"I started having kidney problems at nine, but after finishing sixth grade I got hit by a motorcycle & that was it. Five months later I started dialysis, lasting 2 years, suffering numerous side effects. In 1996 I received my father's kidney
After a minor transplant rejection, all started to go well, finally free from tubes & machines!
.
Three years later, I was diagnosed with osteoarthrosis & osteonecrosis in my knees. The solution was a replacement of the joints (both knees): a bad idea for an 18 year old
.
Pain was constant & it started affecting my mobility, unable to walk for months, the opioids caused an addiction
.
I started physical therapy in a hope to be able to walk without crutches. When the insurance funded classes ran out, my mother got me a book on Pilates, & I started enthusiastically. It was very useful in the periods that I spent in the hospital struggling with infections secondary to immunosuppression therapy. In between hospital stays & "normal" life, I started counseling with a Reiki therapist, who guided me out of depression & helped me connect with my inner power
.
I got into yoga, just as I was getting back on my feet after another serious infection due to immunosuppressant therapy. Yoga gave true inner peace & relief from the pain, while reducing anxiety & sadness
.
In my first class I told the teacher about my arthrosis & pain. She kindly listened & said that all I had to do was listen to my body. I was expecting a long conversation about limitations, but she opened all possibilities to me. That was so weird!
I became addicted to yoga, although my progress was slow. It didn't matter: It wasn't about the result, but about compassion
.
Yoga was an essential part of an unstoppable life change & moved abroad , eventually taking things to the next level, going on a great YTT in Patagonia. My body & mind were transformed. Last year I finished a second YTT & now I'm devoted to yoga and helping others
.
Yoga has been totally improved my quality of life, & given me the opportunity to share health and love with others. Its beautiful" .
