What a transformation!  Perhaps there may be some hope for me and many, many others?

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE!

There is a video that’s gone viral on the internet the last couple of days.

Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again. He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try — he couldn’t do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story. Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey – he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

I’m not sure I would be able to help someone with his level of disability, if they walked into the studio where I was teaching.  I might have to suggest a more experienced teacher work with him as I’m still somewhat new to this and wouldn’t feel confident in my ability to help.

However, I do know there are a lot of people out there who are in almost similar situations that I can help. They are inexperienced, out of shape, overweight, unsure of themselves, shy, younger, older, stressed, living with various degrees of unwellness or pain.

They feel like I did a couple of years back.  Wanting to give yoga a try but unable to bring themselves to walk through the doors of the studio, vulnerable to what they might meet there.

They don’t want to be exposed.  They want to hide out in their little corner of the room while they find their way. They want role models they can identify with.  They want to feel success.  They want to be accepted, just like Arthur in the video.

I sometimes second guess myself whether I’m being too easy, too gentle, in my teaching.  Thinking I need to step it up a bit, challenge people more.  For some, perhaps.  And at times I do.  But I work mostly with beginners and more than anything I want to ease them into this practice.  I want them to grow into it slowly, successfully.  I want to allow them to see and feel it’s benefits and THEN let them know that there’s plenty of challenge and growth available to them if that’s what they’re looking for. Physically, emotionally and/or spiritually.

But first, they need to know they are okay just as they are.  They don’t have to do anything in particular.  Or spectacular.  To gain approval from me, from others, from themselves.

They can breathe.  They can move.   That’s enough to begin.

So for them or anyone else who’s feeling tired, or burdened or having difficulty staying with whatever your struggle might be,

“Don’t wait until everything is just right [...] There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger….”

- Mark Victor Hansen

What challenges do you face?  Did you struggle to practice today?  What helped you through it?  I’d love to hear how you get through your obstacles.

There is a video that’s gone viral on the internet the last couple of days.

Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.
He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try — he couldn’t do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story.
Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey – he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

I’m not sure I would be able to help someone with his level of disability, if they walked into the studio where I was teaching.  I might have to suggest a more experienced teacher work with him as I’m still somewhat new to this and wouldn’t feel confident in my ability to help.

However, I do know there are a lot of people out there who are in almost similar situations that I can help. They are inexperienced, out of shape, overweight, unsure of themselves, shy, younger, older, stressed, living with various degrees of unwellness or pain.

They feel like I did a couple of years back.  Wanting to give yoga a try but unable to bring themselves to walk through the doors of the studio, vulnerable to what they might meet there.

They don’t want to be exposed.  They want to hide out in their little corner of the room while they find their way. They want role models they can identify with.  They want to feel success.  They want to be accepted, just like Arthur in the video.

I sometimes second guess myself whether I’m being too easy, too gentle, in my teaching.  Thinking I need to step it up a bit, challenge people more.  For some, perhaps.  And at times I do.  But I work mostly with beginners and more than anything I want to ease them into this practice.  I want them to grow into it slowly, successfully.  I want to allow them to see and feel it’s benefits and THEN let them know that there’s plenty of challenge and growth available to them if that’s what they’re looking for. Physically, emotionally and/or spiritually.

But first, they need to know they are okay just as they are.  They don’t have to do anything in particular.  Or spectacular.  To gain approval from me, from others, from themselves.

They can breathe.  They can move.   That’s enough to begin.

So for them or anyone else who’s feeling tired, or burdened or having difficulty staying with whatever your struggle might be,

“Don’t wait until everything is just right [...] There will always be challenges, obstacles, and less than perfect conditions. So what. Get started now. With each step you take, you will grow stronger and stronger….”

- Mark Victor Hansen

What challenges do you face?  Did you struggle to practice today?  What helped you through it?  I’d love to hear how you get through your obstacles.

Here’s a short video that really touched me. Incredible story.

Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try — he couldn’t do traditional, higher impact exercise, so he tried DDP YOGA and sent an email to Dallas telling him his story.

Dallas was so moved by his story, he began emailing and speaking on the phone with Arthur throughout his journey – he encouraged Arthur to keep going and to believe that anything was possible. Even though doctors told him walking would never happen, Arthur was persistent. He fell many times, but kept going.

Arthur was getting stronger rapidly, and he was losing weight at an incredible rate! Because of DDP’s specialized workout, he gained tremendous balance and flexibility — which gave him hope that maybe someday, he’d be able to walk again.

His story is proof, that we cannot place limits on what we are capable of doing, because we often do not know our own potential. Niether Arthur, nor Dallas knew what he would go on to accomplish, but this video speaks for itself. In less than a year, Arthur completely transformed his life. If only he had known what he was capable of, 15 years earlier.

Do not waste any time thinking you are stuck – you can take control over your life, and change it faster than you might think. 

Hopefully this story can inspire you to follow your dreams – whatever they may be.
Anything is Possible!

For more information about DDP YOGA, visit http://www.ddpyoga.com

To contact Arthur or Dallas Page about this incredible story, please visit http://www.ddpbang.com and contact them.

Arthur’s story is featured in the upcoming documentary,http://www.inspiredthemovie.com
(Thanks to filmmaker Steve Yu for putting this inspirational video together!)

An extended cut of this story can be viewed here! http://bit.ly/IPfpwI

This story is inspiring – it shows that when we take charge of our health and well-being – amazing things can happen!

Never underestimate what YOU can do!

Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again. His story is proof that we cannot place limits on what we are capable of doing because we often do not know our own potential.

It’s so often that people have to take their wellness into their own hands when doctors don’t have the answers. His story is a testament to determination, faith, and the amazing ways the human body can work and heal when we don’t give up on it.

Off to do a little yoga now.

Gentle hugs,

Chels

P.S. – If you would like to check out the instructor/program Arthur used, here’s the website. I have to say, the videos are a little corny, but the guy is an ex pro wrestler, haha. It’s not the type of yoga I’m use to (DDP only incorporates some yoga postures, and there are lots of traditional yoga styles to choose from) but I do know that ashtanga yoga has helped with my fibro pain, the joint pain caused by my hypermobility, and my energy level. I’m going to make a commitment right now to start a regular practice again, and I’ll log my progress on the blog!

Video description:
Watch Arthur Boorman’s amazing journey — filmed and edited by his 19-year-old son Warren — as he sets a goal to walk again and to reclaim his life. An Army veteran who was hurt in the first Gulf War, Arthur suffered for 15 years with the effects of a botched surgery that left him unable to walk without the assistance of leg braces and canes. By February 2007, he had ballooned to 297 pounds and, by his own admission, was waiting to die.

In looking for a yoga program to alleviate some of his constant pain, Arthur found the YRG workout created by Diamond Dallas Page. He gained inspiration and strength from DDP and other members of Team YRG to propel him toward his goal — “I Will Walk Again!” — and, ultimately, to blow past it. Watch here as Arthur vividly demonstrates that life is not about how many times you fall down — it’s about how many times you get up.

Personal Message from Diamond Dallas Page:
Everything happens for a reason and Arthur Boorman coming into my life was no mistake … We met online when I sent him a follow-up e-mail after he bought the YRG Workout … We talked about how he had lost control of his life and how his wife and kids were on a path to losing him for good …

After a few weeks of doing YRG, Arthur sent me an e-mail with an update that ended with the goal he had set for himself: I WILL WALK AGAIN! … Even I, the guy they call “Mr. Positivity,” wondered if it was possible …

But as you’ll see from this video, Arthur proves that anything is possible … This video is a labor of love from Arthur’s son, and it’s a testament to the power we all have to own our lives when we set goals and focus on achieving them … No matter how many times I watch this video, I come away amazed by Arthur and just so proud of him … If you want to see more, go to http://www.yrgworkout.com …

I have been sick for the better part of two weeks now with no end in sight. So, while feeling sorry fvor myself I came across this video over on GammaSquad. Check it out I sure hope this is legit.

Apparently DDP, yes that DDP, and his goofy yoga shit do work? How high of a fever can you run before hallucinating?

A quick side note” Water for Elephants” has one of the most hilarious endings in film history. Skip the rest of this shitty movie and go straight to the end. the elephant kills the bad guy. I shit you not. it grabs a pipe and kills the guy. -Jeremy

After some period of time, Arthur decided to give a try. He found some interesting article about Diamond Dallas Page doing yoga and decided to make an effort and give a try.

The whole story you can find on DDP Yoga main website -> here

Reblogged from Let Life In Practices:

After you watch the video you can check out the article on Blisstree

Happy Monday!

P90X  -  X Stretch
Total Time = 63 Minutes

This weekend was filled with work, seeing friends, and inspiration.  It was actually pretty amazing.  I wrapped it up with today’s workout… the X Stretch.  The perfect way to close it out.  However, I did it with some yoga influence.  I started by playing our Tibetan Singing Bowl, tuning into the vibration and sound and centering myself.  I then started the DVD, but turned the music off only leaving his voice on and played my own CD instead containing very yoga sounding instrumental music.  Throughout the stretch,  I incorporated more zen and meditation along with deeper breathing.  My flexibility was good… and getting better with each workout.  At the end I added a few stretches and then finished up with a nice meditation.

Having a little food now and then it’s off to bed to get ready for another big, busy week.  Before I go, a little inspiration…
I posted this quote this morning…

“Human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” -William James

Then my buddy and bandmate Kaspen shared the following video with me.  Man it is right in line with that simple quote.

This video gave me the chills. It is amazing & a must watch.  Anything is possible!
http://youtu.be/qX9FSZJu448

(Sadly, it’s still Monday though.)

This is the story of Arthur Boorman, a disabled veteran of the Gulf War, who has an extremely valuable message to share with the world: we cannot place limits on what we are capable of doing…

What an inspiration!

This video makes me want to get up and workout right now! It’s an amazing transformation of a veteran who went from being barely able to walk to being able to run. He used YOGA as his primary exercise. I’ve never had an interest in Yoga because of all the strange positions I see people get into, but after seeing this, I’m interested in giving Yoga a try.

In addition to Arthur Boorman’s incredible transformation, he says two things in the video that really inspires me:

“Just because you can’t do it today, doesn’t mean you can’t do it someday.”

“Never underestimate what you can accomplish when you believe in yourself.”

I’ll remember that and hope you do too.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Yoga Heals: Arthur’s Inspiring Story

“Arthur Boorman was a disabled veteran of the Gulf War for 15 years, and was told by his doctors that he would never be able to walk on his own, ever again.

He stumbled upon an article about Diamond Dallas Page doing Yoga and decided to give it a try…”

If this doesn’t give you the chills AND make you want to start doing yoga right now, then… well, I’m not really sure what else would spark a combination of those two symptoms together. But oh man, this is so inspirational. The smile on his face at the end says it all. If you watch just one video on Youtube today, make sure it’s this one.

[via Vegetable Cupcakes]

So it begins, why today you ask…no idea…but I’m starting it. For the background story go here: http://timetochangepatrick.wordpress.com/about/

I was driving home yesterday afternoon and heard a voice from my childhood on the radio. Diamond Dallas Page was on promoting a workout routine, YRG Fitness (http://www.yrgfitness.com/), he described it by saying that utilizing “Dynamic Resistance” (isokinetics) and his “Yoga for Regular Guys” you can get a cardio type workout with low to zero joint impact and so my curiosity was piqued.  When I got home I looked it up, I read all the testimonials and watched a video on a gentleman named Arthur Boorman and what he was able to accomplish (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=suTPns5cy_Q). I encourage you to watch the video, it is a dramatic change to watch.

So am I convinced that this work out is the solution? Hell no, but, I am convinced I’m going to try it. I have found a source for the first 3 videos and I am going to give it a go. And as a bonus, my wife and daughter want to try it too. This is great for me, as I don’t necessarily have the required motivation to do this by myself. If it works out, well then, I will pay for Mr. Page’s workout package and go from there.

What else am I going to do? Well, for starters, stop using sugar, I have a horrible habit of using real sugar in my coffee at work, that’s done. Stop eating Candy, I love it, I crave it, I want it as a snack, I would eat it as a meal, that too is done. Am I saying that I will never eat sugar or candy again…no…that’s not reasonable, what I am saying is that my normal diet will no longer include those things. Carbs, carbs, carbs… control my intake of carbs, I’m sorta lucky in this respect. My dear wife has been a South Beach Diet junkie for several years now and so for the most part we cook very healthy in our house. But still there are changes that can be made. So we will begin to be very conscious of those curious little carbs and they weight that they seem to represent. Eating on a consistent schedule, I’m horrible about eating appropriately through the day. I usually don’t eat a breakfast, grab a fast food or buffet lunch and then eat dinner. Snacking whenever I got the urge. Now I’m going to drink a Protein Shake (our current choice is http://eas.com/Products/AdvantEDGE-Carb-Control-RTD-Chocolate-Fudge) for breakfast at 6:30am as I drive to work, a small snack of nuts or fruit at 9:30am, lunch around 12:30pm will be a meal replacement bar, or soup or something else that will be reasonable, another snack between 2:30pm and 3:00pm, then home for dinner, and then another small snack before bed.

Well I think that this is a sound starting point.

Just gotta keep pushing on.

Imagine yourself as a child, first learning to walk. The first few steps you took were a burden and gravity quickly took hold of you and threw you back on the ground. But you didn’t stop, you kept trying to walk and eventually to this day you can walk easily and effortlessly.

You see, the first time you do something, you won’t be good at it no matter how talented or genetically blessed you are. The learning curve is always much different for most people, but still you must learn and while you are learning you must persevere, just like when you were a baby taking your first steps.

I want you to understand that you need to make up your mind today about what you want to do with your life. Do you want to constantly worry about your weight or move in pain for the rest of your life or do you want to do something about it right NOW! You have that choice.

Set your mind on the goal you want to achieve. Say to yourself, “I am going to lose 40 lbs before the end of the year”. Say to yourself, “I am going to live a pain-free life” and truly believe you will do it no matter what you have to do. I want to leave you a video of a man named Arthur Boorman who was injured during the Gulf War and couldn’t walk without a cane for 15 years, watch him struggle through an agonizing 10 months of work and be inspired…remember that you have a choice and that if you really believe you can, you will.