Matthew Sanford at the age of 13 was paralysed from the chest down in a car accident that killed his father and sister. He spent three months at the Mayo Clinic, a world famous medical facility where paradoxically, the care he received increased his mind-body injury in what he calls corrective violence. Those doctors saved his life, yes, but the hospital experience itself was traumatising and ended up further separating Matthew’s mind from his body.
|t was yoga, an ancient practice from India and not modern Western medicine, that rejoined his mind-body connection to the point where Matthew could feel sensation again. And he has dedicated his life to helping others feel the same. Matthew was certified to teach Iyengar Yoga by BKS Iyengar himself, and teaches yoga to the disabled as well as the abled, and founded MindBody Solutions, a non-profit organisation dedicated to transforming trauma, loss and disability into hope and potential.
In this triyoga talks podcast, Matthew spoke about feeling sensation when his doctors said he couldn’t. About the parallel between patient compliance and student obedience. And about how people with disabilities have been disproportionately affected by Covid-19.
Want to learn more? Join Matthew in an online workshop on Thursday 10th December at 18.00 GMT in which he will teach you to stretch what he calls “the middle-third,” or all aspects of your arms, legs and torso. This workshops is open to all. Come realise your full potential with one of the world’s most inspirational, graceful and funny yoga teachers. Click here for more information.
Listen to our other podcasts in the ‘triyoga talks’ series here.
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