If you’ve never met Eric Smart then you should make an effort to do so.

A 48 year old Scotsman from Aberdeen who has less hair than me and a warmth that is so genuine that you are humbled in his presence.

Eric walked into my studio a year ago having been talking to someone about cycling and told me he was staying in Malta for 1 year before heading off to Africa?

As he told his story it was clear this was no ordinary man. He had already spent 26 months cycling around the world and was now planning to set off from Aberdeen and cycle for 3 years around the coastline of Africa!!

I’m not easily impressed but here was someone who knocked me for six. His plan was to raise enough funds by doing massages, and yoga for which he was qualified and to do some inspirational public speaking. Of course, as is often the case with these company HRO’s they would rather have some twat talk about financial meltdown or Income tax concessions in the EU than a genuine bloke living the dream.

Over the months we have become good friends and he only has 3 weeks before he leaves the island for good and sets off back to Aberdeen to see his parents and family before jumping on a mountain bike and setting off on this arduous journey.

Spending time with Eric is a pleasure and puts onto perspective what shallow lives most of us have. Bank loans, mortgages, cosmetic holidays and the material existence we live really is questioned when you speak to Eric. He probably owns about enough gear to fit into a Ryan Air hand luggage, yet he is totally content. You never hear him moaning, always has a smile on his face with a cracking sense of humour and is in total touch with his feelings. A wonderful human being who deserves so much more.

Now I don’t expect miracles but by sharing this post and commenting on his website we just might be able to give him the support he deserves and leaves the island in a positive frame of mind.

As I said at the start everybody ought to meet Eric Smart?

Alan

I had been in severe lower pack pain for a number of years, which medical treatments had not alleviated . Whilst on holiday in Cyprus I struggled to climb the two flights of stairs to my apartment. My sister suggested I book an appointment with Eric. After a gentle but very effective back massage followed by an energy treatment I fell into a deep two hour sleep and was subsequently pain free for over 6 months.

Simona

I really enjoy your style of yoga with a nice emphasis on breathing and stretching rather than too much strength stuff.

Ben

I am an 86 year old female with an arthritic lower back which led to severe sciatica issues resulting in extreme pain and immobility. A consultant said that I required an operation but advised against it due to my age. I worked with Eric twice weekly for over a year following the yoga and breathing advice, receiving massages and healing treatments. I am now completely free from sciatica and have, thankfully regained my independence. I don’t know how to thank him!

Frieda

You have so much material and your enthusiasm is infectious … Lesley

Amazing I will never forget this … what a lesson to all

You left me absolutely speechless!

Thanks for being such an inspirational person

Miscellaneous responses from a talk in Malta

Due to my job I had repetitive strain injury in my right shoulder and arm. With Eric’s yoga tuition I managed to reduce the discomfort. However, when Eric gave me a ‘Healing’ the pain which used to be up to 9 out of 10 ALWAYS reduced to 2 out of 10 or disappeared COMPLETELY!

Liliana

Eric’s yoga lessons are great because they can be done by anyone of any capability. They are subtle moves that if done right, always manage to find an under used muscle. An hour of yoga focus sets you up for the day!

Helen

I want to thank you for your great Yoga classes. You have been such a fun & inspirational teacher & I always leave your class feeling calmer, happier, hopefully a little more stretched & definitely with a smile on my face!

I will miss your interesting & reflective words of wisdom & Mantras, as well as my favourite exercises “stirring the porridge””ringing the bell” & not forgetting those very unattractive facial exercises which I hope will not give me wrinkles! Most of all I will miss your great sense of humour, your inspiration & positivity which you generously share with your class, thank you.

It has been a joy & pleasure meeting you & I wish you all the very best for a happy & exciting new adventure ahead.

“Good Job”

Marian

Farewell Eric, hope you will accept this gift as a token of our appreciation for the effect you have had on our lives. We loved your style of yoga – it was inspirational.

Love and best wishes, Leslie and Viktoria

Eric, I wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart, for your kindness and your stories. You inspired me and you made me understand that I should go for what I want in life even though I’m scared.

Amélie

Dear Eric,

I want to let you know how much Karen and I enjoyed your talk the other evening. The subject itself was fascinating, but the presentation was riveting too.  You are to be congratulated on the ride itself though, more than anything.

What you have done puts my own cycling journeys into perspective, and I congratulate you again.

Ian

My son Eric happened to be back in Scotland on both occasions I had knee replacement surgery. With his help and advice regarding breathing, correct movement during the rehabilitation exercises and multiple energy healing treatments, I can honestly say that I have had absolutely no problems with either of my knees. This has not been the case with a couple family members and a few friends who underwent the same procedures.

Stuart

I approached Eric for a back massage but he informed that it was not advisable due to the extreme psoriasis on my back. He suggested a ‘Healing’ treatment where he placed his hands gently on my back whilst sending ‘Energy’ through my body. During the treatment I felt wonderfully relaxed but was more amazed by then having the best sleep I’ve had in years!

Tracy