Yoga Diary: Lifted Weight

Yoga inspires dramatic weight loss and frees 
a man from despair.

By Larry Sherman

Two years ago, at the age of 47, I weighed 538 pounds. I would drive to work and sit depressed and disheartened in my car. I had a hard time breathing when I walked, and my legs, feet, and back hurt from all the stress my weight put on them. I needed something miraculous if I was ever going to get over my mental and physical pain. I knew I had to rely on a power greater than myself to restore my sanity and health.

I went to a health fair at work, and there was a yoga instructor there. I asked her if I could do yoga, at my size. She looked me right in the eyes without hesitation and said yes. I tried the class, and with the support of the instructor and the other students, I started taking yoga twice a week. The other students would stand around me and lift parts of my body to help me into the poses. Today I weigh less than 190 pounds. I do yoga five or more times a week, and I just finished a teacher training course.

Anyone, regardless of his or her restrictions, can do yoga. All you need is a willingness to do just what you are capable of doing at the time and be open to possibilities and miracles as they come. Yoga taught me patience and gratitude. Yoga has taught me that I am OK just where I am today. My fondest wish is to teach yoga and share my experience, strength, and hope with others who know what despair feels like deep down in their bones. Yoga heals, nurtures the soul, and gives the promise of new beginnings. 

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