Kakaku：736 saved$7.36
Bantam
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Fabulous) 『This is a great book. I'm in a yoga teacher training program and was doing a project on Kripalu so I ordered this book. I am thrilled with it so far and I'm sure I'll be using it a lot when I start teaching.』
(Practical) 『This is a practical guide for new and seasoned Yogis. It includes the basics for breathing, meditation, and even provides two home practice flows along with a template for adding variety. There are inspirational personal experiences, step by step asanas, and much more for all ages and Yogi levels. My new copy has become my personal Yoga guide and has inspired me to develop a home practice which I began after buying the book 8 weeks ago. Now I practice daily.』
(This is the yoga method your looking for .......) 『I was fortunate to have the opportunity to practice yoga while attending college in the 70's; I never forgot leaving that hour and a half usually feeling the best I ever felt. Yes, it was a physical experience, but witout explaination or introduction, it went beyond the physical. Just recently (age 59), I decided to get reacquainted with the practice.
As I studied and searched, I came into contact with Stephen Copes fantastic book "Yoga and the Quest for the True Self". This fantastic book led me to learn about and come to understand the Kripalu yoga method [ yes folks there is much more than just the hatha yoga we all seem to come into contact with]; this great practice is a combination of the physical hatha yoga and meditation. Please don't be overwhelmed; it's, in my book, the perfect combination.
As one who finds himself progressing on a daily basis, I highly recommend these two books. I suggest the reader, searcher, learner to explore a basic hatha yoga book or experience while reading "Kripalu Yoga" and branching out to Stephen Copes book for the "icing on the cake".
Stephen Cope, by the way, is one of the Senior teachers at the Kripalu Yoga Center.
I'm pleased to make this discovery myself and even happier to share my experience.
Namaste ........』
(Comprehensive Kripalu Yoga Book and Awesome Too!) 『As a Kripalu Yoga Teacher I had been waiting for a book that summarizes yet comprehensively explains the Kripalu Yoga tradition. Without minimizing the asana practice the book manages to cover the essence of Kripalu Yoga and taking the practice off the mat to encourage a healthy and spiritually rich lifestyle. I must mention that Kripalu Yoga is accessible to people of all ages and levels of practice. It can be as gentle or rigorous a physical practice as one wants it to be but it can also be as spiritual a practice as one wants it to be. This is the beauty of Kripalu Yoga and the book, Kripalu Yoga, makes this abundantly clear.』
(Highly Recommend) 『Along with affirming the other reviews on this book, I would like to add that I have recently begun teaching yoga and have found this book to be an excellent tool for developing my class formats and information sharing. There is a wealth of information, presented in clearly stated, understandable and comprehensive text, that I can quickly commit to memory to share with my students, or jot down in an outline to reference during class instruction. Having purchased and read volumes of books on yoga, this is the first I have come across that has been helpful in that regard. Kripalu is a beautiful form of yoga that brings the true essence of the practice to life.』 『“Over an extraordinary thirty year history, Kripalu Center has been a pioneer in combining authentic yoga with a contemporary Western lifestyle.” —John Abbott, President,Yoga Journal
From the senior teachers of the world-renowned Kripalu Center for Yoga&Health–the largest yoga and retreat center in North America–comes this comprehensive guide to the unique and influential Kripalu method, which emphasizes individual growth over outward perfection of form, making it accessible to people of all ages, fitness levels, and body types.
KRIPALU YOGA A Guide to Practice On and Off the Mat
Beginning with step-by-step“experiences” that teach essential body and breath awareness,Kripalu Yogafeatures fully illustrated routines for beginners and intermediate students , including Kripalu’s easy-to-follow “press point” instructions. For advanced students, there is a broad menu of additional poses to increase strength, flexibility, and challenge.
Far more than an exercise program, Kripalu Yoga also teaches the lifestyle practices and energy techniques that make yoga a powerful catalyst for physical healing, psychological growth, and spiritual awakening.』
Kakaku：638 saved$6.38
Integral Yoga Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Not light reading) 『The book was kind of hard to get through initially, but the 2nd time through it was great. This is not fluff reading, or a let's-make-everybody-feel-good book. It's very informative and presents a whole new way for me to look at things.』
(A Field Manual for Life) 『At last, a straight-forward, easy to read manual for living without all the tedious layers of mythology and tradition that clutter many other books of like nature. Those cumbersome multi-volume texts can be enjoyable if one has the time for leisurely study and contemplation; but this book is designed for the field under combat conditions when inner struggles between reality and illusion can be extremely difficult without seasoned wisdom readily available. It's a love letter for humanity from one who truely cares.』
(Sutra review) 『Very comprehensive and understandable guide to help with Pantanjali's complex sutra....I'd recommend for anyone struggling to better understand sutras. I am using it in a study group and is by far the best guide in the group!』
(very helpful in the study of the sutras) 『Carrera's sourcebook is helpful in this daunting task of unpacking the sutras of Patanjali. He has explained so nicely his well-organized work which is clearly influenced by his guru, Swami Satchitanada. His clarity and humor are real gems in making this text accessible for the modern day yogi (yogini). It is highly readable and can be used as a resource and reviewed countless times. I find something new each time I read it!』
(A Work of Peace) 『This reflective book is my peace in the morning. I start each day reading and re-reading one or two sutras. Rev. Jaganath has provided a text that directly relates to our modern day lives. This book has helped me pace my life and to encourage a mindful approach. Thank you for this lasting translation.』 『Inside the Yoga Sutras presents a clear, up-to-date perspective on the classic text of Yoga theory and practice: the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. This comprehensive sourcebook includes: commentary for each sutra, extensive cross referencing, a study gu』
Kakaku：259 saved$2.59
Three Rivers Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Pleasantly surprised) 『I very much appreciate the female insight that this book is based on. What a great compliment to the library of male-written sutra books. We are currently doing a comparative study of the sutras, and The Secret Power of Yoga brings in an amazing element of femininity and light that could otherwise be overlooked. Don't let it be your only book of the sutras, but don't let it be missing from your collection either.』
(Sutras made easy!) 『This book made the yoga sutras easy to understand and helped relate them to women. The book is an easy but important read for all yoginis out there who want to deepen their understanding of the yoga sutras of Patanjali.』
(A daily guide for spiritual practice) 『This set of CD's lives in my car and accompanies me down the road -- both the physical road and the road of my life. As an avid student of Yoga, I am enamored not only with asana (poses) practice, but with the metaphysics and philosophical underpinning of this ancient and sometimes complex system of whole health. Nischala Devi guides me from a woman's perspective, simply and clearly through the maze of the Yoga Sutras with her own unique flavor and world view. And while this is not an accurate "translation" of these ancient texts, her interpretation and commentary is for today, for women, and uncomplicates and simplifies the teachings so I can cease struggling and just rest in the depth of how to live my life in the 21st century where I am and as I am.』
(Best interpretation!) 『This is the best interpretation of Pantanjali's Yoga Sutras I've ever read. I highly, HIGHLY recommend it. I just finished it and will be reading it many, many more times. Instead of making a list of do's and don'ts that sound unattainable this book rephrases the sutras so that they're truly livable. It doesn't matter that it isn't a word for word translation and it doesn't matter that not all of the sutras are included. The author states her reasons for not including all of them and explains that she's not translating as a scholar. This is the first time I've read the Yoga Sutras and have been warmed by them.』
(Translation from someone who can't speak the language?) 『I applaud insights into the Yoga Sutras, but what I don't appreciate are "translations" that really are not. Devi even declares in the book that she can't read Sanskrit(!). So why is this a translation? It's an interpretation, not a translation. To that effect, this is a translation that does not adhere to the language at all.
Devi also omits roughly half the sutras. So basically we have here an inaccurate, incomplete version of the yoga sutras. That's not a translation.
Her justification for the book is the claim that her female students didn't connect with the sutras as they have been translated by others (we'll just assume most of those translations have been made my men, since most published translations are). So she "translated" the Sutras to make it a "feel-good" book for women. Does this strike anyone as insulting? It's a sad irony that a feminine perspective of the sutras sacrifices exactness for good feeling, taking away the power from the reader.
It's not that the book is bad - the core of the sutras are present. What's not present is Patanjali's words as he wrote it.』 『Yoga is well known for its power to create a healthy body, but few realize the emotional and spiritual benefits. InThe Secret Power of Yoga, world-renowned Yoga expert Nischala Joy Devi interprets Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, the principles at the basis of Yoga practice, from a heart-centered, intuitive, feminine perspective, resulting in the first translation intended for women.
Devi’s simple, elegant, and deeply personal interpretations capture the spirit of each sutra, and her suggested practices offer numerous ways to embrace the spirituality of Yoga throughout your day』
Kakaku：702 saved$7.02
Rodmell Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Awesome book for anyone with back issues) 『This book easily explains why we have back pain and how to relieve it. She also explains how to overcome stress and gives so many exercises and relaxation techniques. It would recommend it to anyone, even those without significant back pain because she teaches how badly we treat our backs on a daily basis.』
(Realistic program for neck&back pain that improves quality of life.) 『I found this to be a realistic guide for me-someone with 25+ years of neck and back pain. I have had multiple medical testing to identify the problems, and I always get the same 2 options: 1)surgery or 2)pain medication and "let it heal on it's own". With a herniated lumbar disc, several bulging lumbar and cervical discs, degenerative disc disease and arthritis, some people ask how I can keep at least a fair quality of life (I still work full-time). Although very skeptical at first, I have found that pilates and yoga techniques have strengthened my muscles and "inner core", as long as I proceed with caution and heed the advice of my doctor. I have also learned the hard way how important it is to stay active-laying in bed long-term only makes pain and rehab worse in the long run. This book is a good tool! 』
(Life Saver!) 『I had a pain in my lower back, right above my buttocks for nearly a year. I couldn't run.. it never went away. I heard a crack when I was hitting a tennis ball against a wall with my racket repeatedly, practicing my very weak backhand. I was sore for 2 weeks and then I couldn't function.
I went to a Chiropractor and they charged me nearly $1000 with treatment. At least I learned the name of the problem. The Sacro-iliac joints. Where the Spine meets the pelvis. I tried a private physical therapist. A couple of rubs and massages... less pain but was no different.
Well, I found this book and followed the Yoga instructions. I did the warm up procedures. I did the general Yoga and then I did the chapter on my injury... in a month I felt more flexible. After 3 months I was perfect!! Been perfect since. This was nearly 15 years ago!
I've bought this book for 2 people and recommended it to many more. No one has given me their feedback. However, I know that if you can spend money on a single doctor's visit, than you can afford this book.』
(The standard in back care knowledge) 『My wife picked this book up for our daughter with scoliosis. Needless to say, this book is very technical and full of solid medically sound information. You need to get this book. It helped us understand the vital link to health that our spiine represents. It made me realize that I too had to take better care of my back, being that I have a sedentary job(office). This book is the standard by which all back care books should be judged.』
(Great Resource for Teachers and Students Alike) 『I notice that a few reviewers have mentioned they found exercises in the book too easy and it's true that the book is geared toward those who may be recovering from injury and/or are new to yoga. That said, as a yoga instructor and long-time practitioner I've found this book to be a wonderful resource. In fact, some of the poses in the book have become staples in my lesson plans (and in my own practice) because they serve - for beginners and advanced students alike - as excellent warm-up poses to begin opening the body or cool-down poses to release the lower back. In addition, some of the poses shown using a chair or wall as a prop are useful both for beginners unable to do the full pose and (of equal importance!)for intermediate students who have experience with the full pose, but have never learned, or are still working on mastering correct points of alignment, which are integral to gaining the full benefits of the pose. Finally, I've found one set of exercises - aimed at identifying and correcting pelvic torsion (a slight - and common - misalignment in which the left hip point is drawn a bit too forward while the right is pulled back (or vice versa) - that I've found nowhere else and which has elicited a lot of positive feedback from student in classes where I've used it.
A few words to intermediate students: (1) If you're suffering back pain, it's quite likely that the Iyengar-based exercises in this book, rather than other, more "advanced" or novel asanas (poses) will prove to be better tools for dealing with it. (2) If you have a regular, committed yoga practice and it either is not mitigating or is making your back-associate pain worse you may need to take a closer look at your alignment in the poses, particularly if you began doing yoga in a vinyasa, or flow style and have never received, or have only minimal instruction on how to align yourself in different poses.(It may also be a good idea to seek the advice of a doctor.)
Although yoga studios tend to frown on mirrors in classes (for good reason), occasionally practicing in front of a mirror(s) at home - particularly with a book like this one that includes "simple" poses and poses performed seated in a chair, which can be done safely while watching yourself - can be quite helpful in identifying habitual patterns of movement of which you're unaware - many of which stem from a belief that we can go deeper into a pose than our current range of motion and/or strength allows, causing us to sacrifice key points of alignment - ultimately reinforcing the very patterns of movement that are sources of pain and discomfort. You may be (unpleasantly) surprised to find that the pictures of some of these very basic poses - ones you "already know" and have "moved beyond" - look nothing like the reflection in the mirror when you actually see yourself in the poses.
Three other superior yoga books that I suggest (and I own upwards of 30) are (1) for beginners and people with limited range of motion [i.e., lacking flexibility], "The Runner's Yoga Book" by Jean Couch (2) for intermediate students "30 Essential Yoga Poses" by Judith Lasater and (3) for advanced students, teachers and anyone who wants a thorough physiological and anatomical understanding of the mechanics of yoga, "Anatomy of Hatha Yoga", by H. David Coulter.』 『
Back Care Basics offers the low-cost solution for back care in the new millenium: therapeutic yoga. Dr. Schatz's approach to back rehabilitation is gentle, effective, and without drugs or surgery. Her program encourages both positive health practices and a positive outlook; the important tools needed for prevention and healing. Dr. Schatz has designed this program to help those with pain from chronic musculoskeletal back and neck strain, spinal arthritis, osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy, and scoliosis. Simple and practical ways to heal the back, restructure the body, and cope with stress are taught so that one becomes more sensitive to early warning signs of an impending "back attack" and what to do to ward it off.
Kakaku：640 saved$6.40
Thomas Nelson
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Yoga for Christians) 『This book explained to me (a Yoga novice)the true connection between Yoga and Breathing! I never understood this basic principle before when I'd read or tried DVDs. Having this book align with my own Christian beliefs and mindset makes me more open to this physical practice. I recommend it highly! Margaret Ann King』
(Good instructional techniques and Christian meditation ideas make this unusual book/DVD set a nice introduction to the practice) 『Yoga has long been suspect among Christians as a facet of Eastern religion, but at least one author thinks it has received a bad rap. In YOGA FOR CHRISTIANS, certified group fitness instructor Susan Bordenkircher makes a case for yoga not only as something that Christians can use for stress reduction and exercise but also something that can bring them closer to God through scripture-based worship and meditation. "God is using our desire to have strong, healthy bodies and presenting us with an opportunity to, at the same time, develop a deeper, more intimate relationship with Him," she says.
Bordenkircher, the creator of the too-cutely named "Outstretched in Worship" video series, is a self-described "typically nervous, insecure, and therefore competitive person" who discovered that the regular practice of yoga helped her develop contentment and a heightened attitude of listening to God. She shares in her book and accompanying instructional DVD how Christians can integrate yoga positions with worship and scripture.
The book is designed to alleviate the fears of those who believe yoga is incompatible with Christianity, and introduce yoga positions and practice through both words and photographs to those who are new to it. "To forego the healing benefits of yoga because it is sometimes practiced within a different belief system is like telling God that He is not big enough to take something from the dark and bring it into the light," she writes. Conservative Christians who aren't convinced may be placated by bestselling evangelical author Max Lucado's endorsement on the back cover. (Lucado enjoys using yoga as part of his own fitness regime.) Bordenkircher also addresses the question, "Why do we have to Christianize everything?" Her response: "We are to live an integrated life for Christ."
I love some of the insights Bordenkircher offers here. "God's presence is in your breath," she writes in one passage, reminding us that our breath is also a reflection of our emotional state. "God designed your breath not only to reflect your emotional and physical reactions but to change them," she says. "With deliberate intention, you can go from stressed to calm in the matter of a few deep breaths." Who can resist this promising statement? Correct breathing is so important, Bordenkircher believes, that she devotes a whole chapter to it.
Black-and-white photographs used liberally throughout the book are very helpful in illustrating the right yoga positions, from "Star Gazer" to "the Downward-Facing Dog." The instructions alongside the photos are practical and succinct. I particularly appreciate the "high intensity/low intensity" options for different positions. Good photo sequences on building different sorts of "energy flows" (sequences of positions) are included, as well as a section for doing yoga with your children and with a partner. An index in the back with a listing of topics and positions would have been helpful for quick reference.
The DVD included with the book has its strengths and weaknesses. I appreciated having four people (including one man) show the different yoga moves. Laudably, there are different levels of yoga shown, which makes it easier for beginners to try yoga for the first time, and still lets the DVD be applicable for those in good shape who want to do "power yoga." However, the DVD might have been stronger if it was divided into more "scenes," which would let users skip through the session more easily to find different positions. Some listeners also will be distracted from their meditation on scripture and time with God by too much talking and reassurances in the narration. I was wishing for instrumental music instead of background music with lyrics. However, this might be a matter of personal taste. When using the DVD, I turned off the audio and followed along with my own instrumental music.
Christians who have no problem with traditional yoga may find this book and DVD complementary to their own workouts, adding some insights and ideas for spiritualizing their yoga time. However, they may feel that the reassurances offered throughout are unnecessary and somewhat distracting.
Those new to yoga --- and skeptical but interested --- will find the book and DVD set a good, thorough introduction to the practice and will appreciate Bordenkircher's reassurances that yoga can be a part of any Christian's spiritual life. And any Christian will benefit from her excellent emphases on listening, rest and quiet meditation. Ready, set: assume the "Double Pigeon" position!
--- Reviewed by Cindy Crosby』
(What a great book!) 『THis is outstanding it really helps you to understand the whole approach of yoga. The book itself really explains the way to actually get involved in yoga. You also get the bonus of the DVD which has a couple of workout. I really loved the workout section of this DVD. This is a great deal.』
(Book is helpful, DVD is not...) 『As a Christian who has also discovered the physical benefits of yoga, I was delighted to stumble upon this title. I appreciate Susan Bordenkircher's writing and thought the book did a good job of addressing concerns Christians may have as they embark on practicing yoga.
Theologically, though, I get a little nervous with people who say God "gave" them a particular revelation, when that revelation isn't pretty directly tied to Biblical text, so her statement that in January of 2002 she "heard" God express to her heart "His long-term vision for the ministry of Christ-centered yoga," seems sort of bizarre. I'm not saying she didn't feel something or that her ministry is not pleasing to God, just that I think Christians (in general) are way too casual about attributing stuff to God that is really, more accurately, just what they wanted to do anyway. Making it "from God" tends to add weight to the statement, that may or may not be appropriate or accurate.
Anyway...I think her explanations of the yogic postures are great, the pictures are good in the book, and her suggestions for incorporating my faith in Christ into the time I spend on the yoga mat are wonderful.
But, one major reason I bought the book was for the accompanying DVD. I was hoping to find a perfect guide to my daily yoga practice. Unfortunately, there are some production-type issues that keep me from liking it enough to do it very often.
Susan's voice, with a higher pitched Southern drawl, while surely pleasant enough for conversation, becomes somewhat grating during the workout. There are times where it feels almost like she is shouting...it's just too loud or high-pitched or something...but instead of being able to concentrate on what she is saying, or on worship, I find myself distracted by her voice. If compared to, say, Lara Hudson's voice in the "10 Minute Solution Yoga" DVD, it is just irritating. Lara's voice in that DVD is soothing and professional.
About the first 15 minutes of the DVD are instructing you in some of the opening poses (Cobra, Downward Dog, Fold) and then, after that instruction, there is about a 4-5 minute segment where she just runs through them without so much instruction, which brings the first part of the DVD to about 20 minutes. Unfortunately, during that 4-5 minute segment where we run through the poses, the background music sort of comes to the fore (see below). There is no chapter break here, I just noticed that the activity changes. At that point they move into more postures for balance and strength (for about another 25 minutes), and it concludes after about 45 minutes total.
The other thing I found really distracting was the background music. Again, in another setting I might like it, but the guitar&strings, while definitely mellow, is sometimes a little percussive for what I am trying to do in my practice. Worse, is the vocal line that sometimes comes through. How am I supposed to pray and meditate and think with these singers vocal coming through loudly and clearly? The text of what they are singing is his:
Be still and know that I am God, Crawl into my lap and let Me love you.
Makes me think there is a good reason for the neutral, shimmering, Asian-style music featured in many yoga DVDs. I had not really thought about this before, but it makes a big difference in how much I can concentrate during the practice. It just did nothing for me and I found it distracting.
So overall...if I had only had the book, I think I would have rated it higher. Having been primarily interested in the DVD, and having been disappointed with it, my review falls to 3 stars. The yoga content of the DVD is fine, it's just the other stuff that bothers me, and that other potential buyers might want to know about. If you are looking for a book on Christian yoga, this might be it. If you want a good DVD, there are tons of other ones on Amazon that you will find more conducive to a good practice, and with many of them, you can use the Christ-centered techniques that Susan emphasizes seamlessly with those DVDs.』
(Wonderful Book) 『I love yoga and really like this book. While many people who practice yoga also practice an Eastern religion, this book proves that Christians can also enjoy yoga too without compromising their faith. I highly recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in beginning a yoga practice!』 『
When God gave Susan Bordenkircher the vision for her yoga-based Christian ministry, Outstretched in Worship, she truly believed she was stepping into uncharted territory. And while God has used her ministry as a pioneer of sorts in this movement, she was amazed to see the level of interest and involvement that already existed. She quickly learned that there are approximately 15 million people in this country practicing yoga, and fully 50-60 percent of them say they come from a church background. In fact, many churches, Christian retreats, and denominational conventions are incorporating yoga as one creative approach to cultivating a quiet, receptive spirit and deep prayer life.
After producing several top-selling Christ-centered yoga instructional videos, Susan now brings her unique form of exercise, stretching, and prayerful praise to a market eager for yoga that is centered around Christ and not eastern forms of meditation. She has even included a full-length instructional workout DVD for readers to follow along with!
Kakaku：638 saved$6.38
Special Yoga Publications
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (review) 『was very impressed by the service of the seller. kind, courteous and extremely helpful』
(J.B.) 『As a pediatric community nurse who works with children with severe developmental delays as well as multiple medical issues, I can tell you that this program _ Yoga for the Special Child- has been a gift. The book is a beginning, or introduction of sorts to Sonia Sumars theraputic yoga program. The children whom I work with love all aspect (breathing, asanas and relaxation) of "yoga therapy" and often will initiate our yoga sessions. My clients medical specialists also have commented posatively and often times will atribute the achievement of developmental goals to the patient's regular yoga practice. The child is only limited in his or her yoga practice by the creativity of the teacher. And if you just listen, the child will show you what they need. Yoga is a wonderful way to empower these special children.』
(Handy reference tool) 『If you don't know anything about yoga or therapy, then this is a great book to get to use with you child who has a disability. If you do have a yoga background then a lot of it is common sense on how to stretch your child. The great thing about this book is that it has specific exercises for each stage, so it is a handy reference tool.』
([$$$] for what? A happy kid who can play with others? Hmmm .) 『I must admit at the beginning of my writing this review that I was inspired by an earlier reviewer of this book on this site who wrote a relatively negative one. That is too bad; as there are, probably, a bunch of parents and professionals who have chosen not to plunk down their [$$$] to buy this book based on this person's opinion.
This book is for parents and professionals who are probably trying to find something (perhaps "anything" is a more appropriate word) to help their kid/kids. The author, as she describes in the first chapter or so, has "walked the walk", which now enables her to "talk the talk". And, after reading her story, which is heart-wrenching and, ultimately, uplifting, one realizes that the author is in the business of helping "special children", not because it is a good business idea, but because it is her life's mission. (How much money does an author make on such an inexpensive book written for such a limited audience? God bless her publisher.) In short, the author is sincere, authoritative, and, seemingly, hell-bent (in the most caring, lovey-dovey way imaginable) on changing the way that special children interact with the world.
She offers no quick fixes, and specifically warns against them. She emphasizes that patience, consistency, and a long-term commitment are the keys for the best results. She clearly prefers starting children in her program as soon as possible. However, there definitely seems to be no age limit to the kids with whom she works, as one on them seems to be sporting a cheesy-beginner mustache in a photo of him doing an impossible looking pose. The previous reviewer who said that there were no tools to deal with an older child missed the obvious. The author's emphasis on positive reinforcement and "love" is obviously an attempt to build trust with the child, which is the key to dealing with children (special or not) of any age. As for the most difficult cases, the author also conducts a teachers training program and has trained many people (professionals and parents) around the world, many of whom are available to help overwhelmed parents who want to try this program with their own children. (A website address can be found in a footnote on page 61.)
As for the bulk of the book, it consists of loads of exercises (with descriptions and pictures) to help a child develop strength, muscular control, concentration, self-esteem, etc. She does not give lessons on attaining enlightenment. The goal of these exercises is to have the child integrate with other (less special?) children in a "normal" way. Not bad, if this book can deliver all this for [$$$]. Even if this book only helps 1% of the kids that participate in this program, what thinking parent would not gamble a few bucks on those odds?
As for the previous readers comment about the author saying that a child's ears moved lower relative to the rest of her face, I believe that it is unjust. First, the comment appears(on page 32) in a reprint of a letter from a child's pediatrician. Second, the pediatrician does not say that the program moved the ears; it just says that the ears moved during the time the child was participating in the program. Third, the reviewer does not claim to be medical professional, so I don't think that she (or anyone other than a medical professional who examined the child) is in a position to say anything about what happened to this child's ears or how it happened.
In short, parents/professionals must choose to spend their [$$$] or not on a book that could potentially change their kid's life. I hope that my review will help them arrive at their decision. (And, remember, if [$$$] is too much, there is always the public library.)』
(A wonderful way to teach your child self-calming!) 『As the mother of two boys with autism, I am always on the lookout for programs that might help reduce hyperactivity and tics. Yoga For the Special Child has helped in that quest.
This book provides clear visuals as well as written directions on how to coax your child to engage in various postures and breathing exercises, first passively, and in later stages, actively.
I actually began the yoga with my son just as he was beginning to fall asleep. As the weeks have moved on, I have introduced some of the postures that require his active participation.
Very simply, he loves the entire process---and yes, it does leave him much more relaxed.
While I found myself raising my eyebrows at some of the claims of benefit enjoyed by severely disabled participants in the writer's yoga school, I do see where consistent use of yoga can provide a child with the means to self regulate hyperactivity and tics.
I do recommend the book in that light, and I am grateful to have found it just as I feared we would have to medicate for hyperactivity.
It's also a fun bonding experience. I finally have something I can do with my son for a change!』
『This is an innovative and easy-to-follow program for parents, educators, yoga teachers, and health care professionals. The book includes: a step-by-step, integrated system of yoga poses designed to increase cognitive and motor skills in children with learning and developmental disabilities. Specialised breathing exercises and relaxation techniques to improve concentration and reduce hyperactivity. And early intervention program to assure the healthy formative development of infants and toddlers.』
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Three Rivers Press
Usually ships in 24 hours IPhone 3G used's review (Stunning) 『I bought Swami Vishnudevananda's book while on an eight-day yoga retreat at his Ashram on Paradise Island in the Bahamas in the early 80s. My intention was to stay only a couple of days to learn yoga. The effects of four hours of yoga and two hours of daily meditation were so stunning I ended up staying eight days. The sky seemed bluer, the trees greener and the fish and coral more vibrant. I was even relaxed while walking among crowds, noise and traffic in Nassau. The text and illustrations in Vishnudevananda's book are invaluable for my daily yoga. His chapters on the Science of Yoga are also fascinating. The insights that were the most helpful to me included: The science of Yoga dates back to pre-historic times and was developed as a method of obtaining Truth. The yoga philosophy teaches that we cannot understand the mind and soul as long as we experiment on the outside. To discover Pure Consciousness we must turn inward, still our thoughts and watch our mind and soul. Humankind's intellect cannot understand the ever-unfolding mysteries of the universe, time, and the purpose of life. The sacred texts of most religions reveal that Truth can only be experienced when we transcend the senses, emotions, mind and intellect. All the founders of religions saw God, glimpsed eternity and experienced Truth within themselves and sought Truth through spiritual practice. Divine knowledge is the realization that the "Kingdom of Heaven" is within and that we are immortal, eternally perfect, peaceful and pure. Many wise men and prophets throughout history have transcended the limitations of space and time. Their wisdom was gained not from belief but through devotional practices such as meditation, contemplation, service, prayer, yoga and the reading of sacred scripture. A good spiritual teacher asks us to accept only the portions of Truth that we have experienced from within. The teacher knows that a deeper understanding unfolds when we experiment and learn from devotional practices. The Yoga philosophy says divine knowledge comes when our mind and intellect cease to function. The Yoga practices teach us how to control our mind, emotion and spirit through the body and breath. Yoga is the awareness of limitations of human knowledge. There are many forms of yoga through which to attain universal consciousness or oneness with the Supreme Being. The goal of Yoga is to achieve universal consciousness where the individual soul identifies with the Supreme Soul or God. Pure consciousness is in everything from mineral to man and never changes. Consciousness looks as though it is evolving from mineral to man but it is only changing its form. Universal consciousness is the highest state of awareness where humankind identifies with his real self or God-self. As the mind develops the veil covering the soul becomes thinner and finally disappears. The aim of Yoga is to dissolve duality. There is no subject or object when the knower, the knowledge and the known are fused. Unity happens when we transcend the limitation of body and mind by lifting the veil that covers the pure consciousness of our inner divinity. The oneness is called "Vadante" a state of union. Since Yoga is not a religion it can be practiced by all religions, faiths or spiritual traditions. When we face the Truth of God there is neither pain nor sorrow, superiority or inferiority, individuality or separation. Divine knowledge brings oneness with God and the world. The experience is beyond ordinary understanding and brings the peace to which the Bible refers to as "the peace that passeth all understanding." Self-consciousness or the "I" starts when the intellect is master. The "I" consciousness is egoism and is usually the cause of wrong doing. Reason can give us information but not self-realizatio
