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Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence Kindle Edition

4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 415 ratings

Matthew Sanford's inspirational story about the car accident that left him paralyzed from the chest down is a superbly written memoir of healing and journey—from near death to triumphant life.

Matt Sanford's life and body were irrevocably changed at age 13 on a snowy Iowa road. On that day, his family's car skidded off an overpass, killing Matt's father and sister and left him paralyzed from the chest down, confining him to a wheelchair. His mother and brother escaped from the accident unharmed but were left to pick up the pieces of their decimated family.

This pivotal event set Matt on a lifelong journey, from his intensive care experiences at the Mayo Clinic to becoming a paralyzed yoga teacher and founder of a nonprofit organization. Forced to explore what it truly means to live in a body, he emerges with an entirely new view of being a "whole" person.

By turns agonizingly personal, philosophical, and heartbreakingly honest, this groundbreaking memoir takes you inside the body, heart, and mind of a boy whose world has been shattered. Follow Sanford's journey as he rebuilds from the ground up, searching for "healing stories" to help him reconnect his mind and his body. To do so, he must reject much of what traditional medicine tells him and instead turn to yoga as a centerpiece of his daily practice. He finds not only a better life but also meaning and purpose in the mysterious distance that we all experience between mind and body.

In 
Waking, Sanford delivers a powerful message about the endurance of the human spirit and of the body that houses it.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Losing his father, his sister--and his legs--in a terrible car accident at the age of 13 did not stop Matthew Sanford from living his life . . . In Waking, he offers a powerful, honest account of his battle: awakening a spirit within a damaged body.” —Psychology Today

“This is a riveting, heartbreaking, heart-opening saga. . . . Months after first reading it, I find myself appreciating his writing and the depth of his thinking more and more.” —
Nina Utne, Chair, Utne magazine

“His paralysis has taught him powerful lessons about consciousness . . . [Sanford] will truly dare readers to appreciate their own bodies and lives.” —
Yoga Journal

“From a hard-won understanding of how the body has intelligence and is an aspect of the soul, the author presents us with a new revitalizing vision of what it is to be human.” —
Susan Griffin, author of Woman and Nature

About the Author

MATTHEW SANFORD is the founder of the non-profit organization Mind Body Solutions. He specializes in adapting yoga to people living with disabilities and teaches workshops around the country. He currently resides in Orono, Minnesota.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B004GNF16U
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Rodale Books; 1st edition (May 27, 2008)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 27, 2008
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1725 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 274 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 159486845X
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 415 ratings

About the authors

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
415 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book easy to read and inspiring. They appreciate the author's profound insights into the mind-body connection and his heartfelt story of overcoming adversity. The writing quality is described as well-written, eloquent, and clear. Readers enjoy the author's honesty and resiliency.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

53 customers mention "Readability"53 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and engaging. They describe it as honest, inspiring, and a must-read for anyone interested in yoga, bodywork, spirituality, energy, and the mind. The author does a good job of illustrating the limitations of medical care. Overall, readers appreciate the straightforward and concise writing style.

"This was an awesome book...." Read more

"...Beautiful writing, absolutely beautiful. I have had both feet operated on twice, and contacted an infection at the surgery center...." Read more

"...I devoured this book in less than a day because of its style and conviction--and because the therapeutic presence of Matthew Sanford on the page is..." Read more

"...It's an absolute must read for anyone interested in yoga, bodywork, spirituality, energy, and the mind/body connection. ☆☆☆☆☆" Read more

46 customers mention "Insight"46 positive0 negative

Customers find the book profound and inspiring. They say it's a fascinating look into the mind-body connection, heartfelt story of overcoming adversity, and captivating for yoga enthusiasts or people interested in disability adaptation. The simple voice resonates with everyone who has endured physical and emotional healing. It is a reference guide for life.

"This was an awesome book. A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I..." Read more

"This book is a reference guide for life. I did not expect to be so taken in, so much a part of his trauma and transcendence. A mirror to my soul...." Read more

"...I felt present. The key to living a purposeful and meaningful life, like Matthew says, is presence...which is ironically the very thing that sparked..." Read more

"...This is a book that can potentially revolutionize the thinking of physical therapists and anyone that works with people who are coping with past..." Read more

34 customers mention "Story telling"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the story gripping and inspiring. They describe it as a remarkable memoir with vivid descriptions of trauma and healing. Readers appreciate the author's ability to tell a gripping story without being cliched. The book is described as spellbinding and even magical by some.

"This was an awesome book. A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I..." Read more

"...Thank you Matthew for the work you do and for sharing your beautiful healing stories...." Read more

"...The story is incredibly engaging, heartbreaking, unique and inspirational...." Read more

"...It is thoughtful, spellbinding, and even a magical book...." Read more

20 customers mention "Writing quality"17 positive3 negative

Customers find the book well-written and easy to read. They appreciate the author's candid, insightful writing style and simple storytelling voice.

"...Beautiful writing, absolutely beautiful. I have had both feet operated on twice, and contacted an infection at the surgery center...." Read more

"...Mr. Sanfords' use of language is breathtaking, as is his journey through brokenness to a unified self...." Read more

"This book was easy to read and understand spinal injury has to be so awful,. God bless the author for sharing his unforgettable story...." Read more

"...I am so grateful to have met Matt through his beautifully written book...." Read more

13 customers mention "Honesty"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's honesty and candidness. They find the book insightful and well-written, with compelling insights into self-discovery. Readers enjoy the author's descriptions of his breakthrough moments. Overall, they describe the book as inspiring and well-crafted.

"...Matthew beautifully describes his breakthrough moments. The book is inspiring and extremely well written...." Read more

"...It tells a story in a beautifully crafted way and gives the reader insight into a human's life throughout a spectrum of growth and crisis...." Read more

"...Not here, though. Sanford is focused, honest and passionate. I highly recommend this book." Read more

"...Honest, heartwarming, heartbreaking and thought provoking. This a great read for anyone, especially if you think your life is difficult." Read more

8 customers mention "Resiliency"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's resiliency. They find the author's courage and will to survive touching. The journey through brokenness to a unified self is breathtaking. Readers also mention that the book was in excellent condition.

"...was so moved by Matthew's healing stories; his courage and resilience gave me goosebumps and allowed me to connect to that silent sensation he so..." Read more

"...' use of language is breathtaking, as is his journey through brokenness to a unified self. It is thoughtful, spellbinding, and even a magical book...." Read more

"...Matthew's story is inspiring beyond words. His courage and resiliency touched my heart. I highly recommend this book." Read more

"An amazing life story and a testament to Life’s will to survive, experience, and create growth...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2006
    This was an awesome book. A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I am a massage therapist. I found the linking of trauma and injury with the body very helpful in understanding clients and even my own limitations or prior injuries, it proves that your muscles do remember and even have flashbacks to trauma incurred to the body. I was totally inspired by Matthew and all he went through and accomplished during his journey back to health and Im so grateful that he shared it with us. It is also a good book for anyone experiencing aging in their bodies to read as well, lots of helpful insight for all of us as we start to disconnect from our bodies because of limitations or injury or age. Very inspiring and uplifting and hopeful.
    13 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2017
    This book is a reference guide for life. I did not expect to be so taken in, so much a part of his trauma and transcendence. A mirror to my soul. I am going to read this book twice, maybe 3 times, so I can apply the life lessons for living whole. Beautiful writing, absolutely beautiful. I have had both feet operated on twice, and contacted an infection at the surgery center. My podiatrist said if the 6 weeks of aggressive IV antibiotics don't kill the infection, there is a possibility of amputating the big toe, but I refuse to accept that possibility. I have been an athlete since age 10 and now I'm 54. Running, biking, hot yoga, karate, etc. I'm literally at a loss about what I can do and who I am. Exercise was for my mind and my body. I feel like I have a friend or a buddy in reading Matthew's healing stories and encouraged to write my own. Thank you Matthew. Thank you. Amy
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2023
    I was inspired to read this book after listening to a On Being podcast in which the author, Matthew Sanford, was interviewed. I was moved by what he shared, so I purchased his book. Typically, I would consider myself a slow, thoughtful reader as I like to take time to reflect & implement what I am reading. However, I was unable to put this book down. I was so moved by Matthew's healing stories; his courage and resilience gave me goosebumps and allowed me to connect to that silent sensation he so beautifully speaks of. A man, born with a smile on his face, brought both a smile and a great deal of tears to my face during a time where I felt hope was lost. While my story is different than his, I felt a deep sense of sameness; of connection to Matthew as I made my way through the pages this book. My struggles softened. I was brought into presence. I felt hope again.

    As a single mother of 3 daughters, and after having survived cancer, a divorce, career loss, and a very difficult faith transition, I discovered the healing path of yoga, specifically the healing power of breath. I currently facilitate yoga in the Sacramento area in a variety of ways, specializing in addiction recovery. Next month, I will graduate from an intensive 3 year yoga therapy program to become a C-IAYT (certified international yoga therapist). While my path feels somewhat unclear, I have a deep sense of purpose and vision. Matthew's story, again so timely, inspired me to trust in time and have faith in living. I feel encouraged to continue on my path, staying open to all that I cannot yet see.

    I have struggled to find teachers like Matthew in the world of yoga, but when they come along, I feel a deep sense of both gratitude and connection...and I feel hope again. This work continues to heal me, mind-body and soul. It helps me to let go of some of the fears I face and heal unresolved trauma. As I do, I find myself beginning again, as we are always living and dying simultaneously. I woke up this morning with a smile on my face. It felt good to feel that again. I laid there for a moment just feeling the joy to be alive again, to be starting over. I felt present. The key to living a purposeful and meaningful life, like Matthew says, is presence...which is ironically the very thing that sparked me to change my life. It continues to be a guiding star in my life as I try to allow my life to be my meditation.

    Thank you Matthew for the work you do and for sharing your beautiful healing stories. I wish you, Jennifer, Paul and your sweet spirit William continued healing, growth and happiness. Your story has changed me.

    Keep smiling.
    Love, Holly
    nativebreath.com
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 20, 2008
    Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence is a life story that makes demands on the reader not unlike a yoga or rehabilitation stretch. Just when you think that it is too much to bear, there is a moment of breakthrough, of grace, that makes it possible to perverere. I devoured this book in less than a day because of its style and conviction--and because the therapeutic presence of Matthew Sanford on the page is palpable. Waking will resonate with readers who have sustained a physical loss, who have been traumatized, and/or who are open to the possibility of a different type of healing. I also believe it could help health care workers understand from the inside-out what it is like to live in a body altered by the unexpected. I found this book by accident while googling the phrase "trauma and transcendence." The subtitle precisely sums up the book's theme. My only complaint is its brevity (241 pages). It could have easily been double that length, sharing greater details of Sanford's life with paralysis and the yoga practice that echoes his own deep well of wisdom and courage.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Me
    5.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and Fortifying
    Reviewed in Canada on March 1, 2020
    Matthew weaves the yoga philosophy throughout his work. I will be attending level 1\2 in April. I feel this is awakening for me in the making. Yoga has opened up space in my life mind and body and I can see where I can settlement the silence of this space, and listen to what is held in my heart. Just feel and experience. Thank you for sharing your life.
  • lisa
    5.0 out of 5 stars consigliabile
    Reviewed in Italy on January 31, 2014
    Matthew Sanford ha avuto un grave incidente d'auto all'età di 13 anni ed è rimasto paralizzato dalla vita in giù. Dopo diversi anni dall'incidente (e dopo aver affrontato vari interventi) ha scoperto lo yoga e attraverso lo yoga ha ritrovato quella sensazione del corpo che l'ambiente medico gli negava. Ora insegna yoga sia ai disabili sia alle persone "normali" e sa trasmettere forza, fiducia e un grande amore per la vita.
    Il libro racconta vicende drammatiche, ma si legge d'un fiato ed è veramente straordinario.
    Lo consiglio vivamente, a tutti, se avete familiarità con l'inglese e anglo-americano
  • R. Caink
    5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 2, 2010
    I'm coming to this from a yoga perspective and found it very very interesting. Its very well written and provides an incredible insight into the reality of his experience throughout all the years before he is introduced to yoga which must be beyond the first half of the book. I havn't finished it yet, he's still developing his practice. I would love to attend some of his classes, I think all supposedly 'able bodied' yoga students would gain a great deal from his teaching.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing - read this book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on October 24, 2015
    Every yoga teacher and student interested in the mind/body experience should read this book.
  • GE Mitchell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 2, 2014
    A stunning must read for all who love yoga

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