Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke

Today we meet Kelly, an Ashtanga yoga student and teacher trained in the practice of holding each posture—observing her thoughts and feelings and learning to simply be present without reaction. Six years ago, Kelly woke up with a strange feeling in her chest. Emergency open heart surgery led to spinal and brain strokes that left her unable to move from the waist down. In the rehab mirror, she saw the details: messy hair, chest glue, swollen feet in white Adidas. And she realized she was doing exactly what her yoga teacher had taught her—not reacting, just being there, in her posture, noticing. Through months of rehab, relearning how to move, how to walk, how to live, Kelly found that the practice she'd taught for years was now teaching her—one moment, one movement at a time.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• The head of recovery told Kelly, "I believe this is where your yoga comes in." What practice or skill from your past helps you now?

Mentioned Resource:

• Insight Timer Free Meditation App

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Kelly, an Ashtanga yoga student and teacher trained in the practice of holding each posture—observing her thoughts and feelings and learning to simply be present without reaction. Six years ago, Kelly woke up with a strange feeling in her chest. Emergency open heart surgery led to spinal and brain strokes that left her unable to move from the waist down. In the rehab mirror, she saw the details: messy hair, chest glue, swollen feet in white Adidas. And she realized she was doing exactly what her yoga teacher had taught her—not reacting, just being there, in her posture, noticing. Through months of rehab, relearning how to move, how to walk, how to live, Kelly found that the practice she'd taught for years was now teaching her—one moment, one movement at a time.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• The head of recovery told Kelly, "I believe this is where your yoga comes in." What practice or skill from your past helps you now?

Mentioned Resource:

• Insight Timer Free Meditation App

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Mary, a teacher who knew her calling from childhood—organizing cousins into line while playing school in Lynn, Massachusetts.

For twenty-four years, Mary taught with passion until a stroke on January 28th, 2010 changed everything. She couldn't speak at all for three months—only shake her head yes or no. Her first word came spontaneously: "Tailgate!"

Mary returned to teaching by applying her own lessons: practice, patience, and "wait time." Now she brings those same tools to the aphasia community, showing that the wisdom we gain as teachers can guide us as students of life.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What do you hope others will learn from the way you live your life?

Mentioned Resources:

Aphasia Resource Center at Boston University 

BU's Living with Aphasia Documentary Series

Constant Therapy

Just ASK (Aphasia Stroke Knowledge)

Living with Aphasia Project

Mass General Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center

National Aphasia Association

National Aphasia Synergy

Sherrill House

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Trish Hambridge’s Episodes 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Mary, a teacher who knew her calling from childhood—organizing cousins into line while playing school in Lynn, Massachusetts.

For twenty-four years, Mary taught with passion until a stroke on January 28th, 2010 changed everything. She couldn't speak at all for three months—only shake her head yes or no. Her first word came spontaneously: "Tailgate!"

Mary returned to teaching by applying her own lessons: practice, patience, and "wait time." Now she brings those same tools to the aphasia community, showing that the wisdom we gain as teachers can guide us as students of life.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What do you hope others will learn from the way you live your life?

Mentioned Resources:

Aphasia Resource Center at Boston University 

BU's Living with Aphasia Documentary Series

Constant Therapy

Just ASK (Aphasia Stroke Knowledge)

Living with Aphasia Project

Mass General Hospital Comprehensive Stroke Center

National Aphasia Association

National Aphasia Synergy

Sherrill House

Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital

Trish Hambridge’s Episodes 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we're offering another Community Special featuring the Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington led by Emily Wimberly. This dedicated group meets monthly, creating a space where members connect, practice communication skills, and discover new ways to cope and thrive with aphasia.  Join us as group members share the insights they've gained while navigating life with aphasia and the meaningful connections they've built along the way.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What helps you feel heard and understood?

Mentioned Resources:

• Overtake Communication & Support Group
• My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, P.h.D 
• National Aphasia Synergy
• Sue Phipps' Stories and Interviews

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today on Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke we're offering another Community Special featuring the Overlake Aphasia Communication & Support Group at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue, Washington led by Emily Wimberly. This dedicated group meets monthly, creating a space where members connect, practice communication skills, and discover new ways to cope and thrive with aphasia.  Join us as group members share the insights they've gained while navigating life with aphasia and the meaningful connections they've built along the way.

Community Conversation Prompt:

• What helps you feel heard and understood?

Mentioned Resources:

• Overtake Communication & Support Group
• My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor, P.h.D 
• National Aphasia Synergy
• Sue Phipps' Stories and Interviews

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Kimberley, who persevered through hardships growing up. On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a stroke furthered that storyline—leaving her unable to speak in a hospital hallway despite desperate attempts to call for help. The stroke caused aphasia, affecting her ability to find words.

Now Kimberley not only perseveres in her own life, but also advocates for all people with aphasia. She wears "aphasia" t-shirts daily to engage and teach others, and even plans to speak with people in Congress with her group from University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center.  Kimberley is offering her lived experience and voice to make way for a more supportive and just environment for people living with aphasia.

Kimberley’s journey shows that advocacy begins with curiosity, listening, and compassion—and flourishes through courage to engage. 

Suggested Resources:

• Pittsburgh VA Hospital PIRATE (Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment & Education) Program
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center

Community Conversation Prompt:

•  What practices help you prepare for challenges ahead? 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Kimberley, who persevered through hardships growing up. On Thanksgiving Day 2012, a stroke furthered that storyline—leaving her unable to speak in a hospital hallway despite desperate attempts to call for help. The stroke caused aphasia, affecting her ability to find words.

Now Kimberley not only perseveres in her own life, but also advocates for all people with aphasia. She wears "aphasia" t-shirts daily to engage and teach others, and even plans to speak with people in Congress with her group from University of Pittsburgh's Community Aphasia Center.  Kimberley is offering her lived experience and voice to make way for a more supportive and just environment for people living with aphasia.

Kimberley’s journey shows that advocacy begins with curiosity, listening, and compassion—and flourishes through courage to engage. 

Suggested Resources:

• Pittsburgh VA Hospital PIRATE (Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment & Education) Program
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center

Community Conversation Prompt:

•   What practices help you prepare for challenges ahead? 

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Virgil, who learned that strength isn't about being untouchable—it's about discovering what you're truly capable of when everything changes. From that confusing June evening in 2018 to becoming a beacon of hope in Pittsburgh's aphasia community, Virgil's story reminds us that sometimes life's greatest purpose emerges not despite our struggles, but because of them. This is a story about lacing up your boots and learning to march forward, not alone, but surrounded by a family that refuses to let anyone settle for less than their best.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• Who believed in you when you couldn't believe in yourself?
• How did they show you that you were stronger than you knew?

Mentioned Resources:

• Champion the Challenges - Golf4Life
• Pittsburgh VA Hospital PIRATE (Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment & Education) Program
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Montefiore Rehabilitation Hospital

Support a Stroke Survivor:

Your gift sponsors a stroke survivor through our seven-week reflective story crafting journey.
👉 Donate at beyondstillness.org

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit that empowers stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

Follow us: Instagram · Facebook · YouTube · beyondstillness.org

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth

Today we meet Virgil, who learned that strength isn't about being untouchable—it's about discovering what you're truly capable of when everything changes. From that confusing June evening in 2018 to becoming a beacon of hope in Pittsburgh's aphasia community, Virgil's story reminds us that sometimes life's greatest purpose emerges not despite our struggles, but because of them. This is a story about lacing up your boots and learning to march forward, not alone, but surrounded by a family that refuses to let anyone settle for less than their best.

Community Conversation Prompts:

• Who believed in you when you couldn't believe in yourself?
• How did they show you that you were stronger than you knew?

Mentioned Resources:

• Champion the Challenges - Golf4Life
• Pittsburgh VA Hospital PIRATE (Program for Intensive Residential Aphasia Treatment & Education) Program
• University of Pittsburgh Community Aphasia Center
• University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Montefiore Rehabilitation Hospital

Click here to sponsor a stroke survivor on their seven week reflective story crafting journey.

Join us on Instagram and Facebook and Youtube.

Beyond Stillness: Stories After Stroke is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower stroke survivors to articulate and publicly share their stories of wisdom, purpose, connection, and hope.

To learn more about our programs and services, please visit www.beyondstillness.org.

#BeyondStillness #StrokeRecovery #StrokeSurvivor #StrokeStories #StrokeAwareness #Storytelling #StrokeSupport #Recovery #Resilience #Hope #Transformation #LifeAfterStroke #Inspiration #NarrativeIdentity #StorytellingHeals #RewritingMyStory #IdentityAfterStroke #PostTraumaticGrowth