People have incredible strength and courage that can turn tragedy into something positive for others. A young woman who suffered a life-threatening back injury and nearly lost her entire family, turned it into a mission to aid others and heal their pain.
Loredana “Laurie”Meilbeck was a registered yoga instructor. Her world was forever changed when an SUV of too large size crushed her small Ford Escort and drove at 65 mph, breaking her back. While this is something that happens all the time, it’s not uncommon or unlucky. But it is the human spirit that makes for an interesting story.
To resist letting her spirit and body be dominated by the tragedy she experienced, she used Yoga as a way to stay positive and keep going through difficult rehab. She was able to overcome her lifelong disability, discover beauty and help others.
Laurie lived a life of freedom and mobility before the accident. She spent weekends in Southern California swimming, tanning and hiking, and she also enjoyed skiing and other outdoor activities. A skilled figure skater and model as well as a student in biology and the natural sciences, she was also a talented biologist. As the mother of two highly active kids, she was also the ‘Ubermom’ who participated in everything from Girl Scouts to BMX Racing.
Following the life-threatening injuries she sustained to her skull and back, as well as internal organs and legs, Laurie had to learn to talk, walk and read again. Laurie learned a lot from her doctors, including hours spent learning flashcards and Italian. “May never walk again” “would live with brain damage” “only have a limited capacity to work”, etc. These dark futures troubled her so she began to recall her yoga training and was assisted in simple poses by a friend. As she believed yoga would help her to escape from the dark future that others had for her, her faith began to grow. Slowly, she increased her physical capabilities while clearing her mind. Meditations and breathing helped her to improve her mental focus and increase her ability to achieve more.
She was discharged from the hospital after three months. Despite still having severe back and headache pains, she was unable to live on her own. She had support from family. With the help of a friend, she continued to practice Yoga every day. The pain medication she was prescribed had impeded her thinking and made her feel numb. One day she was disgusted and took her prescribed pain medicines with her to the toilet.
Laurie maintained yoga as her daily practice throughout the years, while continuing to raise her children and then returned to work. Through hard work and diligence, Laurie’s life became more like her former days. Laurie became a yoga teacher after discovering her passion for the subject.
Laurie was a certified Yoga instructor and taught in several yoga studios around the area. After completing additional training she opened her private studio.
She was able to give regular classes at Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, which was one of her many opportunities. These classes attracted mainly Marine wives, who encouraged their husbands to attend a Yoga class. Another class was held for Wounded Warriors returning from wars in Iraq or Afghanistan. Participants included muscular, young Marines with strong athletic skills who were either veterans of the Iraq War or had served in it.
Laurie observed the transformation in the Yoga class as men began to feel more confident and valued after it.
Laurie saw a noticeable improvement in the performance of men who took part in her classes if they could be persuaded. Many started returning to her classes, eager to start, and lining up at the door first. They talked about their favorite poses, how they felt painless, and what the best way to improve their game. Laurie, a patient and challenging instructor was well-respected. Laurie was able to see the need for a Yoga class for men through their outspoken enjoyment and satisfaction.
Laurie saw that Yoga classes were so popular with men, that she was able to share the message and encourage men to practice Yoga.
Laurie realized that this tragic event could be one of the most important defining moments in her life. Yoga was the answer. It was a “Marine Mom”She was a young woman who knew firsthand the sacrifices made by our nation’s youth. Her back injuries had caused her to be a recovering patient. Because she was a patient with a back injury, she understood the difficulties that men face in enjoying yoga. She also knew how to be compassionate and give back to those around her. She knew that her struggles would be a great platform to achieve her goals.
Laurie began her quest to make a yoga class with unbridled passion. Men could find a yoga class that addressed their back pain. This would allow them to identify with the benefits of Yoga. It would encourage yoga to flourish, while those who are in greatest need of it would be helped.
Laurie was determined to set a tone for men and create an appealing style. The setting was important. It included a simple pose sequence that focuses on relaxation and stretching, with less emphasis on meditation. There is also a modern music selection and a focus on movement and breathing. Laurie worked for many months to create a Yoga class that addresses all of the requirements regarding posture, strengthening, flexibility, and alignment.
Loredana, a yoga instructor who is dedicated to men only and focuses on men’s problems with their backs, created this class for men. It helps to relieve back pain as well as back problems. The class was introduced to the local Adult Education program and made available on video so that men could use it at their own pace. The class made its debut in Saddleback Valley USD Adult Ed February. It was crowded with twenty men from all walks of the life. It was a very positive experience and the feedback was excellent. The class was re-taught several times by the same men as before, and many new students joined. Laurie taught the class at her own studio. She tries to bring the class to a wider audience whenever possible. Many men find it difficult to practice yoga in a public space. They instead follow Laurie’s class online for back pain relief.
Laurie continues to live her life of gratitude and service by donating a large portion of her earnings to the Marines wounded. Laurie became a benefactor of the Injured Marine Spemper Fi Fund (IMSFF), which is an organization that provides financial support to wounded Marines, Sailors and Service Members during difficult times. The Fund continues to be supported by her efforts.
Laurie lives a healthy life and is a yoga instructor at her studio in California. Laurie is admired for her courage and determination, as well as her Yogi spirit, by her students. She loves to share her message of strength, hope and health.
Phillip is Laurie’s husband and Laurie helps to make yoga more accessible to all men.