This was a very quick read for me, I found it pretty straight forward. I found that I already have heard of/practice most of these techniques, so I didn't really learn anything that I didn't already know. I would absolutely recommend this one to someone who is just getting into the practice of yoga.

I have finally grasped the concept after recently reading the book Just Breathe by Radhika Vachani.

I developed a new appreciation for the breathe. Yoga isn’t necessarily about the moves. It’s about being present. Vachani explains how learning to focus on the breathe brings you more to the present. Coming to terms with the present, and only the present, helps you to eliminate the drama of the past and the worries of the future. As you focus on the your breathe and the present, you ease into positions and find your stability physically and emotionally.

The book is full of wisdom. I came across so many reflective quotes and cathartic moments that I kept thinking of friends who could benefit from reading the book.

However, as I read I came across some moments that slowed my progress. I will say that it’s good to have some understanding of yoga before reading the book because it’s filled with jargon and terms relevant to the practice of yoga. For instance, some of these terms are related to Buddhist spirituality. I noticed this occurring around the fourth of fifth chapter. I found myself going back a few pages and rereading a section to understand it better. Defining terms at the beginning of the chapter, including a glossary of terms within the chapter, or text blocks with definitions of these terms would have been helpful. I ended up becoming dependent on my Kindle’s dictionary and WiFi at times in order to get definitions or some additional background.

Vachani provides a glimpse of the life-changing event that led her to write the book, but she doesn’t divulge much. I feel the further insight into her personal struggle would have helped to create a connection with readers. I wanted to say “oh, I feel your pain” and “that happened to me too.” I wanted to cheer and support her journey and break-through and how it brought her peace with a better understanding of the circumstances that ignited her actions.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend reading the book, but prepare to read it twice, especially if you are new to Yoga. I think reading it twice would be good regardless because of all the nuggets of wisdom found throughout the book. The book has so many paragraphs and passages where you will really want to sit back and reflect on what was said. Ultimately, the book for me was more of a spiritual awakening, and it increased my understanding and appreciation for not only yoga but also meditation.

DNF - even though I really tried, and made it to 12% of this book, it was not for me. I disliked the tone of voice, not being subtle about the author's concern about 'the problem with yoga.' That it is supposed to be an enlightened lifestyle, a path and not simply exercise people might enjoy. Why not, I wonder. Also: the author claims we have to let go of judgements and instead give in to impermanence. Sure, that I understand. But it is not in accordance with the author disapproving the sort of yoga I just mentioned, nor with the fact that she keeps suggesting how to be successful with her special lifestyle. Using the word 'succes' it implies failing. I am not a professional mindfulness teacher nor a yoga teacher, but this is not the book for me in order to be kind to myself.

This was just an ok read for me. It really didn't offer anything new and I didn't find myself totally engrossed in it. Towards the middle I found it rather confusing but I did really like the end. It gave some simple, practical advice that I actually did find very helpful. Because of that I did give this three stars, but I feel there are much better books out there on the subject of mindfulness and meditation.