A friend recently sent me a link about Matthew Sanford.  Matthew’s story is an inspirational, uplifting story of one man’s journey toward living his life’s purpose.

When Matthew was 13 years old he was traveling with his family (parents and two siblings) when they were in a car accident that paralyzed Matthew and took the lives of his father and sister. We can only imagine the heartache and grief that his family endured with the death of two family members along with Matthew’s grave injuries.  More than 15 years later, in a 2007 NPR interview,  http://speakingoffaith.publicradio.org/programs/bodysgrace/ Matthew recalled the post-accident period stating “trauma happens to the entire family”.

Matthew and his family before the accident

As he and his family moved toward healing and Matthew began to practice yoga as part of his rehabilitation, he realized the importance of sharing this message with others.  Flash forward to today where Matthew is an inspirational Author, Public Speaker, Yoga Teacher and Founder of Mind Body Solutions.  Matthew’s  vision includes the realization of opportunity in the face of challenge.

As a yoga teacher, I am aware of the profound transformational effects of integrating the body, mind and spirit.  Through his life and his work, Matthew demonstrates to us that yoga is for every body and that body limitations do not prevent anyone from practicing yoga.  One of the mantras from the studio where I teach is more yoga good!  Thank you, Matthew, for breaking through barriers so we can all be reminded why challenges, loss and obstacles are in our lives – so we can learn, transform and share our experiences with others.

For information on Matthew’s Upcoming Events and Yoga Teacher Training.