32 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Solid Effort But Nothing New, August 27, 2001
This review is from: Body Mind Mastery: Training For Sport and Life (Paperback)
The book has 166 pages of content and can be divided into three main parts. The first part is fairly abstract, Millman calls it "Understanding the Larger Game". The first chapter is about natural laws that Millman sees as being helpful to understand; the next has to do with bringing awareness to our activities as a way to see what we are doing wrong, what we are doing right, and then learning from our mistakes; last chapter of part 1 is about preparation, about slow and steady progress. Personally, having read alot of self help and mind body I didn't really find this first part very helpful. The second part and the first chapter of the third part are, to me, the meat and bones of the book, where the concrete content is. He has chapters on Mental, Emotional, and Physical talent and how to cultivate all three. He talks about the self concept, fear of failure, about breathing, and then about strength, suppleness, stamina, and sensitivity. Then there is a chapter with specific advice for working on skills, like hitting a golf ball or diving or gymnastics. The third part of the book criticizes the focus on results and urges more focus on focus, concentration and personal growth and the last chapter is about new sports, less competitive, that Millman sees developing in the future. Again, this part is more abstract and it is very normative, criticizing competition, though he does recognize that it can bring out the best in people, and then naming some new sports he sees as good developments. He also suggests requiring athletes in asymettrical sports such as golf, tennis, bowling and baseball to "use both arms equally" (pg 143). I found that a little annoying and I also didn't really see it as having a place in this book. Overall, there are a bunch of good points in here, it is clear that Millman understands how to pursue excellence and growth, but I felt the book was a bit unfocused and there was nothing really new for someone who has done some reading in this area. Greg ...
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A balanced approach, September 11, 2006
This review is from: Body Mind Mastery: Training For Sport and Life (Paperback)
Dan Millman is definetly one of my favorite authors and speakers. Ever since I read his book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior, almost 15 years ago, I have gravitated towards his work. I even translated one of his books, The Laws of Spirit, from English to Icelandic a few years back. My review might therefore be tainted with my admiration : )
Body Mind Mastery is a great book for athletes and Millmans approach is balanced and invigorating. He challenges the athletes training routines and mindset with a perfect blend of information and practical guidlines.
Many coaches in Iceland have used this book with good outcomes as a result of my recommending it to them.
It has even come in handy for people I know that are not professional athletes. The philosophy expounded on can be used in varied situations in life.
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32 of 41 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Millman's work transforms "training", June 25, 1999
By A Customer
This review is from: Body Mind Mastery: Training For Sport and Life (Paperback)
"Millman's work combines the best of the human potential movement with the practical tools needed to reach that goal. It features sections on the "Peaceful Warrior Warm-Up", the aging athlete, and instructions for creating a daily exercise routine. This work is as much about mastering life as it is about the game itself." - NAPRA REVIEW
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