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Ahimsa - non-violence.  Violence arises out of fear and ignorance.  Am I refraining from destructive and self-destructive activities?

Aparigraha - non-attachment.  Greed may arise when comparing one self to others.  Do I feel happy about a friend's success without feeling dimished by it?

Asteya - non-stealing. Respecting each other's boundaries prevents taking from another.  Am I grateful for the gifts that I have?

Brahmacharya - non-excess.  Moderation in sensual pleasures prevents dull senses.  Am I getting enough of what I like without denying myself pleasure?

Satya - non-lieing. Practicing honesty with one self and others in acceptance with reality.  Do I bend the truth instead of accepting silence or a truthful statement?

Testimonials about YoManTra

"I have attended Petra's monthly Manifestation offering for many years. These sweet simple gatherings help me know what I want to create in my life and the direction I want to be positively focused on. We sit with closed eyes and "see" what comes when we focus on each person's Manifestation item. So many things have come to pass through the years. It is a sweet and deeply centering process that always has a few fun surprises. Petra's presence and her ability to help with grounding through guided meditation is remarkable. She embodies the tools she has learned in her own spiritual development and is excellent at sharing these gifts." August 22, 2021
~ Melissa in Pleasant Valley, NY

"I am so grateful to you and to our yoga class last night dedicated to my sciatic pain relief. I actually slept all night without waking up multiple times with pain. 2 nights ago, I had to get up at 2 am to take more Ibuprofen. Last night, I didn't even take a pain med before bed. I have not gone through a day or a night without the aid of multiple Ibuprofens for the last few months and I am not in pain this morning!
I am so grateful that you so generously share your knowledge and experience with us. You research our aches & pains and find postures that will help. I woke up this morning full of gratitude and joy and also hope that this sciatic pain can be managed through certain yoga poses." October 16, 2018
~ Maya in Wappingers Falls, NY

"Attending yoga at Petra's has been one of the best things I have ever done for myself. I have learned in a nonjudgemental, caring environment to perform my yoga practice. Although I cannot make it to every session, even though the intention is there, that is OK.
Although new to yoga I have learned one life lesson so far that I will keep with me forever. I have learned not to force things. To think that such a short sentence could have such an impact. I now try to avoid forcing not only my yoga positions but my own thoughts as well. The implications for this go on and on. I am grateful." September 17, 2013
~ Cathy in Wappingers Falls, NY



"Although accustomed to group sports like basketball and soccer for my exercise, I've found yoga to provide a welcome change a pace. It's a nice combination of building strength, increasing flexibility and coordination and getting positive energy and blood flowing throughout my body. Petra is very good at customizing the workout to my capabilities and energy. My knee is still recovering from surgery and we've done some great exercises for that. After a session, I feel great!" August 24, 2009
~ Oliver in Poughkeepsie, NY

"We are truly fortunate to have you as our yoga teacher! Thank you for the wonderful articles you send every week. This last one on back pain made me realize I have not taken pain meds for my back injury in a very long time. My injury dates back 20 years but has caused me recurring pain every since but not in recent months. I have always noticed an improvement in my handicap when I continue yoga and exercise but I don't always have the discipline. I am very grateful to you as you help me with all my aches and pains. You teach us wonderful methods to balance our lives." May 15, 2017
~ Maya in Wappingers Falls, NY

“A mutual friend introduced me to Petra. During our first conversation, I learned that we share a mutual love for our yoga practice and Yoga Nidra meditation. I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly 8 years. Once I took Petra’s class, I immediately noticed her innate ability to heal and her passion for teaching. She is an especially patient teacher of children, the disabled, and the elderly. I really enjoy her assists with stretches. Petra offers a nice combination of both meditation and core strength training, which ALWAYS is a great workout! Petra is very well in tune with her surroundings and quickly restores harmony where there is stress. Her beautiful and very clean space is a “safe haven” that immediately welcomes you upon entering the door. It is filled with peace and positive energy! Petra is a without doubt a very gifted teacher, healer, and a wonderful friend. I would recommend her services to anyone." August 13, 2009
Top qualities: Great Results, Personable, Good Value
~ Carmen in Fishkill, NY via LinkedIn

"Not to get overly mushy or philosophical, but I have always believed that people come in and out of our lives when you need them to. Such an odd set of steps led me to you and yoga (again), but that's usually the way things happen. I say this because I feel my life completely changing for the better in several ways, and I finally understand why all the hoopla on yoga!
Today, I feel more grounded, and this annoying pain in my collar/shoulder area is subsiding. I'm also noticing my flexibility is getting better, and I feel strongly this is all a result of yoga. If we could repeat what we did last night every week, I would be the happiest of campers. Feel sore in a good way on my inner thighs, but everything else is just more relaxed.
You are blessed with a great gift, Petra, and I am blessed to be the recipient of it. Your ability to put us into a state of deep relaxation, almost hypnosis, as well as knowing when and how to best push us is truly remarkable. Can't thank you enough......please know how much I am appreciating our yoga sessions!" September 15, 2011
~ Barbara in Poughkeepsie, NY

"I wanted to attest to the wonderful abilities you possess. It was your caring guidance and gentle direction throughout the yoga nidra session that lead me to a state of peace and relaxation. It was remarkable how the before and after energy analysis with Melissa Waterman's Kirlian camera proved that after your nidra yoga class my chakras were aligned and in perfect balance." April 27, 2014
~ Pat in Wiccoppee, NY

"I met Petra through a mutal friend that asked me to take a yoga class with her. I immediately wanted to go with her since I had needed to get into an exercise program and thought yoga would be a perfect way to not only exercise but relieve stress.
I instantly felt a connection and a warmth to Petra. Her Yoga classes are absolutely the best - she is a wonderful instructor. She focuses on the needs of her students and really listens to them if they have a specific problem they need to work on in class. She creates an ambience in the Yoga room that is so relaxing and beautiful. There is soothing music playing - candles lit - she creates such a good feeling and vibe. When I leave the class I feel energized and peaceful - like I'm walking on a cloud!
I can't thank Petra enough for everything and would not only recommend her classes - I feel that they are a must for these stressful times on our beautiful planet Earth." April 29, 2011
~ Becky in Poughquag, NY

"For several months now, I have seen Petra regularly for Breathing/Pranayama, Yoga Therapy, and Manifestation. Petra is a very passionate teacher with a broad knowledge about yogic philosophy, anatomy, and various aspects of energy work. She never ceases to amaze me with how in tune she is with her students regarding their capabilities and limitations during Yoga Therapy sessions. She always goes to her bag of tricks to customize a routine for the student's specific needs. Aside from her teaching capabilities, Petra is also an extraordinary mentor to me. I always found Petra in high spirits and in harmony with her surroundings, and I can feel how I pick up that energy during visits with her. The effects of the practices have changed my relationship with the world - I now love life!!! I went to Petra’s New Year Manifestation. I was blown away to find out that the top item on my manifestation wish list, “I want the relationship with my son to be healed”, came true instantly. This was something I had not dared to hope for. That night, at one of clock in the morning, the phone rang. It was my ex-wife asking me to come to her house right away, since my estranged son wanted to speak to me, after a whole year of non-communication! Since then, I have been building a relationship with my son, we are finally able to talk, and this change is truly amazing to me. The relationship with my ex-wife, which had been very tense, has also improved for the better between the three of us. Petra has introduced me to breathing practices, visualizations, mantras, and chanting. I immediately resonated with a mantra she suggested to me, and after chanting it with Petra for a few minutes, had an awesome experience of a crystal clear and empty mind, which lasted for over half an hour. I am thankful for having Petra in my life as my mentor, and highly recommend her services to anybody who is seeking to explore a path towards the true self, and to seeing the world through the eyes of the heart." March 10, 2011
~ Aldo in Mount Kisko, NY

“Petra's ability to work holistically is impressive. The level of knowledge and technique she draws from is amazing. Additionally, Petra is a very good teacher and extremely inspiring - perfect, actually, for this type of healing work. Her insight and understanding of individuals and their needs as well as her enthusiasm, support and genuineness is priceless and greatly appreciated. A comfortable and therapeutic experience is always guaranteed when working with Petra. When Petra says she can help you, it is because she can. As a woman of her word, she has helped me and continues to do so. Thank you, Petra.” October 24, 2010
~ Sandra in New York City, NY

“I met Petra about four years ago and felt an instant connection with her. Petra is trustworthy and reliable, and helps me put my life in perspective with her practical and insightful view towards life. I see life challenges in a different way. I used to live a life full of regrets; today, I do not want to live like that anymore. Hence, I'm currently going through the divorce I have craved for many years; I had just never found the strength to overcome my fears to make this step. I'm facing my weak spots through Petra's help and through the energy work she offers, and am looking forward to living a more peaceful and harmonious life.” January 25, 2011
~ Barbara in Somers, NY

“Petra has more than once helped me to restore myself when I was deeply depressed and physically drained. Petra listens carefully to how I describe my situations and myself. She connects to guidance from Spirit about how to help me with them. She has a big toolbox of healing methods to draw from, having studied multiple techniques. She balances her powerful intellect with her heart and compassion. She is a great yoga teacher. I found her yoga class to be as uplifting as a healing session. I felt that wherever I was in my physical body was ok. I could celebrate myself as I learned and desired to be able to do more. My muscles relaxed, my spine seemed to realign itself during the session, and I slept deeply that night. I look forward to continuing my yoga journey with her!” May 19, 2010
Top qualities: Great Results, High Integrity, Creative
~ Mary in Newburgh, NY (via LinkedIn)





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METTA (Sanskrit) is loving-kindness, friendliness, benevolence, amity, sympathy, friendship, good will, kindness, love, and active interest in others