The perfect introduction to the basics of wellness, whether it's stretching, meditation, yoga or stress relief, and to the creation of a personal healing process.Through poetic prose and soothing illustrations, Open Body teaches how to respond creatively to the needs of one's body. Todd Walton has struggled since his teenage years with a condition that causes premature stiffening and eventual fusing of the vertebrae and joints. Despite medical advice and drug therapy, Todd's chronic pain was not alleviated -- until he took up yoga. Intimidated by his physical limitations, he began to develop his own form of basic yoga principles and reveled in his improved flexibility, decreased pain, and increased strength. In a warm and inspirational way, Todd shares his insight into the restorative qualities of easy stretches, breathing techniques, and meditation. His main tenet is that no two bodies are alike, and individual pain is unique. To achieve a positive mind-body connection, one must create a personal response to the needs of one's own body and soul.

This book gently guides the reader to that end.