Phenomenal Yoga Master and other MS Phenoms
by Brandi Bard


We would like to introduce Eric Small to you. The tall, slender handsome gentleman is a Native Californian from Santa Catalina Island in the Pacific Ocean just 26 miles west of the Los Angeles area coast line. Although close, this picturesque place seems light years removed from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the traffic-congested state. Eric spent much of his youth out of doors enjoying horseback riding with his father and walking through the beautiful scenery of this tranquil island with his brother.

Later Eric became a teacher of Materials and Methods used in the teaching of art. By dictionary definition a Yogi is someone who practices yoga, which is further defined as a system of exercises for promoting self control of the body and the mind. Lastly the word Guru is shown to be a mentor or teacher. Therefore, many people who have Multiple Sclerosis here in Southern California know that Eric Small, the Yoga Master, is the teacher (guru) that they chose to show them the proven method Eric himself used to re-establish his health after his own diagnoses of M.S. when he was in his twenties. Later, when he was confined to a wheelchair for 15 years, he reasoned that no one knew what was being told by his own body better than himself, so he began to eat only those things that helped his body feel stronger and/or better and to do those breathing techniques and exercises that promote strengthening of the body and mind. Eric walks and stands and swims and does exercises and no longer needs a wheelchair at all.

Since then Mr. Small has developed the system that people who have M.S. also now use to help themselves. The Multiple Sclerosis Society branch here in Glendale, California also has delegated Eric to teach other yoga teachers, so that they can conduct Yoga sessions in many different locations in Southern California. Those of us who attend these classes readily see the logical ideals, and practice these precepts toward regaining better, more healthful conditions in our lives. For instance, Eric Small teaches things to do in a chair (with wheels or otherwise) so that the chair won't take over our lives. He suggests methods for walking 'in the chair" as he did years ago, so that when he could walk again, he was ready.

Eric says, "Look at what your body is doing and also listen to your own body." This Yoga master does not teach 'routines' either, as each person and each day are different. Eric also suggested that each of us accept ourselves and that we be the very best we can be each day. He suggested that, "since the highest calling of mankind is to be of service, when we delegate and allow someone else to be helpful to us, we are in turn allowing them to be at their very best, too."

Yoga progress is essential to manage this M.S. life successfully.


Sylvia and Rita

You've already met Sylvia Sutton, one of our editors, who has M.S. and who manages a dental office in Santa Monica, California. Sylvia, too, is a yoga student of Eric Small, keeps up a two story home, and does all her own shopping and cooking, and so much more in her very busy schedule including being a member of our board of directors.

Then there's our good friend in New Jersey, Rita McGinley, a registered nurse who, even though she has M.S., volunteers as the National Patient services nurse for the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America.

And then we have Judy Rappaport in Florida who also has M.S. herself, and yet she volunteers to help the people at the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation offices in the state. And another one of our favorites, though an M.S. patient in a convalescent hospital herself, Claudia Liebanau gets out in her wheelchair and goes all over the Santa Monica area smiling all the time and being a prime ambassador and example of good will for all of the people in the area who have a physical challenge of any kind. Our hat's off to all of you wonderful people!!

We are grateful to all of you for being such exemplary role models.

Judy Rappaport "I'm not a victim, I'm Victorious"