Customer Reviews

Zen Yoga: A Path To Enlightenment Through Breathing, Movement and Meditation

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We all want to tap into the inner stillness that is at the core of ourselves. That magical place that is the foundation to our happiness. Using breathing, moving, streching and relaxation exercises to get us there, Aaron Hoopes has created Zen Yoga. I highly recommend this book-and his DVD as vital tools for this journey.

Aaron begins his book with an ancient Chinese saying that the only path that leads to the top of the mountain is the one you make yourself. That said, we all need all the help and gentle guidance we can get to find and travel our own path, and to savor our experiences along the way. "Zen Yoga" is a wonderful resource for this help and guidance. I especially enjoyed the quotations throughout the book, that there's a whole chapter about breathing, and the seven practical truths on page 181. The third of these says "Do what you're able. It's not about what you can't do." Keep this in mind when you look at the photos for the movements and postures which may be intimidating to a lot of us -- neither the book or the whole Zen Yoga concept are about getting your body to do to what Aaron's or Rita's can do. It's all about finding your own peace with this body and this breath, here, now. I'd recommend this book highly as an insightful, well-informed, encouraging resource to help you on your path.

Aaron Hoopes shows us how to breath and relax! His knowledge combined with the wonderful step by step pictures in this book is a must have for all who want to start yoga or continue to grow with it.

Zen Yoga is a MUST for the beginning to advanced student of the Eastern arts, or just anyone seeking to improve their health and their serenity-- it is a graceful combination of breathing, moving and stretching, as well as contemplation and meditation exercises. I typically have a difficult time learning these type things from a book, but this is so well written that I am having no trouble at all. I am waking up in the morning excitedly anticipating the next lesson. What I have learned so far is easily becoming part of my daily ritual! Thank you, Aaron!

With an uncomplicated and direct approach Aaron Hoopes guides the reader effortlessly through each chapter, cutting through ambiguity often associated with ancient Eastern philosophical traditions such as the Chakras, the Five Elements and the Tao. He uncovers the mysteries surrounding these traditions, making them accessible to anybody who has a genuine desire to enrich their present lifestyle.

The stunning Zen Yoga poses depicted in black and white photography throughout this book are presented in a step by step easy to follow format. While the advanced poses offer the reader an inspiring insight into where practicing Zen Yoga can take the human body.

Aaron also teaches us how to Breathe, with a straightforward series of Zen Yoga qigong breathing exercises designed to attract and circulate Chi energy throughout the body, increase mental clarity, reduce stress, assist in weight loss and bring the practitioner an upward spiral of positive energy, the result of which is a rare insight into what being truly alive feels like.

The simplicity of the profound information contained within this book make it the perfect handbook for anybody who is seeking a path to fulfillment, self-discovery and optimum physical wellbeing.

You have powers you never dreamed of,

You can do things you never thought you could do,

There are no limitations...

Except the limitations of your own mind.

-A.H.

Thank you Aaron, Zen Yoga has enriched my life.

You are a true Sage

Aaron has done an amazing job with this book, I really have a lot of respect for what he has done here.

To start off with this is not just a book about yoga postures, its a unique book, its amazing how much breath of useful information he is packed in this book, written in a very zen-like way, consise, insightfull and no-nonsense to the point.

For example, in one statement he indicates yoga is not something you do twice a week it has to be integrated in your every day routine just like brushing your teeth, taking a shower.

The highlights for me is the way he has structured the book covering everything from meditation, breathing, postures and relaxation.

I particularly liked the breathing and relaxation sections. He has a range of breathing techniques, I particularly liked the way he described breathing to be slow and deep, something I have not read anywhere before. Also he has covered a range of breathing, double breathing, gigong breathing etc.

The relaxation techniques are interesting eg. the zen walk a sort of walk where you put one foot infront of the other while inhaling and exhaling, sounds a bit silly until you do it and notice the concentratation, balance and focus required to do it, another zenlike exercise. Also he has combined progressive relaxation techniques with his breathing techniques.

I love some of the qoutes he used:

Namaste - The devine in me greets the devine in you.

Overall a highly structured well thought out and research book, definately one that is usefull for both the beginner and advanced yogi.

Sony

Aaron Hoopes brings us what would seem to be the obvious. Yet we rarely allow what's right to influence our lives in a positive way. His vision of how we should live and breathe and calm ourselves is so clearly precise that after reading it we might wonder why we've not understood this before. There's a wealth of illustrations and text to help us take the first steps towards what everyone of us should be striving to do: that is, live lives of meaning and awareness. This is a great book and one I will refer to again and again everytime I forget what I should have known all along.

This time of year and often at other times people will wish you peace. This book provides you with the tools needed to obtain that peace deep within your soul, not only at the Holidays, but for your entire life. Aaron has found a way to share his knowledge and experience with others in a manner that is creative and easy to follow. When we realize that our inner self is where it all begins, then our outter being can't help but reflect this to all we meet and deal with daily. Take a deep breath has a whole new meaning to me, and for that I am thankful.

Zen Yoga: A Path To Enlightenment Through Breathing, Movement and Meditation Aaron makes Zen Yoga very easy to follow and learn. The step by step instructions are wonderful. The book helps a person not just improve one's Yoga practice, but how to make it part of one's life. I highly recommend this book for students and teachers.

This book can be the beginning of a journey..... a journey of self. While our lives can often become so busy that we forget how to take care of ourselves and our bodies, this book gently reminds us to remember to breathe, move and stretch our way into a more positive place. It is easy to do, no matter who you are or how much (little?) time you have to do it. Life is a journey...one step at at time...and may trying Zen Yoga be one of your chosen steps!