The Miracle of Yoga - A Testimonial (8th September 2004)
Almost exactly 6 months ago to this date, I walked into the Sunnyvale studio of Han Nature Life Yoga in pretty bad shape. I had just suffered a back injury (2 himniated discs and a bruised tail bone) and could not sit for long. "Sit for long" earlier this year, was about a minute after which I had to shift my position. Needless to say, the pain was excruciating at times.
Being a physically fit individual all my life (worked out 2-3 times a week in a gym) and the fact that there was no "physical trauma" caused due to a fall, the only other relevant contributing factor was STRESS. Better believe it, I have had lots of that in the past 24 months.
Last night I witnessed a mini-miracle in my life. I was able to sit in "free pose" during the closing session of our 90 minute class with both my knees grounded to my mat. And I was able to do this without shifting. As simple as that sounds trust me when I tell you that I have not been able to do this "in many years".
My life today is more normal than ever before, as I am able to sit in a chair for an hour. This is something I thought I could never accomplish earlier this year. I am even able to drive for an hour without taking a break (in January just getting in and out of my car was an ordeal). I am happy to share with you that the 2 himniated discs have retracted back into position and the "tail bone pain" has almost gone away. I attribute my progress and good health to Yoga, which I practice everyday at home, in addition to attending the 90 minute classes on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
Jonathan Han, my yoga teacher is an incredible individual who believes in "leading by example". his ability to explain a pose and "talk us through it" is remarkable. I could not have asked for a better teacher. I derive inspiration from Jonthan each time I walk into that studio, thinking "If I practice this long enough, one day I will be able to as flexible, nimble, and agile as him". And when I leave the studio after a 90-minute class, I feel I have experienced a "holistic workout" with all 3 facets engaged - Mind, Body and Soul. That feeling is outstanding and CANNOT be experienced in a regular aerobic workout.
I thank Han Nature Life Yoga and Jonathan Han for healing my body, transforming my psyche and giving me a "sense of peace" that has eluded me for long. It goes without saying that I plan on keeping yoga in my life until my last day on this wonderful planet of ours.
Love, Peace & Harmony,
Gaja Krishna Vaidyanatha