Meet Awesome Amazing Pat, one of the O.G. Holland yogis that has been with us for quite some time (like, four years to be exact).
Pat was nominated for Student of the Month by our very own super smiley and sweet Holland front-desker, Meg!
I want to nominate Pat H. for student of the month! He’s crushing the DARE right now. Pat has been such a key part of Funky Buddha for a long time. He is so faithful in his practice and is legally blind. He’s practiced TWO times every day and walks back and forth to the studio. Pat told me today that with his walking and yoga-ing it adds up to a little over 40 hours. He’s really kept the morale high in Holland this month. 🙂 —Meg
A Little Bit About Pat:
I became visually disabled just over nine years ago from blood clots in my retinas of both eyes. I have a little vision in my right eye which makes it hard for me to identify people. Probably the easiest way is to describe it is it like having Vaseline on your glasses. Each state has a training center for teaching the visually disabled to adapt to their needs. Ours is located in Kalamazoo and I was able to attend. I learned reading and writing in braille, cooking, cleaning, wood shop, white cane mobility, computers, etc. They also offered a yoga class which was my first exposure to this lifestyle.
When and why did you start practicing at Funky Buddha?
I noticed Funky Buddha when it was in the construction stage as I walked by the Holland location on the way to the gym. Like most, I started with the Groupon offer four years ago this month. We live just under two miles from the Holland location on the other side of the highway. I usually walk to class, but in the winter & in bad weather I ride the bus.
What’s your favorite pose and why?
What I appreciate the most is the camaraderie with my fellow classmates & staff. My favorite pose is legs up the wall.
What obstacles or challenges has yoga helped you to overcome?
The “DOUBLE DOWN DOG DARE” is my personal challenge which started last year when I turned 60. My challenge is to complete two classes each day for the entire month to equal my age. Last year I made through the 26th day and ended up in the hospital for a unrelated health problem. This year I completed all 31 days. Since I walk both ways to class I am estimating that I spent about 40 hours each week to achieve my goal. During this dare, I attended 65 classes and walked over a half million steps per my Fitbit. Thank you to everyone for your support during my journey.
Anything else you’d like to share?
First, I need to thank my wife, Kim for letting me keep up the habit. Also, a big THANK YOU to all the Holland staff for all their help and friendship that has developed over the years.
