Testimonials

Testimonials from past participants and students

Although I have tried to meditate over many, many years and following many guides and methods, I have not been able to actually achieve a truly meditative state until I went to Rebecca's workshop. Rebecca was able to guide me to and hold me in that elusive silence, into a state of relaxation that was delicious! Some of this calmness seems to have stayed with me since this workshop, too. I believe that I have become more aware of the endless chit-chat that goes on in my mind, and I feel that this new awareness is allowing me to make choices about which thoughts do not serve me well. It doesn't seem so much about mental control as about allowing and calmly letting go. So easy! And I believe that this has opened gates to my inner life to allow me to wander about in new territories instead of following always the same old familiar paths. I look forward to attending any new workshops that Rebecca has to offer! - Trish, Austin, TX area, January, 2019

Rebecca welcomed me into the beautifully decorated space and ensured that we were totally comfortable and at ease. There were soft blankets, yoga mats, and foam mats, and she provided such a caring and inviting presence. She led us into the teachings and meditation with such sincerity and love, the energy in the room was palpable- bright and vibrant but also honest and heartfelt.

My meditation experience was profoundly beautiful and yet totally present. It was the most precious gift I have ever been given." -Ayesha Haque, Austin, TX, November, 2018

Rebecca Zambrano has given me a gift in teaching me Yoga Nidra. Her work with me over the past years opened my eyes to the benefits of group meditation.

I find that using Yoga Nidra as my meditation has helped me reach a new depth in my meditation practice. The benefits are clear. I no longer suffer from burn out from my job, my mental and physical health have improved, and I practice more intentional self-care. I have noticed that my sleep has improved, and I am able to be more present throughout the day, which also prevents me from feeling fatigued throughout the day. I use the warm, glowing energy that Rebecca taught me to use through Yoga Nidra to send positive energy to victims of natural disaster and struggling loved ones. I use what I have learned to calm myself in distressing times, and if I struggle to focus, I can hear Rebecca’s guidance in my head leading me to more serene and effective centering. -Brenda D. 2018

I would like to recommend Rebecca Zambrano as an outstanding leader of Yoga Nidra. Whether new or veterans of the practice, we were gently guided through various YN elements which Rebecca had carefully prepared in advance. She also introduced the elements as she presented them, so that we were learning about this practice as well as experiencing it. Rebecca’s soothing voice and deliberate verbal pace added significantly to the overall experience.

Over the two years Rebecca offered these sessions, reactions from participants were universally favorable – very much so.

As a result of these sessions, I experienced more confidence and joy in my life, as well as both an immediate and long-lasting sense of peace and well-being.

-Ken S, 2018

I have had the honor of knowing Rebecca Zambrano since 2011 and have participated in many iRest sessions she has led. I have found iRest to be a transformative meditation practice that immediately pulls me away from the busy and anxious aspects of everyday life to a calming environment where one can experience deep peace, openness, and wonder to the joys of everyday life. Rebecca is a trained iRest instructor who gently guides participants to a deeper sense of who they are and what they experience.

I have greatly benefitted from both one-on-one and a series of group sessions conducted by Rebecca. Rebecca creates a peaceful, relaxing, and safe environment.

During these sessions, I often come into contact with a deep sense of compassion for both myself and other people. I have had cancer several times and occasionally experience negative side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, and other medical treatments. Rebecca’s iRest Yoga Nidra sessions enable me to peacefully welcome chronic pain issues and psychologically treat them in a constructive manner. By the end of the hour-long session, I experience, and dwell within, a deep, calm, and peaceful sense of being that I carry with me the rest of my day and in my interactions with others.

I have also recommended Rebecca’s workshops to friends, cancer patients, and corporate clients.

-Denis Collins, Madison, WI, 2017

Rebecca has been a source of my relaxation and rejuvenation through her iRest practices. Being physically handicapped I have relied on her iRest Yoga Nidra to help me meditate and realize the benefits from a sedentary practice. I enjoy her soothing voice and instructions and have been able to focus much more readily than before her intervention I have had several glowing moments during the sessions and am always eager to participate in more.

-Georgette Bathum, retired nurse, 2017

Rebecca Zambrano knows iRest. It is as if she lives the meditation as she guides others through it. I was part of a group she led at Edgewood College for multiple years. We would meet at noon, assume the savasana position (lying down comfortably and warmly, making sure that we were resting at all points in our bodies), and then listen to Rebecca guide us into relaxation throughout each aspect of iRest at a time. There were "sheaths." My favorite was always the sheath of joy where we would seek out the moments of ease and goodness in our lives.

Rebecca leads this kind of yoga with deep insight about the process and the various reactions each of us could have. She leads with such insight and gentleness, and the kindness that is Rebecca, that I am envious of folks at the Georgetown who will get to benefit from her wisdom and experience. When she left us in Madison, she was kind enough to make CD's that we could use to continue our iRest experiences. Mine is "Pranamaya Kosha" -- second of the five layers (sheaths) which is the sheath of the body. This helps some, admittedly. But we miss Rebecca. You are going to cherish what she brings to you!

Judy Adrian, Edgewood College instructor, 2016

I had no idea what Yoga Nidra was and had pictured having to contort myself in a variety of positions but I was totally mistaken about this notion. As we closed our eyes and found a comfortable position, Rebecca led us in a guided meditation process. I can honestly say that I have never felt so relaxed during the process and invigorated afterwards. I am someone that has a hard time “shutting off” my mind long enough to allow myself to be a part of this process. But this was an exception, I found that I was able to follow her soothing voice, as she guided us to let go of our troubles, relax our muscles and let our mind flow gently. It was a wonderful experience and I highly recommended it to others. Rebecca was kind enough to hold other sessions throughout the years. Even after she had moved from Wisconsin, she was kind enough to call in over the phone and we could listen to her guide us and then eventually she recorded a version that we could listen to at our convenience. -Katie, Madison, WI, 2016