A Paraplegic Teaching Yoga

August 4, 2004

MINNETONKA, MINNESOTA, June 22, 2004: Imagine being a paraplegic that is

paralyzed from the chest down and then imagine this individual teaching

yoga. This is exactly what Matt Sanford, a 38-year old who has been

paralysed since the age of 13, is doing. His journey into Iyengar yoga

began about 13 years ago after graduating from the University of Minnesota

with a master's degree in philosophy. Sanford wanted to explore the

mind-body relationship and live in his body again. His severe injuries had

previously prevented him from even conceiving this idea. The article

explains, "Sanford doesn't see yoga as the only path to a mind-body

connection, but it worked for him, awakening his paralyzed body to

sensations that he couldn't have imagined possible. He describes the

feeling as that of a 'hum' or a 'buzz,' a surge of energy that travels

through his paralyzed body. Feeling the presence of his lower body not only

gives him the connection he was seeking but also helps his balance." Now

Sanford teaches yoga to members of the work force who are ignoring the

mind-body relationship. 43-year old yoga student Chuck Ankeny describes

Matt Sanford, "You know how you have teachers once in a lifetime who really

make a difference? He's one of those." Also Kati Lovass, a 47-year old who

has three children and travels as part of her job, says, "This is my one

respite. I really love this class." Sanford sums it up, "When you get more

connected to your body, you get more connected to the things around you. I

have never seen anyone truly become more aware of his or her body without

also becoming more compassionate. If there was ever a time when the world

needed a little more compassion, it is now."

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