Testimonial by Mark Wolfe March 3, 2009
I was born with spina bifida, which is an opening in your spine. I was not expected to walk right or be physically active. Prior to yoga my posture was really, really bad, I was bent over and had a hard time walking. I felt isolated by my peers and often felt that I didn’t fit in.
I began taking yoga at Open Doors about 5 yrs. ago, I remember the look of disbelief on the face of the yoga teacher when I walked into the class half bent over. I had worked out at a gym for years working with weights and other equipment but it never seemed to help my posture or my strength.
About 6 months into my practice I began to notice improvements. The teachers also noticed a difference and encouraged me along the way. Richard has been an avid supporter as has all the Open doors instructors that take me thru my practice. Many of the instructors to this day are shocked by my progress.
I have taken many, many adjustment clinics and love to be adjusted. I frequently amaze the new teachers as well as students in the class. I have become so confortable with my practice that I often times demonstrate the pose showing that if I can do it so can anyone else.
All my life people have been trying to hold me back but I don’t listen to them and keep going forward. I also suffer from asthma. My breathing level was 86 but after years of practice it is up to 100.
My only regret is that I didn’t start earlier.
In closing I would have to say that if people say yoga is too hard , I don’t want to hear it. If you put your mind to it you can do anything.