Garth McLean’s story is an inspiring one. In his own words, he was “blessed with a diagnosis of MS” in 1996, an event that disrupted his career trajectory as a Hollywood actor and that changed everything for him – as he says, instantly, forever and continuously.

Yoga helps him manage his symptoms and the stress of these huge changes, and while it’s not a cure, he is living proof that a well-informed practice can help lessen symptoms and safely empower the practitioner to enhance their quality of life, whether dealing with a condition or convalescing from an injury or illness

Shortly after I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 1996, as a younger man I was scared, unsure and filled with trepidation about an uncertain future. Along with relevant medication, my doctor recommended yoga as a complementary discipline that may help to get and keep my condition in remission, and my body functioning. I was lucky to soon afterwards receive direct personal guidance from BKS Iyengar and Geeta Iyengar.

Disease implies an absence of ease or an imbalance. An internal storm. A perfect breeding ground for fear, uncertainty and doubt, all of which seem to resonate in our current global climate.

In these upcoming workshops we seek to soothe and balance the nervous and immune systems to calm the chaos and restore a sense of balance...physically and emotionally ... according to the individual's needs and ability. Health is simply a by-product of proper yoga practice. Through iconic alignment of asana (physical postures) and pranayama (breathing) we can fortify stability and mobility to keep mobile and endure with relative ease what may not be able to be cured. Once we arrive to ourselves and own our personal truth of where we are, we can then work to align the body, the peripheral nerves with the motor nerves, in such a fashion that the body is given the opportunity to realize its potential. BKS Iyengar opened up a door to possibility and gave me the tools to take action to move beyond my limitations with courage and caution.

I welcome you and hope you can join me as we investigate and explore ways to quell symptoms, brighten the future and enhance our lives!

Garth McLean is a dedicated practitioner of yoga. As a teacher of yoga, Garth is a senior level Certified Iyengar Yoga Teacher “CIYT” (Level 3 – Intermediate Sr III), a Certified Yoga Therapist and Approved Professional Development Provider with the International Association of Yoga Therapists (C-IAYT), and a Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 500) and Continuing Education Provider (YACEP) with Yoga Alliance.

Garth is a published author of Yoga and Multiple Sclerosis, A Practical Guide for People with MS and Yoga Teachers, (Singing Dragon Books, London 2020).