Retreat Testimonials

Spring and Summer have helped my family tremendously, and the retreat at Lourdes personally helped me beyond words.  I left with such a feeling of inner peace and well being that, to me, was nearly tangible...most times I am able to reconnect with that feeling. It could not have presented itself at a better time for me.
Love and Gratitude, Linda

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(About the "Importance of Solitude Retreat)"Anita my friend,
I had to take the time to let you know how powerful this weekend was for me!
For so long I had that emptiness within, trying to fill it with meaningless, chatter~and all along I  had the answer in my heart and my hands and never even stopped long enough to listen.

Thank you for assisting us in being still, long enough to listen...and to trust that inner voice, that road map to peace and tranquility.
May God continue to bless you and to work miracles through you, you have been a miracle to me -an angel without wings-that has rekindled my spirit and for that I am thankful." -- God Bless, Pam

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"Anita
What a wonderful weekend! Peaceful silence of this safe sanctuary surrounded by a group of women seeking peace and betterment. Gently passionate teachers facilitating growth, facilitating clarity and most of all inspiration." -- Lisa

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"Thank you Anita for a beautiful weekend full of miracles and blessings. I was able to deepen my understanding of the importance of solitude and living in the present moment. The process started at last year’s retreat and grew this year".-- Angela

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"Thank you. Thank you for this wonderful weekend. It was such an amazing group of women. I really had to step out of my comfort zone and truly learned lessons about myself. The music was so beautiful and what an amazing place to spend a weekend. I know I will be back next time".--Julie

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"Anita,
Thank you for creating a weekend that I could share with my divine sisterhood. My time here was precious to me and the love that I was immersed in was pure of heart.
Thank you. You continue to bless my heart."--Deb

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"Anita,
I was brought to this weekend as an answer to a large prayer. I put out to God at the beginning of 08. I needed to find my Grace ~ my quiet place ~ for me, for my relationship with my husband, children, friends and the clients I will work with as a therapist. I leave this retreat with all the tools ~ the gifts I need for my quiet centered journey… breath, meditation, yoga, peace, embracing the morning, letting go, simplicity, healing and best of all Anita…who’s wisdom, honesty, realness and depth I will hold right within my heart. Love to you Anita!"--Kim

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"Anita,
This was the most amazing weekend.
I came searching for peace and brining order to the chaos of my hectic schedule.
Each exercise and session calmed the soul and taught me the beauty and clarity of silence.

Each Woman who was present brought a richness to the group and added a dimension of spirit. We were all able to leave our burdens and gain the strength, trust and love in our God.

Thank you from my heart – don’t change a thing – I will return & hopefully with a gift I can now offer to others because of this experience." -- Karen

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"Dear Anita,
This has been a beautiful weekend of much inspiration and starting the process of letting go of some deep seeded emotions. It was an emotional weekend for me, Very cleansing. Thank you for the experience.

My goals have been to begin the practice of yoga and learning techniques of meditation. You have given them to me so I will take them home and begin anew. Anita your energy is a gift. Thank you." -- Lisa

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"Anita,
This weekend was even more than I had hoped for in terms of peace and solitude. I feel fully equipped to go back to my chaotic yet happy life with many of the “tools’ I learned to use in times of stress and confusion. It is my plan to spend time alone in prayer and meditation each morning. Thanks for the loving support".--Peggy

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"My miracle of this weekend was to awaken my spiritual work with the Lord. Also: I wanted to start the healing process within. I am at a point in my life where I needed to find peace and Harmony within. I thank God that he has brought me to someone who has started my journey.May God continue to bless you and work through you!You have opened up so many hearts this weekend. You have stirred my inner strength and the power to make life changes!
I thank you from the bottom of my being."--Peace & Love, Pam

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Dear Anita,

"... I enjoyed the community of women, the richness of nature in the setting and the true spiritual underpinnings of the entire program. I experienced activities that were extraordinarily fun and some that were in my un-comfort zone! Yoga was a bit of a challenge to me… so I had to do it WEHRE MY BODY WAS AT all weekend. I tried to not get into my competitive mode...

Anyway, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! To quote one of my favorite people – 'I am truly blessed”
Love, Susan

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Strength & Spirit DVD Testimonials

"I would highly recommend "Strength & Spirit" for anyone's fitness library because it represents 24 years of Anita's experience fused with passion and energy. I would know, because I have worked with her each of those 24 years." -Susan Saint James

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"I take Anita's class and recommend it to many of my patients because her approach of combining yoga with cardio & strength training uniquely integrates health for the whole person." - Michelle Pouliot, M.D.

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"I wanted to thank you for putting your “Strength & Spirit” workout on a DVD. It has helped me to get back my confidence that I could still do this workout, and being able to it in the privacy of my own home avoiding any embarrassment, I have gained strength and really feel great emotionally and physically." Sincerely, Sue

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“I love your DVD. There are so many beautiful aspects of it; the photography, the scenery, the drumming…I particularly appreciated the people you chose to participate in your classes. It’s inspiring, not intimidating.”  –Cindy, Flora & Fauna Creative Designs

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Hi Anita, I had every intention to send you a handwritten note of thanks for the wonderful Yoga class at St. Paul's---things have gotten so busy for me this summer--so this will have to do for now. I find myself thinking about the class several times during the week, and the good feelings it left with me after the program. There is definitely a new spiritual dimension to the way I approach Yoga.  I didn't have any idea how you were going to conduct the class but I can say it exceeded all my expectations!!! Thank you once again for sharing your special gifts of teaching yoga, gentle direction  and individual attention, and especially the spirituality...it was nice to watch how peaceful  you looked as you were doing the postures.   Hope to attend another of your classes in the future. Blessings, Fran

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“As predicted – the Strength & Spirit DVD was awaiting my arrival home on Friday afternoon. As  promised – I popped it right in and followed along wit the entire practice. It was absolutely fabulous!  Your spirit comes through as does your strength!” –Jenny

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Health Talks & Workshops

ESPN

"I have had the great pleasure of witnessing first hand, Anita's amazing knowledge of the body and function, as it pertains to all levels of group instruction. Anita is most certainly one of our most sought after instructors for both members and staff alike. She continues to show us that she has a head for business and a heart for people." - Garret V. Robinson, Associate Director, ESPN Health and Fitness Center

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Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

"Anita has the passion for empowering others to make small changes in their daily life so that they can see the major benefit to their health. She interacted with the audience from the moment the employees entered the room. Anita’s dedication to renewing one’s physical health is apparent. She truly cares about each and every one of the attendees. It is refreshing! We will definitely have Anita back next year so that others can benefit who weren’t able to attend. Anita exemplifies optimum health. Our employees had the pleasure of learning about wellness & fitness from the master!"
~~Karin Whitley
Corporate Training & Development Specialist
Iroquois Pipeline Operating Company

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Alcoa Howmet

Alcoa has created an internal network of working women.  They get
together on a monthly basis and it's an opportunity to add skills to
their toolboxes by participating in a variety of on-site seminars.

Recently, we had the pleasure of having Anita present to our internal
group.  Anita's energy was contagious and she brought out the best in
all the participants.  We shared, laughed and reflected in a safe
environment.  After the seminar all of the women commented on how
inspirational Anita was and that they were going to begin using her tips
and techniques.
Christine M. Goodall
Human Resources Generalist,  Alcoa Howmet

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Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce

Anita White Barbero is a valued repeat invited presenter at the WOW! Forum held each year at The Warner Theatre in Torrington.  Her seminars and workshops are filled to capacity with pre-registered women eager to attend her session.  Anita is a dynamic well-informed speaker who inspires and motivates during her seminars.  Her passion for body/mind/spirit and overall health is infectious!  The positive feedback received from those who have been present during her seminar would show any prospective client that they would be fortunate to have Anita present to their employees.  It is always truly an honor to work with Anita.  
Sherri Dadomo
Director of Events
Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce

www.nwctchamberofcommerce.org ; www.wowforum.org

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Energy in the Workplace Presentation

[This presentation was] very informational. I will use the facts I received today to make some lifestyle changes. -Jennifer

[This presentation had] a lot of good information you can easily apply to your everyday life that can make big differences in your life. Very glad I chose this class!! - Kim

[This presentation had] great information and was very helpful. Nice tips that are manageable and realistic. - Jessica

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"Dear Anita, I am from St. Paul Church in Kensington.  I attended your talk on March 20th.  I was the one drinking the D&D coffee :) Anyway, I know this sounds cliche but you have changed my life in such a positive way.  Everything clicked for me that night.  I have always been an ok eater and exercise has been apart of my life forever but now those two components of my life have even more meaning after listening to you and watching your video. 

I bought your DVD that night and have been doing it since...love it! I went home that night and cleared out food I knew that were just not good for me or my family.  I have two small children and eating healthy is so important to learn at any age.  When I put in the DVD the kids join in sometimes..very cute..thier downward dogs are pretty impressive :)

I have never bought an exercise video or watched them on TV but this works for me and I can't tell you how much of an impact it's made on me.  My mind, body and spirit are becoming one and it's very exciting. Thank you very much! Our world is blessed to have you in it! Peace", Kathleen

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Prayerful Yoga

Through God’s grace, the parish family of St. Paul Church in Kensington, CT has been blessed in its spiritual life in a number of ways.  One of the most beautiful and powerful of these has been through Prayerful Yoga as guided by Anita White Barbero.  This extraordinary and Spirit-filled woman enables others to integrate heart, mind, body and soul – the totality of our creation – as a way of seeking prayerful union with our God.

For weeks after a Prayerful Yoga session, I love to hear others from our parish express their gratitude and appreciation for the experience.  Anita’s total regard and acceptance of every individual is so apparent as she teaches us to honor who we are without judgment.  She reminds us of how much God loves and accepts us.  In this God-centered context, the prayerful poses of yoga make more real the beauty of our creation.

Anita’s gifts in Prayerful Yoga are a blessing to any who have the privilege of the experience.

My name is Linda Guzzardi.  I am involved with Women’s Ministries for our parish, and I have been a recipient of God’s grace through Anita’s work in Prayerful Yoga. 

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