by Stefanie Plum, Gather Partner Team
Member since:
February 19, 2008

Win a DVD copy of "Enlighten Up!"

October 27, 2009 04:23 PM EDT (Updated: November 11, 2009 09:13 AM EST)
views: 404 | comments: 112

In Enlighten Up! Filmmaker Kate Churchill is determined to prove that yoga can transform anyone. Nick Rosen is skeptical but agrees to be her guinea pig. Kate immerses Nick in the practice and follows him around the world as he examines the good, the bad and the ugly of yoga. The two encounter celebrity yogis, true believers, kooks and world-renowned gurus. Tensions run high as Nick’s transformational progress lags and Kate’s plan crumbles. Ultimately, what they find is not what they are looking for.

Gather is giving away three DVD copies Enlighten Up! For a chance to win, tell us about an activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed. Comments must be posted by November 10th. Gather will draw three people to win.

 

ENLIGHTEN UP! comes to DVD on November 10th from Docurama Films.

http://media-files.gather.com/images/d260/d869/d745/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg

One entry per person who participates in the chat. No purchase necessary. See official rules.

 
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Comments: 112

Vivian P. Oct 27, 2009, 4:26pm EDT
an activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed
for me it was weight training and I was almost fifty when I first tried it. I love it and I keep it up 3X weekly. Not only do I get a high feeling after a good workout, it also helps to reduce pain. Really !
Mary G. Oct 27, 2009, 4:29pm EDT
Mine has to be the rowing machine at the gym. It looked like it would be boring and hard on my shoulders, but think it really has helped me feel better.
d d. Oct 27, 2009, 4:30pm EDT
massages.
jenn g. Oct 27, 2009, 4:35pm EDT
i was skeptical about joining most of the online money earning sites that i now participate in such as gather, survey sites, mcc etc. etc. but now i actually make a little money and gift cards while staying home with my son
Kim B. Oct 27, 2009, 4:39pm EDT
Camping in the wilderness or mountains. I thought I would hate it. I'm petrified of snakes and knew one would end up in my sleeping bag to get warm, lol. But, after my first time in the middle of nowhere with horses and a few friends, I was hooked. Saw two rattlers that weekend, but they didn't get in my bag. :)
♠~Dnbuster~♠ ~. Oct 27, 2009, 4:42pm EDT
an activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed...
Gather!!!
Janet "Jax" B. Oct 28, 2009, 12:06am EDT
Me too.
colleen m. Oct 27, 2009, 4:43pm EDT
I was skeptical about undergoing the gastric bypass surgery, mostly due to the cost and if I could get my insurance to help. Now I know it was worth all the hoops I had to jump through. Much happier and healthier and have avoided the family curse of diabetes. I had never had surgery before and was scared to death. Thanks to the good Lord -He got me through it and I feel much better.
Holly K. Oct 27, 2009, 4:59pm EDT
I was very skeptical when I began massage therapy school. I wasn't sure I would enjoy it and I was nervous about spending such a large amount of money on something I wasn't sure I was going to like. I ended up loving massage school and became a massage therapist. It was a wonderful time in my life!
Leslie ~ from NYC ~ R. Oct 27, 2009, 5:07pm EDT
I never expected to enjoy Pilates! I really liked it a lot... then I damaged my knees and it was just too hard to get up from the floor. I need to try table Pilates - but it's SO expensive!
Deborah Sloan Oct 27, 2009, 5:31pm EDT
Hmmm I would have to say sewing. Now I just can't seem to stop.
Joanne Vicente Oct 27, 2009, 5:36pm EDT
I was totally skeptical about meditation. I'd tried many times and just couldn't get there. Then a friend brought me to her meditation coach, and it's been a valuable practice to me ever since then.
Yoga is something I've always wanted to try.
j - Frugal Mom - r. Oct 27, 2009, 5:54pm EDT
Yoga was in fact one activity that I was very skeptical of at first. I actually took one yoga class and gave up many many years ago. I have since gotten my hands of a couple of yoga dvds, and yoga (as well as pilates) are now some of my favorite ways to relax and exercise.
Rachel D. Oct 27, 2009, 6:38pm EDT
Believe it or not - yoga! I was pretty skeptical something like that could possibly help me, but when I started doing yoga, I just felt so much better after a yoga session, it was like a shot in the arm of serotonin. Its certainly very relaxing and enjoyable to do - and is fantastic for flexibility!
Vikki M. Oct 27, 2009, 6:47pm EDT
I'm usually skeptical about everything at first. :-)
Ashley M. Oct 27, 2009, 7:35pm EDT
Hypnotism. I was skeptical when my husband started learning hypnosis, but I actually really enjoy the process now.
lynn a. Oct 27, 2009, 8:06pm EDT
This sounds like a dvd I would enjoy. And to see both perspectives is a plus. When I first started meditation and self-hypnosis, I wasn't really too thrilled about it, but have found that they are very valuable and pleasant, and have a lasting peaceful effect.
Brooke S. Oct 27, 2009, 8:11pm EDT
I was skeptical about getting a tattoo. I have never liked needles, I am not a big fan of pain, and I always thought tattoo-people were sadists. .... but now I am one. LOL I have 19 tattoos with plans for a couple more, and I MARRIED a tattoo artist! How's that for skepticism overturned!?? :)
brittany c. Oct 28, 2009, 12:13am EDT
That's awesome!!
Angel sent from God Secret Sisters Oct 27, 2009, 8:43pm EDT
I was skeptical meditation & massage therapy, till I tried both, my sister and brother went to school for massage therapy I was their guienie pig.
Gina Raffa Oct 27, 2009, 9:18pm EDT
Driving Cars around all day when working at Enterprise Rent A Car. It was such a great experience!!
Priscilla (wishing I was in Costa Rica) ~. Oct 27, 2009, 10:22pm EDT
I was skeptical about couponing - now I see how much money I can save every week!
Janet "Jax" B. Oct 28, 2009, 12:07am EDT
I was skeptical of Gather when I first joined....but I have really enjoyed being here and meeting lots of friends.
brittany c. Oct 28, 2009, 12:12am EDT
I joined a paranormal group last year. I was really into paranormal and ghosts and eveyrthing involving it. I was skeptical when I joined as to if these people that founded this group were sane lol. Within the first 2 meetings, I knew that they were all there for a purpose and they were definitely sane and enjoyed doing this on the side. I had a lot of fun in that group for the 6 months I was in there. I eventually opted out earlier this year due to not having enough time to go to the meetings and the investigations. I do believe that it has actually made me more skeptical about ghost sitings and paranormal activity. We didn't really catch much on the investigations I went on, but the experience was amazing.
Loretta E. Oct 29, 2009, 8:50am EDT
That sounds so cool Brittany!!! Wish I had a group by me!
Dorrie Riley Nov 9, 2009, 8:09pm EST
this sounds so exciting!! I would love to join something like this. But so far I haven't found anything like that around here. Thank You for sharing, I never would have known these things exsisted.
brittany c. Nov 9, 2009, 8:33pm EST
I actually found out about my group WCGAPS by going on craigslist. I had went on there for find things to volunteer and ran across this paranormal group. I don't know if other groups use CL to advertise for new members, but it's worth checking out!!
Trish A. Oct 28, 2009, 12:16am EDT
As a writer I saw many contests that were associated with on-line communities and I would refuse to enter any writing contest that required me to join such a community. Then Gather offered a writing contest about a person who inspired you. I couldn't and wouldn't pass up sharing my mother's story so I joined Gather. It was an excellent decision. I've made new friends, saved money, improved as a writer, got a writing job and even met someone I went to college with way back when. I'm so glad I joined.
Dianna Doles-Petry Oct 28, 2009, 12:57am EDT
I was skeptical of my own writing ability until I started to develop a following. I could not believe that my everyday life adventures could be anything that anyone else would want to read. Now, I cannot imagine my life without writing about my trials and my successes, my broken hearts and my passion, or just what made the cat decide to spit up a furball on my neighbors new shoes during a dinner party!
April H. Oct 28, 2009, 1:16am EDT
Tell us about an activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed.HAnds down I was very skeptical that I could teach in a foreign country that I could not even speak the language. But after I taught in both Mexico and Costa Rica, they were the best experiences of my life.
J G Oct 28, 2009, 6:23am EDT
Contra dancing
Samantha W. Oct 28, 2009, 8:58am EDT
I was first skeptical about getting a message at first. But then i liked it and now i cannot imagine my life without them.
Rachel W. Oct 28, 2009, 9:20am EDT
I was very skeptical about becoming an Avon rep. I had been going back and forth for over a year about doing it. I became a rep last month and it's a lot better then I thought. I like doing it and I have more customers then I thought I would this early in the game.
Brian H. Oct 28, 2009, 11:50am EDT
I was skeptical at first about my wife's couponing and saving, but now I see that she has made us very financially stable! Now I look for ways to save as well!
Shannon W Oct 28, 2009, 12:25pm EDT
I was skeptical about one of the sites I write for at first but now I write at it all the time and make money so it's definitely come through.
Tara C. Oct 28, 2009, 4:25pm EDT
I was skeptical about one of the sites that I now use to make money. They proved to be legitimate
Amy L. Oct 28, 2009, 5:57pm EDT
I was skeptical about "AcroYoga" since I LOVE Bikram yoga, but I tried to be open minded, now I LOVE Acro Yoga, even with the little knowledge I have about it.
Sarah (I want points) Oct 28, 2009, 6:33pm EDT
I was skeptical about having a massage on a cruise, but I really enjoyed it!
Annmarie B. Oct 28, 2009, 6:41pm EDT
I was very skeptical about being hypnotized, then I decided to try and I was able to get Hypnotized.
Jane C. Oct 28, 2009, 7:02pm EDT
Massage
Denise B. Oct 28, 2009, 7:02pm EDT
an activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed - was Gather!
member 1234 Oct 28, 2009, 9:20pm EDT
I was very skeptical about couponing and saving money. Now that i learned how to save more than 50% each shopping trip I love it!!
Jen K. Oct 28, 2009, 10:04pm EDT
I was skeptical about walking as far as I can... I am a LARGE lady.. and wanted to walk at least one mile one way.. and I did it.. now when I do it I feel SO GOOD about myself! I feel so much better about myself.. and have lost weight in the process.
Teresa W. Oct 28, 2009, 10:29pm EDT
The one thing I was sure I would hate is playing UNO with the family. I grew up with one sick and dysfunctional family and that really made me hate doing the family game thing, especially card games, but they talked me into it and I mostly love playing UNO with my family now.
Lesli B. Oct 28, 2009, 11:01pm EDT
I was skeptical about making it on my own. I have proven to myself and everyone else that I can do it on my own!
Michelle S. Oct 28, 2009, 11:09pm EDT
canoeing....my first time. i was very nervous about going; but i had a wonderful time & learned a lot about myself & my stamina. :)
Gina M. Oct 29, 2009, 12:35am EDT
I was very skeptical about trying this nutritional cleansing (not colon cleansing!) product that is supposed to help with your health and lose weight. Both of which I was in desperate need of. But since I was so sick, I figured that I had better try it because without my health, I have nothing. I asked my doc about it and she said that it was a good product. Well, I have been doing it for 2 months and I have lost 25", 35 lbs, and my health is improving every day, in particular my allergies and acid reflux have improved a lot. Now, I'm hooked on the stuff.
Eunice Fisher Oct 29, 2009, 1:29am EDT
I was skeptical of Chantix and whether it could really help me quit smoking. I have smoked for over 40 years and had tried to quit more times than I could count, using every method and tool available. Therefore I was skeptical when my daughter quit using Chantix and said it took away all desire for a cigarette. Yeah, sure, I thought. But it did. It's never been easier to quit and it's been two months now.
Lillian L. Oct 29, 2009, 5:25am EDT
I wasn't that wild about mall walking, but when a friend retired a couple of years after I retired, she convinced me that we needed to do that. Another friend has since joined us on our walks. I can't say I have lost much weight, but I am definitely in better physical condition. Having a walking schedule also gets me up and out of the house early, so I get more accomplished. I also didn't think I could do tole painting--I think I missed the artistic gene when talents were being handed out. However, a friend convinced me to go to some classes with her. While I will never be an artistic, I did complete several projects that I am not ashamed to display in my home.
Loretta E. Oct 29, 2009, 8:52am EDT
I was skeptical about gardening since I was raised in a city, now I'm always in the garden or planting something!
Sharon R. Oct 29, 2009, 12:34pm EDT
Several things come to mind here - but I think joining Gather tops the list...
closely followed by actually being able to make a bit of money on ebay and doing online suveys.
Renee (Pres of Baby James Foundation) ~. Oct 29, 2009, 2:02pm EDT
Sharon and I thought the same thing I was going to say Gather as well as so many other ones online.

I would have to say as well getting married this last time. I was skeptical after 2 failed marriages and never happier I did.
Shawnee G. Oct 29, 2009, 6:32pm EDT
My husband's motorcycle is something I never thought I would enjoy being on.
karen h. Oct 29, 2009, 6:57pm EDT
I was very skeptical about trying the exercise balls when they first came out I thought yeah right another gimmick well finally i broke down and bought one , they went on sale at my local walmart I tried it mainly because it was low impact I now use it 2 to 3 time a week and have lost weight and toned my tummy some not to mention exercise has helped to lower my blood sugars
Jessica B. Oct 29, 2009, 7:47pm EDT
I was skeptical of going back to school. I wanted the career that came with it, but I never thought I would miss classes when I have time off!
Darin Waugh Oct 29, 2009, 8:10pm EDT
Traveling with my ex-girfriend's band, is something I was truly skeptical about, and it turned out exactly like I thought it would --- a nightmare!!!
Cindi P. Oct 29, 2009, 10:23pm EDT
I was skeptical about Scrapbooking when a friend drug me to a stamping party, but now it is my passion! I do it every chance i get!
I always thought i wasn't creative enough to do anything like that, so it was very cool to see other people LIKED my work and i learned maybe i was my own worst critic!
Barb (Gather Site Ferret) Carlson Oct 30, 2009, 10:47am EDT
I didn't think I would enjoy working out at the gym. I've been a couch potato for most of my life and don't like to sweat. But after I went for a while, I found that I felt better, had less stress, and actually enjoyed the workouts and even sweating.
Kim K. Oct 30, 2009, 11:09am EDT
I was skeptical about walking to lose weight and improve my health. It was a chore, at first. But over time, I began to enjoy my daily walk.
Kelly M. Oct 30, 2009, 11:14am EDT
golf
Sandre M. Oct 30, 2009, 11:42am EDT
I was skeptical about my ability to learn fencing. I had to take it as a class in school, and I thought the first week of stretching, Canadian Air Force exercises, and lunging would just kill me. By the second week, I wanted out. A friend who is a fencer convinced me to stay in and I'm really glad I did. Not only did I learn to love fencing and the great physical and mental shape it gives you, I wound up being the sparring partner of a young man who qualified for the US Olympic team.
Julie F. Oct 30, 2009, 7:14pm EDT
My friend dragged me to a Toastmasters meeting to keep him company. I didn't think I really wanted to talk about nothing in particular in front of a bunch of strangers. I stayed in it for 9 years, until my son was born and I guess I had a lot to say!
Mary M. Oct 30, 2009, 9:41pm EDT
A couple of years after my divorce from my abusive ex-husband, I decided I needed some time just for me and joined a local bowling league. I am not a good bowler, and hadn't done it in years! I worried over whether I'd fit in, or embarrass myself completely, or even be wanted on a team when I knew no one there. Turned out there was a team of three that needed a fourth player, and even better . . . just over a year later I married one of those team mates. Five years later, we are still as much in love as ever! And my kids got the dad they deserved to have in the first place.
Rachel V. Oct 30, 2009, 10:17pm EDT
I was pretty skeptical about doing aqua aerobics. I thought it was going to be easy.. just a bunch of people splashing around in the water.. where's the work-out in that?

But I was wrong.

The first aqua class I went to kicked my tush! I was sore the next day and I didn't realize how much of a workout it really is. There are foam "weights" and they actually provide a lot of resistance under the water that work the muscles. And I also noticed that the deeper you are in the water.. the more the work out.

Now I'm absolutely hooked!
Jacqueline D. Oct 30, 2009, 10:20pm EDT
Facebook and twitter, I had heard so much about them and joined out curiosity. Now they are among my favorite websites.
Amanda "middle of nowhere" C. Oct 31, 2009, 12:31am EDT
I'm a born skeptic....so this question isn't hard for me. I was skeptic of hand-held video games when they came out. Of course, as an adult, I had no use for them. I thought they would just turn kids minds into mush. You know what's coming...when I was taking a long bus trip, a friend loaned me a gameboy with Tetris. I've been through three game boys since then and I'm proud to say my highest tetris scores is 4 million.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Oct 31, 2009, 5:08am EDT
Cooking, which is funny since I turned out to be really good at it.
cadi w. Nov 1, 2009, 7:53am EST
I'm often skeptical about websites, but after giving them a chance, I usually become addicted! Twitter, MakeupAlley, Edit4U.Wordpress.com, and Foopets are just some examples!
Kevin Downs Nov 1, 2009, 8:52am EST
As a guy I never thought I would enjoy soap and candle making. After about a month of constant rain I had to find something to do and I have always enjoyed using homemade soap. I read up on it and saw how easy it was to make. I was at a local hobby store where they were having a sale on candle and soap making products so I bought a kit with a few accesories. Now I have fallen in love with it. I do not understand why more people don't make their own soap and why people pay so much for it when it is so easy to make.
Juanita T. Nov 2, 2009, 11:15am EST
I always thought bingo was only for old folks. Now that I am one of the old folks, I find even young people enjoy this ageless game.
Jenn P. Nov 2, 2009, 5:04pm EST
Of anyone new online site. But I'm glad I Joined Gather :)
Jim Gardner Nov 2, 2009, 9:32pm EST
i was skeptical of Gather but i am really liking the site
Karen M. Nov 3, 2009, 10:56am EST
I was skeptical to join our local YMCA. I am overweight and thought I would stick out and not feel comfortable. After several months, I am happy to say that I not only feel comfortable, but I love going and have lost 25 pounds in the process.
Parenting twins! i didn't know if I could do it, but i didn't really have a choice, and now I wouldn't have it any other way!
Linda T. Nov 4, 2009, 8:42am EST
I was skeptical of snorkeling. I thought I would feel ridiculous wearing a mask and fins. I did not feel ridiculous and enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.
Bill's Spirit Nov 4, 2009, 11:05am EST
I was totally skeptical about the Nordic-Trak machine (the skiing machine). For years I ridiculed the device, commercials and people who used them; until the year I was bored and trapped at my parent's house and I started using the one my step-father had in the basement. It took forever for me to get the balance and feel of how to use it, but once I did I lost a couple of inches around my waist. The biggest benefits, however, were to my cardiovascular system, a dramatic increase to my sense of balance and a heck of a lot more stamina. I wish I still had one.
Andrew G. Nov 4, 2009, 1:16pm EST
getting dressed up for this halloween.
Margaret S. Nov 4, 2009, 1:39pm EST
Scuba Diving! I was so scared to try it and my husband being an avid diver had me try. I ended up loving it. Thanks so much.
Dan S. Nov 4, 2009, 3:36pm EST
Skeptical about communicating online. So many people say those who do it are losers. I kinda enjoy it now.
Shannon Baas Nov 4, 2009, 6:29pm EST
using the computer.
Marian Meg Phillips Nov 5, 2009, 11:55pm EST
Being a bit of a skeptic by nature, many things come to mind. The big one for me is the music store my husband opened here in town. It is doing ok considering the economy and we are negotiating to buy the building so we can remodel and expand it as we like. We ran out of room to display stuff in the first few months.... The Monday jam we have isn't huge, but we see new faces all the time.
Shirley ♡ ☮ M. Nov 6, 2009, 9:49am EST
I think I could get into this movie. This quote sparked my interest in the movie, "Ultimately, what they find is not what they are looking for."
lisa marchal Nov 6, 2009, 10:48am EST
I suppose I was most skeptical of boxing. After all being hit in the face and body does not seem like fun. However after going with my son a few times I found it to be a great work out and an excellent stress reliever... Just pretend the bag is someone you really dislike..
sally g. Nov 6, 2009, 5:56pm EST
making home made soaps and candles. But now everyone seems to love them.
Shawnee G. Nov 6, 2009, 6:00pm EST
I had to leave another comment on this, as my first one is not THE most skeptical I have ever been...
I was apprehensive, skeptical, and down right dragging my heals about quitting smoking. I just KNEW I could not do it. I am so glad my Husband kind of DRUG me through the process of stopping that horrible habit and he has helped me quit a 20 year addiction.
Gaye M. Nov 7, 2009, 12:00am EST
30 years ago I took a job in the legal field and thought it was the most boring thing I'd ever done. It turned out to be a great experience, full of challenges and some adventures, and I'm still in the field today.
April H. Nov 7, 2009, 2:44am EST
An activity you were skeptical at first and then enjoyed That would have to be taking a helicopter tour I was petriefied but after a few minutes I relaxed and enjoyed the beauty below me.
Linda J. Nov 7, 2009, 7:56am EST
Joining a group at the gym. It turned out to be so much more enjoyable than just working out alone.
Victoria H. Nov 7, 2009, 8:28am EST
Professional ice hockey. Back when hubby and I were in college and lived in Huntington, WV we went to watch a local minor league ice hockey team play. I had never been to a hockey game before, knew absolutely nothing about hockey, and had never even watched it on t.v. before. I loved it!! It was awesome to watch.
Mine would have to be making money online, I thought OK, yeah, I can really make money online....well I found out that I can :)
rainne chandler Nov 7, 2009, 11:11am EST
walking i started to lose some wieght but i have really enjoyed it and keep doing it and also i love taking my camera with me to get some great shots for my gather friends to see
Lillian L. Nov 7, 2009, 1:35pm EST
I am not even remotely artistic, but took tole painting classes with two neighbor ladies. I found that even artistically-challenged people like me can produce decent projects. I have several that turned out well enough to display in my home, including a mini-rocking horse that I painted while I was pregnant with my son.
Mary M. Nov 7, 2009, 3:51pm EST
I am a lousy bowler, but decided to join a local bowling league to spend some time on myself while I was a single mom. I knew no one there! Turned out one group needed a fourth bowler, and one of the other team members is now my husband -- and we are celebrating our 5th anniversary this month!
bob k. Nov 7, 2009, 8:33pm EST
Reiki, reflexology, Healing LIght Method (bruyerian energy chelation) etc...

I thought these techniques were auto-suggestive only. However I've noticed marked results with each. There are certainly kooky people who claim to do treatments without any credibility or efficacy however there are truly gifted healers. I'm a convert - but a selective convert.
Juanita T. Nov 7, 2009, 8:41pm EST
I was skeptical about writing on Gather. I joined it and really didn't do much with it for a long time. Then when I started reading some of the entries that other people had written and they seemed Ordinary, like things I do everyday. I said I can do that too.
Patti M. Nov 7, 2009, 10:03pm EST
Mine was speaking in front of a group. I knew I was ok one on one but I would stumble over my words at times when it was just me and the team I worked with.
I not only spoke in front of a group, I trained classes of 25 at a time for seven years. I loved it.
Leann S. Nov 8, 2009, 12:10am EST
I was skeptical about the Wii and video games in general. Never played, never figured I would. Now I love it.
Christine Zibas Nov 8, 2009, 12:35am EST
I am totally not interested in organized sports, particularly those teams that haul in the big bucks with overpaid athletes. A friend convinced me to attend a Chicago Bulls game. I had so much fun. It was sensory overload (all those flashing lights, messages, and every time anyone would take a time out, people would rush onto the court to do some kind of entertainment...it was unlike anything I could have imagined). I have to say, although I have not been back, I did enjoy the experience and I am glad I got to see what it's all about. Who knows, maybe next year, I will branch out to baseball. Go Sox.
Infinity M. Nov 8, 2009, 7:26am EST
i wasn't sure how i would like yoga - but a few years ago i tried hatha yoga & enjoyed it - i haven't kept up w/ it, but it definitely seems 2 benefit ur body
Michelle C (faithhopelove20) Nov 8, 2009, 11:21pm EST
Knitting! Before I learned how to knit, I thought it was outdated and for old women. Now I can't get enough of it, and I get teased by my family who think it's insane that I would do it when I could just buy whatever I needed. I love the motion of my hands and having to stay focused on it. It's relaxing.
christopher h. Nov 9, 2009, 12:49am EST
i was skeptical about hypnosis, but it really works