COMMENTS FROM WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS & SUNWHEEL VISITORS

Comments from 'EXPLORING THE SPIRITUAL UNIVERSE' Workshop Participants

"Judy's facilitation has been gentle and graceful as well as full of wisdom and knowledge. I always felt safe to say whatever was in my mind and felt encouraged to express myself." (2006)

"The meditations help calm me. I find I'm not as reactionary as I was before we began -- I'm detatching with more love." (2006)

"The meditations allowed me five to twenty minutes a week of serenity. The power in that small amount of time has touched me significantly. The workshop has allowed me to view so-called "petty situations" and place them in a higher context. I have seen remarkable enhancement in my outlook and my ability to maintain health."(2006)

"This class is a mini-Kripalu, in which you are "treated" to be with like-minded people, supporting each other in our spiritual practice. But re-energizing, reconnecting on a weekly basis is the boost we can take back with us in our daily lives, on an ongoing basis. How wonderful!" (2006)

"As a result of the workshop, I have become aware of the need for meditation in my life as well as the beauty of silence and being alone. The workshop meditations have made me more aware of my body spiritually, and more aware of the beauty and complexity of my mind. Judy is very open to different backgrounds and is knowledgeable and respectful of a range of different cultures, which makes me more open and comfortable. Also, she goes with the flow instead of sticking to a concrete schedule." (S.N., Spring 2005)

"The weekly meditations and guidance tools were great. The topics discussed gave me valuable information and have all helped me to look at things differently. The guided visualization and message I received gave me the sense that everything will be OK. I could not have asked for a better facilitator." (L.P., Spring 2005)

"I enjoyed the guided meditation. Judy's voice is very soothing. Judy is gentle, calm, and accepting. She provided a restful haven for me and I am encouraged to go on journeying in my quest for what "living" means to me. The guidance by Judy as well as the participation by the rest of our group was very helpful to me." (G.W., Summer 2003)

"Judy Young is a wonderful, sensitive, fantastic leader. I enjoyed the combinations of things we did." (L.W., Summer 2003)

"Judy has chosen a nice assortment of tools, and she has a very easy and supportive style. She does a nice job facilitating. I've enjoyed all of the workshop discussion topics, and I've been using some of the handouts at work with my employees." (D.W., Spring 2003)

"As a reult of the workshop, I feel I am listening more and responding less quickly and more thoughtfully. I enjoy the meditations and the different theme each week." (L.M., Spring 2003)

"I feel that the workshop overall was an excellent experience for me. Judy is a soft spoken, very knowledgeable facilitator who is aware of the needs and feelings of those in her workshop. The workshop meditations have helped me most especially on days that have been chaotic and hurried. When I employ the meditations techniques I become calmer and can relax." (K. W., Winter 2003)

"In the way of finding energy and centering myself for focusing on the task at hand, as well as relaxing, the meditation learned in the workshop has improved my life. I felt that Judy's ability to always appear calm helped me to feel more 'at home'. I have found that I am able to not only find guidance, but can seek guidance when needed. I feel more confident about my decisions." (A.B., Winter 2003)

Written Comments from Public --

"Cool rocks."
"An experience that broadens my understanding of the universe." (Adam V.)
"Learned lots I didn't know."
"Much needed knowledge. Thanks." (Anne M.)
"Wonderfully clear demonstrations."
"I can't wait to come back at night." (Debbie P.)
"This is great."
"Inspires further study." (Donna D.)
"Very interesting."
"Thanks for the experience." (K. Meyers)
"This is so cool."
"This is a great real world representation of the models."
"Admirable ambitious project." (John D.)
"I hope to bring back my family."
"Thank you for the field trip to the Sunwheel. The experience will stay with me forever."
"The Sun is new everyday." (Phylis Morrison, from Heraclitus)
"Dramatic." (Philip Morrison)

Written Comments from 6th Graders

"Thank you for having us to your rock clock circle. I hope to study astronomy when I grow up." (Julia B.)
"I learned many things."
"I enjoyed our field trip very much." (Luisa F.)
"I hope I get to see the Sunwheel again."
"Thank you for the great presentation that you gave to our class." (Erika S.)
"I did not know that astronomy could be so interesting." (Christina A.)
"I think the Sunwheel is a great project." (Michael C.)
"I enjoyed very much going to the Sunwheel. This was an experience I will never forget." (Daria P.)
"I had a great time visiting you with my class. You're a great teacher of astronomy." (Raphael L.)
"I think I might go to the Sunwheel for my birthday and see when the Sun rises and sets." (Collin B.)
"I think it would be fun and interesting to be an astronomer." (Jennifer H.)
"I hope that you are able to raise the money to put in the 10' rocks." (Jenni S.)
"I'm so happy that it's our community that gets to have a Sunwheel." (Damaris D.)
"I learned alot even though I went to the Sunwheel last year in 5th grade." (Skyler W.)
"The trip to the Sunwheel was very educational and I look forward to going there again with my family." (Brooke S.)
"I would like to personally thank you for your enlightening presentation, as well as for the time you committed to teach our class and answer our questions." (Joel K.)

Written Comments from Teachers

"This is a wonderful addition for my astronomy unit." (Renee Romano -- middle school teacher)
"I can't wait to take students here." (Carolyn Close, Shutesbury Elementary School)
"Thank you for the wonderful presentation. You do an invaluable service for the Amherst Schools. I learn something each time I take a group." (Dulcie Trowbridge, 6th grade teacher)
"Just right for our 5th grade unit." (Michael Kostoroski)
"Great project to complement my science unit." (Mary Andrade, 6th grade teacher)