When I think of my life before yoga, it seems disjointed and dark.

I was completely adrift; lost in a haze of confusion, self loathing, and purposelessness.

In my twenties, I lay down my weapons and let myself walk down a terrible path. This path was carved out by a man who didn’t love me—or anyone—but whose sole purpose was to dominate and crush others. Five years of trying to convince myself he was my true love, five years of drugs, humiliation and lies, left me utterly broken.

And yet, that brokenness—the extremity of it—made room for the things that would finally heal me; real love and family, and oddly enough, arranging my bones in series of positions I now call asanas, every day until the pain receded and I began to see that everything is beautiful—even me.

This video of Arthur, a Gulf war vet who was told he would never walk again after severe injuries sustained in service, is an inspiring example of another person moving through a similar process. His journey is easier to see because it has more external milestones, but make no mistake, it is the same journey of everyone who has been healed by yoga.

Taken under the wing of Diamond Dallas Page, the only yoga teacher willing to help him, Arthur sheds pounds and pain to ultimately reveal his true potential and spirit. We are fortunate enough to be able to witness that journey here.

If you were hesitating about practicing today, watch this—you’ll be high stepping it to the studio before the last breathtaking frame fades away.

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Editor: Catherine Monkman