Author: Deepak Chopra & Sarah Platt-Finger
Publication Information: Harmony. 2023. 304 pages.
ISBN: 0593235428 / 978-0593235423
Rating: ★★★
Book Source: I received this book through NetGalley free of cost in exchange for an honest review.
Opening Sentence: "Whatever you are doing to make your life better, Royal Yoga can bring you more of everything you want."
Favorite Quote: "I embody the field of infinite possibilities."
This book is set up in two clear halves - The first is the conceptual discussion of what "living in the light entails." It is structured in six sections, somewhat a week by week practice to incorporate this practice into your life:
- Social intelligence
- Emotional intelligence
- Bring the light to your body
- Vital energy
- Staying in the light
- The Power of Attention
The section half is a description of the yoga asanas that formulate this practice:
- Simple Standing poses
- Standing hip openers
- Standard forward bends
- Sun salutation variations
- Standing twists
- Balancing poses
- Four-limbed poses
- Backbends
- Inversions
- Seated twists
- Seated hip openers
- Seated forward bends
- Restful / restorative postures
The author Deepak Chopra is a well known name in this industry. The other author Sara Platt-Finger is a yoga expert and instructor. The ideas in the book are not new. "Light" is a recurring symbol for goodness, peace, and knowledge. The practice of yoga (or yoga-like ideas) is a common theme in many faith based practices, and much has been written about the topic as a "health" trend. The ideas of self-actualization and centering have been written about in countless book and resources. This one presents the authors' particular iteration of these ideas.
The first part of the book that deals with ideology does present concepts and mental / emotional exercises that can help in incorporating this practice into daily life. However, again, the ideas are not new and, to me, not presented in sufficient depth.
Unfortunately, a greater portion of this book was focused on the yoga asanas than on the conceptual framework. That was unexpected as I expected more of a grounding and depth in the ideology. My mistake in interpreting the book description. There are many other resources available that provide the "how to" of yoga in greater depth and with more illustrations is you should choose to learn yoga from a book. This section of the book appeared more filler than substance.
As with books of this nature, the extent to which it works for an individual depends on where you are in your individual journey. My goal is to take the ideas that resonate and let of go what does not. Again, the ideas are not new. Sometimes, just the reminder of ideas is sufficient for a recentering. That may be all that is needed.
Please share your thoughts and leave a comment. I would love to "talk" to you.
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