All Humanity Newsletter | August 2022
Greetings...
Insight or Outsight, That is the Question?
Image of a white male outdoors, sitting upright on a stone with feet together, knees out wide, arms resting on legs with open palms. There is a bright blue sky and large red rock formation behind him. He is wearing sunglasses, a blue t-shirt and is smiling
In MBS adaptive yoga classes, we do not fixate our sight outwardly on the cultural messages that surround us. Instead, we explore IN-sight together. We explore what it means to live in the bodies we have. We mine the transformative potential of this shift in mind-body perspective.

Our adaptive yoga classes occur at the intersection of ability and disability. This is an intersection at which everyone will eventually sit. It is more than a psychological journey of acceptance or superficial empowerment. This is the difficult work of transforming a vital aspect of the human condition into a more dynamic and body-centered realization.

The intersection of ability and disability generates a number of mind-boggling insights about human consciousness. One myth that it dispels is a misconceived notion that ‘mind-over-matter’ is a sustainable approach to living. Such a strategy creates unnecessary violence and destruction. (For evidence on a collective level, look no further than how human beings have treated and exploited the Earth.) When such a notion of overcoming is applied to living with a disability, the results are also powerfully self-destructive. Imagine if I looked at my paralyzed leg and inwardly kept screaming, “lift!” There is no sustainable future in such an endeavor.

Our adaptive students have realized a different way. They have learned to embrace IN-sight toward the truth of their human situation. They have had the strength to redefine an ableist conception of success and accomplishment. Instead, they have realized how to integrate ability and disability into practical, non-violent, and sustainable action. Rather than rail against limitations, they transform them into an awakening realization of wholeness within both mind and body.

Obviously, at Mind Body Solutions, we believe that our adaptive students are amazingly cool and even inspirational. But it’s more than that. We believe that they are explorers, forging a transformative realization that integrates the limitations of our finite bodies into something more graceful, kind, and hopeful than self-destruction. Imagine if our society had the strength to hear the insights forged by those who are all too often made invisible.

Come find us.  

Matthew

Matthew Sanford
Founder, Mind Body Solutions
Pose of the month...
Inward and Upward
Alignment creates an effortless form of mind body integration ~ Matthew Sanford
Many of us have the ability to easily make adjustments and find ease in the body. Because of this, we may overlook and take for granted the benefits that come from a centered, and therefore content, body, and mind. By learning from and with MBS students, we have discovered strategies and gained insights into the simple yet profound benefits of alignment. It is hard to put into words, but witnessing a student attentively align themselves in a pose that is best for their body, is to palpably understand and appreciate the effects posture has on feeling, and being whole.

With shoes and socks off, sit or stand (consider using the support of a wall/chair/counter) in a stable position. Intentionally round the back closing down the chest and allow the legs to somewhat awkwardly splay. Pause for several moments, and note any responses in the body and mind.

Return to a regular secure sitting or standing posture. If seated, position the feet under the knees with each knee directly in front of the hips. If standing, and as able, position the feet approximately hip-width apart, with toes pointing straight ahead. Ground down through the feet and/or sit bones and lengthen the spine, extending up beyond the top of the head. Broaden across the collar bones with the arms/hands at the sides or resting on a support. Balance the head over the neck and shoulders.

Once again, pause for several moments and notice any mind-body sensations.
Options:

  • Place a yoga block/rolled-up towel/similar between the knees if seated, or just above the knees if standing. Very slightly press into the prop, internally rotating the femurs. A subtle broadening sensation is created around the sacrum and the back of the legs.
  • Staying grounded, safely practice different arm and leg positions and notice their connection to the spine, and to any variations in energy
  • Seated towards the back of a chair, place a vertical thin rolled blanket between the spine and the chair back. Sit back, allowing the blanket to support alignment.
Benefits:

  • While remaining grounded, the chest is buoyant and expansive. Inward and upward sensations are experienced while a sense of direction and awareness spreads through the whole body
  • Increases and moves energy, and at the same time can be calming and restorative
  • Reduces back pain and wear on joint surfaces, improves circulation and digestion, increases lung capacity and core strength

Mary Pat


Mary Pat FitzPatrick
MBS Teaching Faculty/Outreach Coordinator
Come Find Us
Drop in to an online adaptive yoga class this week!
If you live with a disability, it is especially important to believe yoga is not only possible for you, but that you can experience its wonder and benefits just like anyone else. Join us online and practice with MBS trained teachers and a global community of amazing students! Our classes are accessible, free to anyone living with a disability, and FUN! Come, find us!
Monday (Matthew) 10am
Tuesday Ambulatory (Amy) 9:15am
Tuesday (Bethany) 11am
Wednesday (Sarah & Angelique) 10am
Wednesday Ambulatory (Wendy) 6pm
Thursday (Molly & Angelique) 11am
Thursday (Angie & Chris) 6pm
Friday Int. Disability (Bethany & Halen) 9:45am
Friday Meditation (Jenny & Nancy) 11:30am

Note: All classes are US CENTRAL TIME and are seated/chair based, unless noted Ambulatory.
On the Radar...
Upcoming Workshops for students and teachers
YOGA, DISABILITY, & TRANSFORMATION
FINDING THE MIDLINE

SEPT 6 / 2PM Central Time / ONLINE


“Keeping your head” is a crucial skill when dealing with the challenges of living with a disability. We all have been battle-tested by outlandishly difficult situations, and we all carry the scars to prove it. But how do you learn to “keep your head” or stay “centered.” Surely, it requires more than an act of will. The body can help. Finding and utilizing the midline within your body is not only an important skill when doing yoga poses, but also as a powerful means to center your mind.

Come join this interactive, community conversation and hear or share stories of battles survived while also learning to access your midline in both yoga poses and the rest of your life.
TRAINING FOR YOGA TEACHERS
CONTINUING STUDIES - NEW DATE

DEC 6-8 / 12NOON-4PM Central Time / ONLINE


This workshop (formerly Advanced Studies) builds on learning acquired in our online Intro Series workshops. Come back for more interactive learning with Matthew as you revisit concepts such as being an effective yoga teacher, learning how to translate mind-body principles in online classes, and refining poses without physical reference. Day 2 takes you deep into Mind, Consciousness, and Activation while Day 3 explores the many facets of pain with Matthew and special guests.

After the workshop ends, keep the conversation going by enjoying a 90-minute follow-up session with Matthew and the MBS crew on December 14, from 2-3:30 pm CT. Sessions will be recorded and free to view for 90 days.

Scholarships are available