Breathing Space: Twelve Lessons for the Modern Woman (Paperback)

~ (Author), Alan Finger (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

This book by the coauthors of Chakra Yoga follows yoga veteran Repka through an anxious first year in New York, her disappointment with intimidating yoga classes—bastions of chic slimness—and her serendipitous meeting with Supreme Yogi Alan Finger. She is inspired by the yogi's tantric knowledge, and Finger recognizes Repka's skill and passion. He makes her his assistant, and the two embark on private sessions in which Finger reveals the advantages of breath work in ameliorating stress, resolving problems and increasing well-being. The breathing exercises at the end of each chapter increase in difficulty, and the authors suggest audio-taping each assignment (rather than trying to follow them in written form) for ease of completion. While Repka's happy ending might feel suspiciously neat, the universality of her need to find focus and balance, as well as the time-honored application of the breathing remedy, make this book an illuminating endeavor. The pairing of day-to-day problems with a distinctive antidote is anything but pedestrian. A quick read, the book conjures a powerful portrait of the mentor-pupil dynamic. (Jan.)
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Product Description

"This is the story of a year I spent in New York, studying with Yoga Master Alan Finger."

When Katrina Repka moved to New York, she was eager to shed her past and begin a new life, but she soon discovered that her old problems had followed her to the big city, and that instead of finding herself, she was more lost than ever. It was when she was almost ready to give up on everything that she read a magazine article on Master Yogi Alan Finger and knew that she had to meet him. It was a meeting that would change her life.

Over the next twelve months, with Alan's help, Katrina tackled and overcame many of the obstacles holding her back. Dealing with issues that every woman will relate to--criticism, emptiness, balance, family, and creativity (among others)--the twelve chapters in Breathing Space follow Katrina's ups and downs in New York. At the end of each chapter there is a simple but effective breathing exercise that will help readers eliminate harmful behavior patterns and speed their own process of personal transformation. Breathing Space is an inspiring and instructive book that offers every woman the chance to follow the author's path and become the person she truly wants and deserves to be.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Voice; 1 edition (December 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1401303471
• ISBN-13: 978-1401303471
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #324,327 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book, with equally great lessons, August 2, 2009

By	Isabel Abdai (New York, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I felt compelled to write a review on this book for a few reasons. One, because I really enjoyed it, and the lessons it imparts, and another because I'm astounded by some of the negative comments from other reviewers. The thing I like about this book, is that it is written by someone who has the guts to expose her vulnerabilities, in order to help others, and heal herself. She comes across as very human, both in her strengths and her weaknesses, and I think most women can relate to some of the feelings and problems she is faced with. I don't know why people are so mean spirited (calling her whiny), and judgmental. It may be cliché, but truly no one is perfect, and we're all just on a journey, trying to find our best path in life. People need to get off their high horse, and stop expecting the writer [and Alan] to be so God-like. I have met him, just once, and he really does seem very wise, kind, and compassionate. I can't wait to take one of his classes. Thank you Katrina, and ignore the unnecessarily cruel comments from other readers...they are just people who will never be happy because they expect perfection from people, something which is unattainable.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for the beginner and advanced yoga student, April 15, 2009

By	S. Eyde - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I loved this book. It is engaging, warm, informative, real and life changing. As a student and teacher of yoga I found it helpful on both levels. The narrative weaves so nicely into the instruction, each exercise building on the previous one. Katrina and Alan give the reader the tools necessary for self-empowerment and well-being. Truly, an inspiring read.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars VERY TRUE, March 8, 2009

By	David Jackson "THERE" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

ANYONE who has met Alan Finger, knows that all of what Katrina writes is true. I applaud her for exposing herself so completely and creating a way to incorporate Alans teachings and the basic teachings of Yoga, into her life story. We could all use these teachings to help us navigate through life's challenging obstacles. What Alan teaches is so positive and humane, and Katrina's story of how she wrestled with herself all make for a good read and leave an inspiring after taste. As a man living in NYC, even I found useful lessons here.