December 22, 2023
Yoga instructor/meditation guide Hyman draws on 12-step addiction recovery tools and interweaves them with yogic practices and principles to give individuals in recovery a distinctive healing modality. The concepts--acceptance, surrender, and more--are deeply rooted in yogic philosophy but written in straightforward, clear language to ensure they're accessible. The prompts for reflection provide space for readers to go deeply into their own feelings. The author offers multiple pathways into different practices, so if breathwork doesn't resonate, readers can choose meditative eating, chanting, reading, asanas, and more instead. Some readers may find his advice a little overwhelming at times; others may view some of it as simplistic, such as his tip to schedule one's day to be punctual and to achieve balance. Overall, he effectively lays bare the psychology of addiction and how yoga can provide positive outcomes related to deeply ingrained habits, impulses, and behaviors. VERDICT Intended for individuals comfortable enough in their recovery journey to commit to personal healing practices. This book moves beyond yoga poses into philosophy-made-actionable in ways that will empower people to live with courage and to trust in their inner power.--Emily Bowles
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