Expanding Perspectives

One Center Yoga invites you to stretch your mind and body this weekend with inspirational yoga instructor Matthew Sanford

Written by Kate Lundquist

Matthew Sanford, a yoga teacher, author, and inspirational speaker renowned for his ability to help students from the seat of his wheelchair, offers a new perspective on yoga to the Western North Carolina community this weekend. One Center Yoga studio in Asheville is hosting Sanford for three days of workshops in Iyengar yoga, a style focused on alignment in the physical postures and breathing techniques. “Many people feel Iyengar is just about the physical, that it is hard and challenging, which it is. But it is also about awareness,” says Cindy Dollar, owner of center. “Matthew teaches people because he can envision it in his body, and the beauty of the Iyengar system is that we put the body in alignment by using props and straps so that anyone can do the pose.” Paralyzed from the waist down following a car accident, Sanford has used yoga to build the mind-body connection and strengthen the spirit. Dollar reminds us that, like Sanford, we can all benefit from that connection. “Yoga allows us to fully inhabit the body instead of misidentifying with it,” she says. “We have to slow down, and be more attentive. We are able to see more clearly when we pay attention. It’s about being present.”

Sanford’s classes are open to everyone. Friday night, Sanford presents his inspiring story and direction for his nonprofit, Mind Body Solutions, which is dedicated to working with patients of trauma and disability. Saturday morning’s workshop is about alignment and precision in yoga, and the afternoon practice covers the art of therapeutic adjustments. Sunday workshops focus on improving yoga practice through the physical postures, and Sunday afternoon closes with a back bending class.

Matthew Sanford Workshop
August 3-5
$25-$65 per workshop
One Center Yoga
120 Coxe Ave., St. 3A, Asheville
(828) 225-1904
www.onecenteryoga.com