To say the least, to suffer a severe stroke at the age of 54 was a bad stroke of luck. From being an active, fairly flexible, gym-going able person, I was suddenly reduced to a feeble, semi-paralyzed member of the disabled community. But not for long! Soon after my release from hospital I reluctantly began private yoga sessions with Amanda, ‘reluctantly’ as I was embarrassed at my enfeebled state having known Amanda for many years. I shouldn’t have worried. After an initial assessment, Amanda devised a special programme to help improve movement and flexibility to the injured limbs as well as for the whole body, a programme I would be able to follow at home (and still do). Apart from the physical aspects of yoga, Amanda taught me how to breathe, breathe properly I mean, and would not start physical exercises until satisfied with the quality of my breathing. Goodness – 54 and I’m being taught how to breathe ! I cannot recommend Amanda strongly enough – experienced, encouraging, kind, both sympathetic and empathetic, gently invigorating.
