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Review: Inspiring story of overcoming injury with the power of the mind (Includes interview and first-hand account)

Yoga for the mind: how the practice goes beyond physical fitness is a new book by yoga practitioner Mish Mockovic Martin. It is part memoir, part teaching guide, part self-help book. The book focuses on how Martin, after suffering a paralyzing back injury, came to face the condition and her addictions. Having practiced for a long-time as a yoga instructor Martin went onto learn that, in her words, “yoga has a much higher purpose than physical fitness.”

The book describes how Martin, from Australia, was able to heal the aspects of her life that led to destructive behaviors and ultimately, she writes, her spinal injury by embracing the yogic philosophy in her day-to-day life. As an adult Martin frequently experienced back pain. Initially, she describes, she did not address the physical pain directly; instead she turned to prescription drugs and alcohol. Even after emergency spinal surgery, Martin continued to be tormented by pain. By turning her yoga teaches to the mental level Martin was able to trace her pain back to events in her childhood, address these, and then use the practices as the basis of positive thinking for taking her life-forwards.

Aside from details about Matin’s own life, readers are provided with a detailed introduced to the applications of yoga as a physical and spiritual practice, including poses and terminology. Martin also clearly outlines, in a vibrant style, the body’s seven chakras. In Sanātana and Hindu yogic traditions, chakras are energy points in the subtle body. These are:

1. Root Chakra – Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded.

2. Sacral Chakra – Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences.

3. Solar Plexus Chakra – Our ability to be confident and in-control of our lives.

4. Heart Chakra – Our ability to love.

5. Throat Chakra – Our ability to communicate.

6. Third Eye Chakra – Our ability to focus on and see the big picture.

7. Crown Chakra – The highest Chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually.

The book comes with a handy glossary for those unfamiliar with the phrases used.

Central to the book is how yoga can improve people’s lives. Martin indicates that her aim through the book is to show how embarking on a yogic journey can heal aspects of people’s lives, encourage people to take responsibility of their actions, and help readers to learn to know and love themselves. This is in pat captured by Martin’s words early on in the book: “If you are willing to be open and honest, the light will spread to all aspects of your life, it will remove obstacles and blockages, open doors to self-discovery and the ability to transform and create your life, full of hope and optimism.”

The book is clearly written in easy to read prose, with the text punctuated with Martin’s personal experiences. the structure of the book changes from first person narrative to practical guide and back again. What makes the book good for the reader is that statements and richly illustrated with life experiences and anecdotes, making the ideas easy to apply to everyday situations. For people suffering with trauma in particular, the book offers some solid, practical and compassionate advice. It is a thoughtful and interesting read, and worthwhile getting hold of for those interested in alternative treatments.

Yoga for the mind: how the practice goes beyond physical fitness is published by Balboa press. The retail price $11.99 (paperback) or $3.99 (ebook).

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Written By

Dr. Tim Sandle is Digital Journal's Editor-at-Large for science news. Tim specializes in science, technology, environmental, business, and health journalism. He is additionally a practising microbiologist; and an author. He is also interested in history, politics and current affairs.

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