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To help you understand the benefits of Systema Breathing and how it relates to every activity, this page contains real life stories submitted to us by Systema practitioners.
We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences by sending them to training@russianmartialart.com
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"Dear Vladimir,
One evening, I was returning home from work (I am a 64 year-old Health Professional). It was around 8:30 pm and I could see a car from the passing lane coming directly at me when it was about one mile ahead. I pulled off the road. So did the car. I moved into the gravel, so did the car. By then, I was certain that this part of my role in the universe was at the end. Now, instead of my life rushing by, Systema and you Vladimir came into my mind. I began to try to relax and control my terror with breathing. In a matter of a second, the head-on crash happened. The windshield collapsed first, then the air bags exploded, driving glass into my eyes, ears, and nose. I remember everything. My go-around started, and I experienced no fear, but an abundance of air and just a desire to keep on breathing. When I stopped spinning, I was breathing quite normally.
I looked for the other car and I could see it in the middle of a cornfield, and I could hear a woman screaming. Her car looked as though it had burst into flames and I knew I was the only one to get her out. I undid my seatbelt but I couldn’t get the door open. I tried my last effort and could hear bones breaking in my feet when I threw my body against the door.
Then I smelled smoke. Having been around accidents before, I thought it was the opening charge of the air bag, but when I looked down, I could see my chest was on fire. (They say sometimes a chemical reaction from the air bag will cause “a small fire”. May be, but when it is on my chest, it ain’t no “small fire”). I kept on breathing and put it out with my hands.
I could still hear the woman screaming and I thought, “Oh God, what if she’s on fire also?”
Someone with a cell phone was knocking on my side window. I recognized Don, our small counties Fire Chief.
“Don,” I said, “I’m so glad to see you, I could kiss you!”
Don said, “You’re in enough trouble already.”
I said, “There’s still a girl in that other car - go to her.”
Don said, “There is a crew rescuing her. She thinks she killed you, unless there’s another chubby old man out here!”
I leaned back in my chair and let the firemen do what firemen do. They never could get my door open so they pulled me out the back window and took me to the trauma center. Now I am mended enough to write.
I remember what a clear night it was. The driver of the car was 16 year old girl who said, “I didn’t see you, I was asleep.”
They say there is one thing about you Vladimir and Systema – once tried – never forgotten.
I never met you in person, I wish I had, and would have liked to feel Mikhail’s punches, but I just practice a lot from your tapes. I don’t think I am much of an expert, but I’d like to Thank You For Instilling Relaxation.
When the State Police Sergeant said, “Share your secret - how in the world did you live through that wreck? I’d already notified the coroner.” I just said, “with an old philosophy, breathing, some distant friends, and God.”
And so be it.
Love."
Larry Peterson
Illinois - May, 2006.
Add "LET EVERY BREATH…" to your library
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