Reviews

A Life Worth Breathing: A Yoga Master's Handbook of Strength, Grace, and Healing by Max Strom

bookishgeordie's review against another edition

5.0

This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. It will get you thinking about your life and your decisions. It will inspire you to lead a more balanced life, one in which you aspire to be kinder to yourself and those around you. It is not so much that there any new or radical ideas in this book, but more the beautiful and clear way that he presents those ideas. It will have you paying more attention to the way you interact with others, as well as with yourself.
I would encourage everyone to pick up a copy of the book, I am confident that most if not all of the book will speak to you and your outlook on life will be so much better for having read this!

amberunmasked's review against another edition

4.0

While there were certainly philosophies that I don't agree with, Strom presents his thoughts in a clear and organize fashion. He is passionate and it comes through. And despite the few things that didn't resonate with me, most of the book's message does.

It feels like it comes from a place of privilege as an American reading it. Not everyone can travel the world to see what "real" poverty is; we have our own versions and experiences with it. I understand he was trying to make a point that even Americans at their worst have "more," it felt condescending on that subject.

I highlighted a ton of inspiring passages and would still recommend this book.

kerrynicole72's review against another edition

5.0

When you’re ready for transformation

I’m in the midst of a growth cycle, not a self improvement project and this book was exactly what I needed. It lays out a system for living authentically and poses many questions, exercises and ideas so that the reader may ascertain what that authenticity looks like within their individual context. This book is best suited to those with a background in yoga, although I’d bet even a beginner would be inspired to integrate yoga into their lives after reading this amazing book.

abbythompson's review against another edition

5.0

In this clear and beautiful book, Max Strom lays out the three pillars of healing: the physical body, the emotions and the mind.

Starting with his own story, Strom puts it all out on the line, why we need yoga, why it's good that yoga is starting with the upper-middle classes (the decision makers and money makers), and why we can't wait a moment longer to embark on our own personal journey to wellness and living a life worth breathing.

Clearly written with great metaphors and stories woven into his argument, this is a perfect book for yoga beginners. Unlike some other books which are given to beginners (Light on Yoga) Strom's book is utterly non-judgmental. It's less about physical asana and more about starting to noticing the things that make you feel good and what makes you feel bad. Just a gentle noticing of things in your life. It's hopeful, attainable and a frame of mind that benefits everyone, regardless or whether or not they decide to pursue a physical practice.

I would give this book to anyone looking to start a yoga practice and will be returning to this book again and again for inspiration.

jokanders's review against another edition

3.0

Although most of his messages were far too spiritual and yoga-focused for my taste, he touched on some really profound concepts that can be applied to other aspects of life.

Also, I liked that the book ended with a chapter about activism out of love instead of anger that focuses on solutions and kindness.

noahbeac's review

4.0

I liked this book but it was a little overly stern. Storm focuses on the different pillars of healing and how yoga and breath work can lead one deeper into healing and growth. It was a good reminder that the simple paths of breathing and body movement help us grow over time. This is a book I will return to for guidance.

ronvitale's review

3.0

Much of what I read in this book is common sense. That's both a good thing and a bad one. If you're willing to be open minded, you'll read lines such as "practicing yoga 4 times a week is encouraged" and be able to make time for that. If, like me, you're new to the whole yoga experience, trying to figure out how to make time is daunting.

And I think that is where the book shines: How much TV or news reading do we do each day? Strom suggests that if we cut down watching the cat videos and being on Facebook with our "friends" that we might have more time for our spiritual, mental and physical health. All makes perfect sense.

The challenge is making the time. Each of us needs to balance work, play, family, responsibilities and cram in health. And I'm not happy about that. Should I get up at 4:30 am instead of 5 am? Should I not work on finishing my next book to spend time with my kids or do yoga? As a parent, the small amount of free time I have day is a fact. Moving forward, I'm practicing making time.

One line in the book has stayed with me: "Time = life." It's that simple. What we choose to spend our time on is literally grains in our own personal hourglass. One day we will die. Strom asks: "If you had one year left to live, how would you spend that time?" Once you have that answer, he advises that we live that way.

Not bad advice at all. Hard choices will need to be made, but maybe that's a good thing.