Rock Springs Retreat Center / September 11, 2023 /
Anna Rutherford /
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Meet Leslie Thompson, not just a musician, but a living testament to the unyielding human spirit. Her story is one of profound transformations, not only in her physical well-being but also in her outlook on life itself. Leslie's story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the incredible power of self-discovery. From Thanksgiving 2022 to the present day, Leslie has undergone an astonishing metamorphosis, shedding an incredible 150 pounds! Yet her odyssey transcends mere physical transformation; it's a story of defying the odds, of emerging from a place where regaining full-range movement of her left arm and embodying her legs seemed like an impossible dream.
Leslie, defying all expectations, has become a beacon of inspiration. She intimately understands the darkness and despair life can impose when it demands you find something new within yourself. Today, she's not only celebrating her own triumph; she's actively helping others find their light. Holding titles as a Feldenkrais practitioner and certified yoga instructor specializing in yoga therapy, Leslie is on a mission to empower individuals to uncover their inner strength and resilience. Join us in celebrating Leslie’s heartfelt story that radiates with hope and the enduring power of the human spirit.
December 2022
August 2023
A Test of Resilience
Leslie's journey began with a life-altering setback — a devastating accident that left her grappling with impaired body movement. This unexpected turn took a heavy toll, not only on her physical health but also on the very core of her emotional well-being. A brain injury cast a shadow over her body's capabilities, and the prognosis was disheartening. It seemed she would never regain full movement of her left arm or walk without pain in her legs. In the wake of this crushing blow, Leslie found herself in a state of depression, feeling trapped and unable to pursue her passion for music.
However, amidst the darkness, Leslie saw a glimmer of hope—a path to dig herself out of this seemingly insurmountable hole. She made the courageous decision to go back to school and completed her master's degree. As she pursued her studies, Leslie also ventured into the world of physical rehabilitation and yoga. She studied functional neurology and embraced the Feldenkrais Method, a discipline centered around "improving movement and well-being by developing a deeper understanding of the body and its capabilities.”
Equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to mend her body, Leslie found herself at a crossroads. She possessed the know-how, but the lingering shadows of her ordeal continued to haunt her. Healing seemed elusive, as if she didn't truly deserve it, and the idea of recovering appeared to be an impossible feat. The weight of her emotions began to envelop her in darkness, and it became evident that she needed to break free and step into the light. That’s when a unique opportunity had presented itself — an uninterrupted two months solely dedicated to self-discovery and healing. Leslie knew it was time to begin her life-changing crusade. Her first step began with the help of Fit Farm, guided by Head Trainer, Hunter.
A Triumph of Adversities
Leslie's first eight weeks at Fit Farm marked a pivotal moment in her life. Her journey began just before Thanksgiving in 2022 with a clear objective: to reteach herself that her legs were a part of her and regain their use. Those initial days on the farm were nothing short of challenging. The pain coursing through her legs threatened to halt her progress, to the extent that even the short walk from the Main Lodge to the Whippy Barn felt like an overwhelming mountain to conquer. But Leslie remained steadfast in her determination. The moment that would forever remain etched in her memory occurred when she took her first uphill walk to the lodge, an achievement that moved her to tears.
The act of walking from one point to another had become a source of terror for Leslie, as it felt like navigating a minefield of potential setbacks. The anxiety was compounded by the relentless pain, which seemed to paralyze her with fear. However, it was within this fear that Leslie discovered her breakthrough. During her third one-on-one PT session with Hunter, whose expertise is in rehabilitative therapy, they embarked on a trek from the Main Lodge to the pond, the longest distance she had yet to travel by foot since her accident. It was a path fraught with discomfort and struggle, but Leslie was not alone. Hunter stood beside her, offering unwavering support and encouragement, urging her to push through her fears and assuring her that everything would eventually fall into place. Then, the moment arrived. Leslie made it to her destination, and an overwhelming sense of accomplishment washed over her. In that moment, Leslie began to grasp that her pain and fear transcended the physical; they were a reflection of her outlook on life itself.
Leslie and Head Trainer, Hunter
A Journey of Transformation
Leslie was proud that she was able to push past her perceived limits. Initially, she wasn't sure if her stay at Fit Farm would make a lasting impact, but she quickly realized that her success depended on fully embracing the experience. This meant letting go of preconceived notions that she would be alone because she had to do things differently. Leslie came to trust both the process and her trainers at Fit Farm. It was a distinctive experience compared to workouts at home or the gym. The trainers and staff built a genuine connection with her, providing support every step of the way to ensure her success. This environment encouraged Leslie to push her limits in ways she had never previously considered, with the positive energy radiating from fellow Fit Farm guests further igniting the flames of her determination. Before she knew it, it wasn’t just her physical health that had undergone change, but her daily habits and relationship with food were evolving too. Although there was some anxiety upon returning home for the holiday break, with the fear of potentially losing her hard-earned progress, Leslie was pleasantly surprised to find that these changes felt entirely natural. It was as if the seeds she had planted were beginning to sprout, making her upcoming second half of her stay even more fruitful.
Upon her return to the farm following the Christmas break, a remarkable shift in Leslie's personal outlook became strikingly evident. It was during this period that she finally felt as though she had been granted permission to fully exist in this world. Even after realizing that trauma from her accident was intricately linked to specific body movements that evoked painful memories, she consciously embraced these feelings. Guided by René Daumal's wise words, "The door to the invisible must be visible," Leslie embarked on a quest to establish a deep connection between her mind and body, which became the driving force propelling her remarkable progress. She exceeded the program's expectations by seamlessly weaving her own knowledge into the classes, including personal yoga therapy sessions each morning at 4:45 am, before her day at Fit Farm began. In this transformative process, Leslie harnessed the combined power of the Feldenkrais Method, neurotherapy, yoga, Fit Farm, and steadfast determination, piecing together these elements like an intricate puzzle. With each passing day, these elements aligned more harmoniously, guiding her along the path of her monumental journey.
Leslie practicing a series of Feldenkrais lessons to improve range of motion and proprioception, even in unconventional positions. "You learn about how you use your ankles, in particular, even when they are in a different relationship to gravity and behind you. It's a lot of fun to work on!"
A Message of Hope
Leslie's story didn't conclude at Fit Farm; it was merely the prologue. Her ongoing dedication and the astonishing progress she sustains serve as an inspiration. Before she started her voyage, she never would have imagined that she’d be practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu and kickboxing in just 10 months! Today, she continues to surpass her expectations as she sprints down the Whippy Trail on the farm every other week. Leslie’s message of hope, encapsulated in the simple yet profound advice to "show up for yourself and then keep showing up for yourself," reverberates through her work as a yoga therapist. She has become a guiding light, leading others out of life's darkest tunnels, showing them that resilience and renewal are within reach.
Leslie's story is a testament to the power of the human spirit. It's a celebration of triumph over adversity, an enduring commitment to self-improvement, and a reminder that with conviction and the right support, we can conquer even the most formidable challenges life presents. In celebrating Leslie Thompson's extraordinary journey, we celebrate the boundless potential that resides within us all, waiting to be awakened by the spark of determination and nurtured by the embrace of unwavering support. Leslie's odyssey is a beacon of hope, a reminder that, indeed, the impossible can be overcome.
I met Leslie a few weeks ago at the gym. We go to the same mma gym and weight training gym, and one day we sparked up a conversation in the sauna; it’s genuinely impressive how she essentially brought herself back from the dead. This article/blog is a great compilation and outline of her success.