Introduction: Pre-Existing Conditions (i.e. Prejudice)
Is it possible to write a favorable review of a book (“Yoga Nidra for Complete Relaxation and Stress Relief”) whose author attributes the idea of writing the book to an astrological reading? What if, in addition to that, the book is about a discipline that I have tried several times, without success, to enjoy? Yes, over the course of at least half a century, my forays into yoga have been uncomfortable, difficult or impossible, and unpleasant. Of course, the operative word here is dabbling. I admit that all those feeble attempts lacked conviction and perseverance.
One barrier between me and yoga is that it often seems steeped in mysticism, spirituality, and/or New Age babble.
As if this wasn’t enough, I started reading what Julie had written, pouring in 14 pages of publicity notes for the book and the author’s acknowledgments section. These long preliminary pages did not mitigate my pre-existing reservations. Imagine-25 testimonial mailers packed with suspicious phrases and terms, including “ancient teachings, Eastern traditions, spiritual reflections, vinyasa practices, sankalpas, koshas, mudras, and union with oneself.” Oh! What was I for?
In any case, something happened that led to a new perspective on yoga. It started with a chance encounter, one that, while unlikely, involved yet another experience of taking a yoga class.
a chance meeting
Less than a week before I started reading Julie Lusk’s words on yoga nidra (not just the comments and thanks sections), I signed up for a yoga class. Not just any yoga class, but one aimed at the (very) young. This happened when I was invited to accompany my wife’s grandson to a class across the street at our local art institute.
What can go wrong? Maybe I’d get some information on yoga to help with Julie’s book review.
Upon arrival, I looked at my classmates. I felt I was in the right place. I have a competitive nature and I couldn’t help but notice that I was at least 70 years old over everyone in the room except the parents. (With them my advantage was only about 50 years). I thought I could use this experience and a little cunning to stand out, to crush the little ones with athletic moves. If it were to run in circles, it would wear the little ones down with stamina and speed.
Oh, I know yoga isn’t supposed to be competitive, nor should the gifted flaunt their prowess, but I suspected being a superstar in a class would be harmless fun. Who knows, maybe I’ll be invited to teach the next class.
Well, things didn’t turn out that way. In fact, the opposite was proven. I suspect that children ages five to seven effortlessly struck poses that were copied from Cirque du Soleil. When, about 20 minutes into the contortions, the teacher instructed everyone to jump up and run around the room, I struggled to my feet. He had barely begun to lurch forward when a horde of children ran past on their second lap around the room.
When the bell rang bringing me almost holy relief, I was exhausted and sore. I knew for sure, after one last failed attempt, that yoga was not for me. How could I give a glowing review, as I wished, to Julie’s book?
author’s breath
I emailed Julie, mentioning that in order to get in the right frame of mind to review the book, I had accompanied my wife and grandson to a children’s yoga class. I mentioned that it was much harder than any triathlon I did last year. Attached are two photos taken during the class.
Julie replied shortly:
These photos made my day! Yoga is all about joy, and you and your family found it, judging by the looks on everyone’s faces, especially the little one. His smile gives me a smile every time. As for you, I’m glad you’re taking a dip. But the teacher in me can’t resist, especially when it comes to security. See how your knees are… well up around your ears when you sit? To protect your knees and maintain the proper curve in your back, they should be below your hip crest or touching the floor. They’re probably there because of tight hamstrings from all the other good things you do. The answer is to simply sit on cushions to lower your knees. Take care of those knees! Doing hip openers will also help, but that’s a long-term solution. But once again, “real” yoga is ultimately about unconditional joy. By the way, the only posture required for what’s in my book is lying on your back.
I predict it could help you with running and other activities.
Another thing I would like to tell you is that I sent you the yoga nidra book as a recovery gift to help you recover from stroke and give you a delightful yoga experience without having to practice mere postures as is commonly emphasized in these books. days. If you turn to the last page, you can register the book and get access to free downloads of the 3 main yoga nidra practices featured.
So go ahead, good fellow! Love – your yoga coach.
PS By the way, a triathlon would be much harder than any yoga I’ve done in the past year, or ever!
I found this advice encouraging, motivating, and just plain charming. Most notably, I took this comment on Julie’s answer: “The only posture required for what’s in my book is lying on your back.”
Now that puts a whole new perspective on yoga in general and yoga nidra in particular. Maybe I didn’t have to meet Cirque du Soleil’s standard to be successful in enjoying yoga. Now he was ready to read Julie’s book seriously.
Learning to understand and enjoy yoga
The next time I set out to read Yoga Nidra, finally past the commercials and such, I came across Julie’s opening sentence, a revelation I will long remember: “Did you know that you can do yoga without physical exercise? ” A yoga wash, I was also encouraged, as noted a moment ago, by the following sentence: “that meditation can be done lying down instead of sitting still and straight like a statue.”
I did not realize that those views were held by yoga experts. Both sentences were revelations, almost Dickensonian in memorability, such as: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…” From Julie’s two sentences that began and continued throughout the 205 pages that followed, “Yoga Nidra” achieved something. I wouldn’t have expected from a yoga book – it kept my interest.
Among the strengths of Yoga Nidra is the comprehensive information on the nature and dynamics of the phenomenon of stress. Stress management incorporates creative techniques for managing stress, including harnessing negative energies (as well as positive ones) through relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, and disciplined thinking.
I have sometimes wondered if yoga is primarily an art, a science, a skill, a discipline, a branch of knowledge or what? While that answer didn’t come immediately, a related and welcome one did, namely that yoga is not a religion. I never doubted that, despite unsuccessful attempts by some religious fanatics to smear it as such. Still, I appreciated the fact that Julie gave this crazy idea a short turn. While Julie assures those so inclined that people of all religious traditions can benefit from yoga, she added that she “genuinely supports her religious convictions.” Well, that’s fine, I guess, but just as importantly, it doesn’t draw on or rely on faith (i.e. “believing what you know isn’t so” according to Mark Twain), but instead yoga is backed by extensive research that highlights its healthy properties.
As with the 25 commercials spread over eleven pages before the reader reaches the beginning of Julie Lusk’s 205-page book, I think there are too many personal stories from yoga enthusiasts (unidentified except by name). These testimonials take up too much space and slow down the pace of learning. How many readers need continued support from those who have found yoga helpful? On the other hand, I suppose many other readers may appreciate this feature. I found it similar to advertising: sometimes I wish I had the literary equivalent of a remote device to mute or fast-forward gushing comments.
Other positive features of Yoga Nida were 1) the guidelines sections for making positive changes, 2) the extensive advice for establishing a regular pattern of yoga practice and creating a home culture that supports enjoyable and healthy lifestyles, and 3) the chapter about revitalization. Finally, readers will surely appreciate the extensive reference and resource section, particularly the audio files that Julie has made available as free downloads to supplement the exercises provided in the book.
In short, Yoga Nidra delivers on Julie’s promise of total relaxation and stress relief.