In mid-March of 2005, I had an accident that necessitated an eleven
                           day stay in Maui Memorial Hospital.  While practicing aerial dance, a
                           hobby of mine, the rigging I had secured came loose. I fell 15 feet to
                           the ground shattering both wrists, fracturing my L3 and left
                           calcaneus.  I was whisked away in an ambulance to begin an unforeseen
                           adventure and very challenging medical journey.
                           Initial consultations were grim with one doctor stating I would never
                           be normal again.  Through the grace of my mother's cousin I was
                           referred to  Dr. Caz Soma, one of my present day heroes.  Dr. Soma
                           stepped in, taking over my case.  He not only performed the surgery on
                           my wrists but, even more importantly, believed in my full recovery.
                           Taking one day at a time, to create self-healing, I utilized my time
                           in the hospital to use all of the tools that I have been practicing
                           and teaching for years.  Each day, I began with prayer, meditation,
                           guided imagery/visualization, breathing exercises, and mental attitude
                           shaping.  In addition to these modalities, which I could practice
                           myself, I also had the amazing Kabba Anand at my side performing
                           acupuncture.   In addition, I had massage therapists; energy medicine
                           practitioners; healing musicians; emotional/spiritual counselors, in
                           person and via phone consultation, to facilitate a deep understanding
                           of the origin of my accident at a spiritual level.  I believe that
                           healing addressed at a spiritual level accelerates the recovery of the
                           physical body.
                                I put myself on a diet of high vibration foods, which I felt would
                           support my system the best.  This diet included only greens,
                           vegetables, and other all natural foods, which were brought to me by
                           my good friends.  Not once during my stay did I eat a meal prepared by
                           the hospital.
                                Finally, after five days in the hospital, one of the physical
                           therapists took me outside to a small courtyard on the hospital
                           grounds. I do believe the angels cried in ecstasy as I tasted my first
                           breath of fresh air...it seemed like heaven!
                                Upon my return home, I spent four weeks in bed; used a wheelchair, a
                           platform walker, hopping on one foot; and my back was stabilized with
                           a brace.  I gradually spent time outdoors, in nature, being nurtured
                           by the air, trees, flowers, wind, rain, and sunshine...the natural
                           healers and teachers of life.
                                Within three months, I was back on my feet functioning in daily life: 
                           walking, driving, working out at the gym, swimming, and working a
                           moderate schedule teaching yoga and giving massages.  I believe that
                           utilizing an integrative approach and being surrounded by a natural
                           environment accelerated my recovery time.