Marissa's guidance to stretch and lean and grow, in ways I did not know I could. Marissa's yoga classes are a perfect blend of theory and practice with both, perfectly complementing the other. I would highly recommend Pure Intention Yoga studio to anyone interested. Come and try a class, You too will be hooked!

Kim Jordan

Since starting my Hatha Yoga classes at Pure Intention, I have developed an increased ability to cope with stressful situations and I have a much more balanced perspective on life.

The lessons have taught me how to really relax. Marissa's calming words of understanding and encouragement and her supportive ways have assisted me in finding an inner peace in more ways than anyone could possibly comprehend.

She allows our class to modify our poses so that we can work at our own pace without any competition or judgment.

Marissa is a constant inspiration to all of us!

Sarah

I have been dragged to yoga with different friends over the years and have hated it every time. When a friend suggested that we try Pure Intention, I was hesitant but decided to give it a whirl. Am I ever glad I did! When I have done yoga in the past I have found many of the moves difficult and felt uncomfortable and self conscious. At Pure Intention, Marissa always offers modifications and helps me to work to my own personal best. Since that first day I now attend twice a week and have noticed a change in my body and mind. I am getting stronger and more confident with what my body can do every day.

The best part of Pure Intentions is the feeling of community that Marissa fosters. The atmosphere she creates is warm and friendly and fun. I would highly recommend Pure Intention Yoga to anyone - experienced and beginners alike. You will not be disappointed.

Janis

I have taken many yoga classes and will say with 100% honesty that Marissa is the best yoga instructor I have ever had. Even with a full class she will spend the time to walk around to make sure everyone is doing the poses properly. I leave the classes feeling taller, more energetic and even my muscles can feel they have worked the next day. Anyone who has taken her classes can see she is very passionate about yoga.

Lisa Bugelli.

Marissa provides a very warm and inviting atmosphere. She's very organized and knowledgeable in her services. Marissa puts the individual needs of her clients at the forefront of her services, taking great consideration for safety, emotional and physical well-being. She provides words of wisdom and a listening ear. I highly recommend her classes to anyone!

Liz Bernacki

Since starting yoga in January I am more concise of my posture and more importantly I can breath without having to take an inhaler every evening - I can't remember the last time my lungs felt so good!! For me at 46 years of age I want to feel healthy on the inside. Marissa you can never retire!!

Wendy

It has been nearly a year since I ventured into your Yoga studio hoping to get some sort of calming force back into my life. I have succeeded with much thanks to you!

With consistent 80 hour work weeks, a few extra pounds and no social life the time had come to make a commitment to myself. It had been 4 years since I seriously practise Yoga and I really missed it. For several months I tried to find my place within the Durham Region but nothing really ``fit``. I started out at Pure Intention looking only for the reprieve of just one night. It was very obvious to me that I had found my place so therefore moved to two sessions a week. Now I am up to 4 sessions a week - including the most amazing experience of Restorative Yoga. If you would have me I would be there for 90 minutes every day!!!

Marissa you push me farther than I would push myself, you are always supportive and encouraging me. Most of all I want to thank you, Marissa, for being a consummate teacher - the dedication you have to your students, through proper alignment, trying new positions and hands on adjustments, makes Pure Intention the best choice for Yoga in Brooklin.

I am grateful to you as my teacher, my support system and my friend.

In gratitude and love. Namaste.

Traci

Marissa is a nurturing instructor who gives individual attention and encourages personal development within your own limits. She makes you feel comfortable whether you are a novice and experienced yogini and ensures you get the most out of your session. The classes are fun, educational, challenging and well worth attending.

Jen