Praise For The Yoga of Divorce

Authors

This is an absolutely brilliant book—integrating the wisdom of yoga, Buddhism and Taoism with the discoveries of neuroscience and psychology, all in the service of helping divorcing couples navigate the life-changing ordeal of divorce. It is by far the most helpful guide to divorce I have ever read.  I will make it required reading for all my clients!

Brian Muldoon – Mediator and Author of The Heart of Conflict (Putnam Press)

Here is a very practical and compassionate manual for navigating our way through a painful process. Mike shows us how to combine yoga and spirituality to let go of hostility in favor of mutual respect.

Dave Richo, Author of You Are Not What You Think: The Egoless Path to Self-Esteem and Generous Love (Shambhala, 2015)

Mike has contributed an important book to the field of dispute resolution, and an even more important book for helping people through the experience of resolving deep, personal conflict effectively.  This book does what few do – it gives people going through divorce a practical way to make it through in one piece, and maybe even be the better for it.  For many, this book could be life-changing! 

Gary Furlong, Mediator and Author of The Conflict Resolution Toolbox (Wiley & Son)

The Yoga of Divorce is a beautifully articulated description of the principles and actions involved in yoga practice.  Mike shows the reader that yoga can change practitioners’ minds as well as their bodies.  The book is full of practical advice, which is rooted in both sound theory and the specific personal story of Mike’s journey through conflict with the help of yoga.  It’s a great read, and would be helpful for anyone facing inner and outer conflict in their lives – which is probably all of us!

Rebecca Schechter

Screenwriter, yogini

The Yoga of Divorce is an aesthetic accomplishment: a self-help work of deep psychological insight, combining integrity with emotional honesty and great clarity of style. Inspirational for transforming conflict into personal growth.

Gerald Cupchik, PhD, Professor of Psychology, University of Toronto

Author of The Aesthetics of Emotion (Cambridge University Press)

Divorce Professionals

With skill and sensitivity, mediator and educator Mike MacConnell interweaves the story of his own emotional, financial and legal journey through divorce with invaluable advice on negotiation strategies, yoga, and mindfulness.  The wisdom, practicality, honesty, and hope contained within these pages make The Yoga of Divorce a book I will recommend to all of my clients!

Rosanna Breitman, LLB, LLM, AccFM, mediator/ conflict resolution specialist

Amidst the wide literature on divorce and separation, Mike MacConnell offers the unique insight that a peaceful separation can only come through peaceful selves. It is a must read for all seeking healing rather than destruction.

Catherine Valcke JD, LLM, SJD, Professor of Law, University of Toronto

This masterful memoir guides you on a path of conflict transformation supported by the practical applications of yoga and mindfulness meditation. Written in a manner that is both honest and emotional, The Yoga of Divorce is a powerful reminder of the importance of self-care when

engaging in conflict.
Alicia Kuin, LL.M., Mediator; ADR Program Designer & Educator; Founder & Chair, Mediators Beyond Borders Canada.

This book offers a deliberate course of action without underestimating the challenge. His balanced use of constructive co-opposition emphasizes the need to understand the other perspective as well as your own.

John Williamson, MA, LLB, CDFA, Divorce Financial Analyst

Yoga & Mindfulness Experts

The Yoga of Divorce is an inspiring how-to-do-it manual for "conscious uncoupling". With practical to do lists, simple yoga and mindfulness practices, we are guided through a civilized co-opposition process of exiting a 25 year marriage. We are exposed to the fear and uncertainty as well as to the triumph of "disarming divorce" and splitting up in a non-toxic manner.  Clearly written, the timeless wisdom makes this book uplifting and hard to put down.

Eli Bay, Founder of The Relaxation Response Institute

Mike has used the practice of “Yoga on the mat” to extend the experience to the practice of “Yoga off the mat”. He has used his yoga practice to transition through a very difficult time.  May you understand and receive the same benefits from his story.

Marlene Mawhinney, President & Senior Instructor, Yoga Centre of Toronto

Health & Parenting Professionals

In my experience of divorce as a Family Doctor, nobody wins, particularly the children. With an adversarial approach it can go on forever. In The Yoga of Divorce, Mike MacConnell proposes a very sane option. He advocates a clear way to move forward, to resolve outstanding issues and reach an amicable outcome. Potentially, everyone wins. I recommend this book. But be forewarned, this is not an easy way out. There will be hard work, but the rewards will be worth it for all involved.

Dr. Rae Lake, MD, CCFP

This book can be a great resource for people going through any difficult situation. The integrated mind-body approach allows one to respond to adversity with a grounded and calm perspective. As a psycho-therapist and Social Worker for over 25 years, I would feel confident recommending The Yoga of Divorce to augment both therapy and mediation.
Nurit Adler, Psycho-therapist, Spec. Hon. BA, MA, RSW

As a family doctor, I often have to deal with the devastation of separation and divorce. Mike MacConnell’s “The Yoga of Divorce” is a very personal journey that brings a wonderful physical/spiritual practice to help smooth the ride on a very rocky road. I highly recommend this accessible narrative for any couple wrestling with their relationship.

Dr. Mark Silverman, M.D., CCFP

People Experiencing Divorce

The Yoga of Divorce is a rich and practical resource that helped me find my way through the heartbreak of separation and divorce. Mike's focus on fairness, family peace and a healthy sense of self along with his intensely personal story, made the book invaluable in allowing me to be true to myself.

Deborah Hawley

Mike’s work was a calming anchor for me and he made me believe more than ever that there is power in surrender. Surrender your defenses and search for fairness. I walked away from a lot but I walked away with my integrity and that is priceless. Many thanks to you Mike.

Rita Barbieri

Last spring (I was) urged to read … your book The Yoga of Divorce.

The principals in your book are helpful in all aspects of relationship, in terms of holding everyone sacred and worthy of equal consideration. You explain it very well. 

Your book helped me to make sense of aspects of our break up that I had been unable to process previously. It helped to launch me on a path of greater healing.

Colleen Santini

About the Author(s):

After graduating with a degree in World Religion Mike taught high school Philosophy, Phys. Ed. History and English before founding SOLA (School Of Liberal Arts) a private high school in Toronto which operated from 1989 until 2010. Navigation of his own divorce, as described in these pages, inspired him to become a certified family mediator and conflict management coach. In private practice as Reflective Mediation, Mike helps clients transform conflict into opportunities for understanding and growth. He lives with his second wife and standard poodle at Yoga Junction in Toronto. www.reflectivemediation.ca