How did I find myself standing in Majestic Yoga studio last Thursday receiving an autographed copy of "Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence" from studio owner Lindsay Gibson? I should be used to the synchronicity of events that occur in my life but I'm still in awe of how this came about. My friend Nicole who IS the Sassy Yogini put on Facebook she was going to hear Matthew Sanford. Okay. I did not pay any attention. But the Universe wanted to capture my attention so I saw a post from the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation about Matthew Sanford. Now that got my attention. Nicole suggested I contact Lindsay about getting an autographed copy. Lindsay and I chatted for a few minutes and I told her about my journey. She shared my story with Matthew and I have spent these last six days riveted to the pages of Waking.
Waking was written and released in 2006. That I have not heard about it before now tells me I was not ready to read it and fully absorb the lessons until now. As I have so often said and believe deep in my heart, when the student is ready, the teacher appears. Reading Waking has put a spotlight on the path I almost went down yet again; the path of willing my body to do something and pushing beyond limits to 'prove' that I can 'overcome' post polio syndrome. It is a dear and unnecessary price to pay for me to take up endurance running again. I opt for shorter distances and my yoga practice.
Is this a book just for people who practice yoga? No. It doesn't matter whether you know your updog from a lotus pose, Matthew's story is a healing story (actually a collection of healing stories). Is this a book just for people who have suffered trauma and loss? Yes because we are all injured and have suffered trauma and loss to one degree or another. It's a matter of what some might say 'degree' but Matthew is the embodiment of the human condition. How do we pick up the pieces and move on after a devastating life event?
As a polio survivor, my soul resonated loudly to Matthew's rehab experience and his depiction of the medical model of rehab. Like Matthew, I too was told to wilfully overcome my disability. He describes in exquisite detail and beautiful eloquence the price he paid as he initially chose this path. Matthew weaves in the painful details of his hospitalization and the numerous medical and surgical procedures he undergoes with the choices he makes along the way as he works to find meaning and recover from the traumatic event of a car accident which leaves his father and sister dead and him a paraplegic.
I was spellbound as he describes concepts of consciousness, silence, healing stories and the mind/body connection. At the age of 13, Matthew had a remarkable intuitive sense of what he needed to do to survive. I was particularly enthralled with how he 'turned on' his digestive system which was vital to his survival. There are many parallels between my journey and Matthew's journey. Although I did recover my ability to walk (and am so grateful for the healing in my life) but in so many ways I remained paralyzed. Matthew teaches us that "healing is still possible for mind-body relationship without walking again." He goes on to say that he is not just talking about the pyschological and emotional healing but the healing of the dislocation between mind and body. Matthew talks about how violence is used to treat the violence that happens to our bodies. As a veteran of many orthopedic surgeries, I was right there with him on the OR table and reminded of what rods and screws feel like in bone. BUT Matthew's story telling is not just for shock value; it is told with a deliberate purpose.
I could go on for days talking about what Matthew's memoir means to me and I know it is going to take a lot of time for me to integrate what I have learned about myself through Matthew's words which flow from his heart. Matthew is insightful, honest, authentic, tender and has had a remarkable journey to the yoga mat and to being the founder of the non profit organization Mind Body Solutions. He has a dream and a vision of having an institute and I know that he will achieve that dream. He has blessed the lives of so many through his yoga practice both on and off the mat.
On the dedication page of Waking, Matthew says "For William and Paul" and Matthew wrote underneath & Mary "Your body remains the best home your mind will ever have...keep listening and keep the faith." Be sure to order your copy of Waking today and take a journey into one man's heart, mind, body and spirit on the path to wholeness; from trauma and loss to hope and possibility! It is the story of every one of us.
Links to enjoy:
Matthew Sanford
Mind Body Solutions
The Sassy Yogini
Mary McManus
Majestic Yoga
Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation
God bless, be well and live like you were dyin'
From my heart to yours with love and gratitude,
Mary
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