Resources

In uncertain times, the traditional Indian epic the Bhagavad Gita is uniquely suited to guide us through our fear, confusion, and paralysis and help us find the way forward on the path of compassion and love. Here, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor, both deeply respected yogic teachers, offer a practical, immediately relevant interpretation of the Gita that emphasizes self-reflection and waking up in our modern world. Following the traditional sequence of teachings in the Gita—from its opening scene in which the protagonist, Arjuna, finds himself in the middle of a battlefield, torn by the various paths of action he might choose in the process of awakening—Freeman and Taylor interweave insight into how these classic teachings are relevant for modern readers struggling with what it means to live responsibly in challenging times.

With quotes, citations, and a full, original translation of the text, they look at how the Gita’s teachings relate to the turmoil that arises for Arjuna, and any of us in the face of crises of conscience, spirit, and form. By exploring the essential themes such as love, wisdom, and karma and offering embodiment exercises to apply the teachings, When Love Comes to Light guides us in the step-by-step process of waking up to our intelligence and toward living a balanced life.

The Art of Vinyasa: Awakening Body and Mind through the Practice of Ashtanga Yoga takes a look at yoga as a meditation in motion that produces profound inner change. Exploring Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga not as a gymnastic feat but as a meditative form, Richard and Mary reveal that doing the practice—and particularly the vinyasa, or the breath-synchronized movements—in a deep and focused way allows practitioners to experience a profound awakening of the body and mind. It also develops an adaptable, flexible practice that can last a lifetime.

The Mirror of Yoga: Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind is a welcome resource to all yoga practitioners who wish to better appreciate the profound philosophy underlying their practice. Richard’s wide-ranging discussion includes the Upanishads and Samkhya philosophies, the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali, the eight limbs of Ashtanga Vinyasa yoga, and much more. He also explores the role of the guru, chanting, meditation, and the yogi imperative of offering service to others.

Women have many secrets. But a woman’s secret relationship with food and her body can overshadow other aspects of her life, filling her with obsession, shame, and fear. Many women waste countless years focusing on food and appearance, rather than spending energy on what holds deepest meaning for them.

I’ve been reading a wonderful book about truth recently. Recommended to me by a friend, “Peacemaker: U Thant and the Forgotten Quest for a Just World” documents the life and legacy of U Thant, the third Secretary General of the UN, who among many other remarkable accomplishments, through careful diplomacy and honest negotiations ushered Nikita Khrushchev, Fidel Castro and John F. Kennedy away from the edge averting a nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. This is a book filled with lessons for these times. Told as the colorful story of one man’s life on the world stage, “Peacemaker” is compelling and easy to read. U Thant’s work reflects what so many of us aspire to; reducing suffering by fostering peace and in all ways possible helping to heal a troubled world. His work demonstrates the importance of putting one’s own agenda aside in order to listen to others and tap into the greater good that is intrinsic to human nature. U Thant, in his personal and professional life, underscored the truth that true peace begins in each moment and one’s capacity for self reflection and honesty not only so we feel good ourselves but so that we may better care for others. “Peacemaker” is a reminder that the only time to act is right now, and that doing so with discernment, non-aggression and in good faith while standing up for the truth is essential. Reflecting on history reveals that the path for getting through times of chaos is well trodden, exemplified by U Thant and many others. Today is always when history unfolds and today, every day we’re invited to step onto that very same path and do whatever we can—big or small—to help heal the wounds of a troubled world. We sustain the strength to do so by practicing yoga (as if it were life, which it is) in ways that keep peace in the forefront of our minds and truth alive in our hearts. U Thant attributed his prowess as a diplomat, his clarity and calm to his faith in humanity and the insight he gained by meditating first thing each morning. He believed in the goodness of people. He worked tirelessly for peace. And perhaps above all else, he never wavered from the truth. When asked how he managed to do his work so effectively he replied, “I am a Buddhist. We try to get at the truth by contemplation and meditation…and explore what is happening inside of us.”