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From pages 148-149, part two of the book.

My interest in philosophy, both in undergraduate and graduate studies, focused on the mind-body problem and issues related to consciousness. Without knowing it, I was beginning the process of reconnecting to my body. But at this point, I still believed what the doctors had told me at age thirteen–that there was no way to connect my paralyzed body short of a regenerated spinal cord. This meant that to access my paralyzed body in a more living, engaged way, I needed a paradigm shift. I had to literally change my relationship to the world. Without knowing exactly what I was doing and why, I took a shot-gun approach–I began to question almost everything I had been told in my entire life.

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From page 88, the close of part one of the three-part book. This passage follows his first gin and tonic, a drink he associated with becoming an adult.

The moment after gin and tonics, the realization that there is not a prize behind door number one, is a moment we all share. The answer to the question “Is this it?” is, of course, yes.

We all want a simple story–I know I do. In a simple story, my paralysis and the loss of my father and sister would be the obstacles I overcome, the negatives I turn into positives. My success would be the lessons I learned and a life of productive happiness.

In another version, the dislocation I experienced between mind and body during these months would be the injury. Yoga would eventually be the remedy. Humpty Dumpty would get put back together again and yoga would be the clue.

My story is not simple. As I write this, I am both heartbroken and desperately in love. Living thus far has taken quite a toll. And yet, I would trade nothing. The richness and possibilities I can feel come directly from what I have experienced. I stand in awe of the transformative potential embodied by our consciousness.

This awe, however, still possesses the flavor of the moment just after gin and tonics. This fact does not weaken the drama of life. It begins it.

There was a story in the source-health section of today’s Mpls Strib titled “Air of awareness”. It talks about the health benefits of conscious, controlled breathing exercises. We can’t not breath, but so often we don’t pay attention to our breathing.

I was not a use of force instructor when I was a cop, but I do know the importance the instructors place on remembering to breath during physical training. I remember it now because I had occasion to forget to do it then. Without knowing it I would find my self holding my breath during training. Our police instructors always did a great job of bringing it to my attention in a positive way that obviously has stuck with me. Giving verbal commands to suspects when in an altercation had several benefits, one of which it helped you breath.

So, when you are doing spiritual training, spending tme in silence and contemplation, don’t forget to breath, to be conscious of your breaths, to slow down and be deliberate in your breathing.

Check out the article. Although the program it describes is not directed at public safety, if you look closely for ideas you can apply to your personal fitness practices you are sure to find something you can use.