I've had 2 lung transplants & yoga has helped me heal, move & breathe in life again

Meet @rani_yoga_wien sharing her #yogasavedmylife story with us. She first shared here nearly 2 years ago just after her 2nd transplant (see 2nd photo) & sharing again now because she's doing so well, breathing unassisted - it's worth celebrating 💚

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"In May 2005 I was diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. I had the symptoms already for 2 years, but an accurate diagnosis took a long time

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When I was diagnosed I did not realise the extent, but I understood that I had to do something about the pressure building up in my body & I started taking yoga classes

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Over the next 3 years I spent almost every free minute in the sivananda-yoga center. I was able to let go of everything. But only on the yogamat. With yoga I opened a door to a little place within myself & my healing journey could begin

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In 2008, after a burn-out, having lost my job, I decided to do YTT. This was the best decision I ever made! Ever since I am teaching & studying yoga with all my heart. When it got worse & I could hardly move I started to expand my meditation practice which helped me to understand & gain the inner strength to face my next situation. My lungs stopped working & I had a transplant in 2010

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When I woke up after 2 weeks in an induced coma, I benefited from the yoga philosophy because I understood that what my mind was telling me is not the truth: unable to speak I enjoyed the state of mauna, total silence

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I gradually learned to stand & walk & returned to my yoga mat to regain my strength

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At the end of last year later my body rejected the new lungs! Again my life changed & I had to undergo another transplantation. Again yoga supported me. I knew how to move, to feel & breath better & to stay calm in the months of decreasing health while waiting for my new lungs

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In July last year I got my new lungs & I can see how my mind & body are coping really well with the consequences of the surgery. I feel how the spirit of ahimsa & self reflection is helping me on my meditation cushion as well as on my yoga mat. I am rising again with yoga at my side to fullfill the wishes of my soul 💚"