Svadhyaya
In 2012 I found inspiration in many places: the elves’ hilarious honesty, my student’s trust, new trainings, support from the sangha, on my mat and zafu and in the pages of books. Svadhyaya is one of the niyamas and means the need to look within to grow, or look to find ways to enhance our growth and self-improvement (I paraphrase, obviously.). To me, Svadhyaya means to learn and to keep on using inspirations to bring newness and depth to myself and my practice on and off the mat. Through inspiration and guidance I am living dreams in a way that totally feels like my life and career is on fire, in a good way. 2012 was terrific!
I am always looking for new methods, books and individuals the enhance my personal growth and for kernels to bring to my classes. This year three books stood out as magical in helping me focus for the future (and present), making me smile and giving me tools to go inside and embrace what I find in that space.
For my third December giveaway I am going to share these not-directly-yoga-but-have-a-lot-of-yoga-principles-within-them books with one lucky reader. Each book is outstanding and totally different from the others. Together they are a powerhouse trio to offer lots of tools for your Svadhyaya, to light your fire, in 2013. Here’s the skinny:
What: One reader will win each of the following three books (US and Canada entries only, sorry):
Living in Your Top 1%: Nine Essential Rituals to Achieve Your Ultimate Life Goals by Alissa Finerman: This book is a masterpiece of helpful tips to guide the reader to focus their dreams/desires. Alissa is a no nonsense coach who is straightforward rather than woo-woo. Her worksheets and rituals have helped me focus my visions for 2013 very clearly and within weeks of starting them I saw clarified, dramatic gains in the directions I wanted to go with my business. Her tips are helpful for professional as well as personal goals. She’s absolutely fantastic without getting stuck in the murkiness that many self-guidance/coaching books often do. Her worksheets and rituals will help the winner focus and streamline their passions in 2013.
Instant Happy: 10-Second Attitude Makeovers by Karen Salmansohn: Karen Salmansohn’s book is one of my current go-to gifting books for my friends. She has created a collection of crisp and inspiring images and quotes all together in one elegant book. Regardless of what inspiration you are looking for, she has a poster for it in these pages. Feeling blue, there’s a poster for that. Needing a cheerleader,there’s inspiration for that too. Looking for justifications for who you are, you will find it in this book. Karen delivers exactly what she titled her book: 10 second attitude makeovers. This book is sure to offer inspiration for your fiery moments of 2013 and more.
Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation: A 28-Day Program by Sharon Salzberg: I am not even sure where to begin in describing Sharon Salzberg’s book on meditation. This book (and the CD that comes with it) is the top book I recommend to my students who wish to learn more about inner practices such as meditation. Sharon Salzberg has demystified and simplified one of the most esoteric topics: meditation. It is a lovely and inspiring read and is chocked full of tips for a new and seasoned meditator. She shares stories of meditation successes from all walks of life and also offers 12 meditation practices to adopt over a 28 day period. It is a great book for newbies to meditation or those who wish to deepen or diversify their practice. Beginning a new year is a perfect time to find introspection, to set aside time for self through a meditation practice. There is no better guide than Sharon Salzberg. Period.
The contest will run from 12/14-12/21/2012. The winner will be determined by a random draw at 6 a.m. 12/21/2012.
How: To be entered into this contest you must do the following:
1.) Follow Flying Yogini, Alissa Finerman, Karen Salmansohn, and Sharon Salzberg on Facebook.
2.) Sign up for the Flying Yogini newsletter
3.) Write a comment telling us what book was most inspirational for you in 2012 and why.
4.) *** For an extra entry share this contest on Twitter or Facebook and be sure to tag Flying Yogini
Thanks to Alissa, Karen and Sharon for their inspiration and helping to light my inner fire in 2012. Cannot wait to see what they help you and me discover in 2013!
To me, the book that filled me with the most wonder and awe this past year was a work of fiction called ‘The Night Circus’ by Erin Morgenstern.
I read it voraciously and my brain was alight. Not much more is required to me for inspiration.
One of the most inspirational and healing books I read was “Wild Feminine” by Tami Lynn Kent. It is beautiful book on pelvic care for women that addresses not only physical issues but emotional ones as well. Her exercises and visualizations in the book were sweet and nurturing.
‘Fire of Love’ by Aadil Palkhivala. I was able to attend a yoga workshop with him. I read just a little of this book daily. It is an excellent book for students and teachers; also beautiful to see.
Another comment by Marie:
one book that has been an inspiration and a comfort to me this year is “to bless the space between us: a book of blessings” by john o’donohue. he was such a wise, beautful, generous soul and this book is such a gift. he offers blessings for everyday events life like beginning a new day or eating a meal as well as major life events like birth and death. this book has helped to bring meaning, guidence and wisdom to my life.
Wild by Cheryl Strayed- an Eat Pray Love for the hiking/drinking/sex set- I couldn’t put it down!
The Forks Over Knives cookbook and accompanying documentary forever changed the way I looked at food. It was a life changer for me.
The most inspirational book I read this year was Erich Schiffmann’s The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness. Of course, it didn’t hurt that I got to study with him right after reading it!
I liked all of you goddesses & am already signed up for your newsletter!
Just 2012?? I have also read Eric Schiffman’s Moving into Stillness, and Marianne Williamson’s A Return to love when I was trying to find my way in my 20’s…..but this year it must be Anna Guest-Jelley’s ebook Curvy Voices..a compilation of stories from curvy yogis and their yogic journey.
My yoga teacher training manual from Kashi Atlanta has inspired me in ways that I could not imagine in February when I started my teacher training course. I also read “Learning to Breathe” by Priscilla Warner that helped inspire me to spend more time on my meditation cushion, because even if I felt like nothing was happening, something surely is.
The most inspirational book I read this year was Pema Chödrön’s When Things Fall Apart. It’s been a difficult year and Pema’s wisdom and compassion has carried me through some rough times.
Congrats to Ashley J! Your name was drawn at random. Msg me through the contact form here on the site with your info and I’ll send them your way.