1001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom

After purchasing the book 1001 Meditations, I was intrigued that another book in the series focused solely on yogic wisdom. Unfortunately, Fully Booked at Bonifacio High Street did not have the copy anymore.

Well, on the day my kids and I watched Star Trek, I dropped by Fully Booked’s Promenade Greenhills branch and lo and behold, they had the last copy there. That copy (PhP 639) is now with me.

1001 Pearls of Yoga Wisdom was written by Liz Lark, an experienced yoga teacher, author, artist and retreat leader.

Just to give you an idea of its contents, the book is divided into the following sections:

~ Starting your day well (awakening naturally, a sense of opening, the importance of grounding, encouraging vitality, encouraging fluidity, establishing positivity, readiness is all)

~ Throughout your working day (boosting energy, establishing self-confidence, coping with stress, increasing motivation, maintaining focus, clear communication)

~ Time for yourself (turning inward, strength and trust, inspiration and creativity, joy and celebration, finding balance)

~ Relating to others (love and compassion, a sense of nurturing, developing flexibility, purity and harmony, sensual expression, living in harmony)

~ In times of trouble (accepting change, resolving conflict, lifting the blues, relieving anxiety, dealing with loss, enhancing resilience)

~ Winding down (changing gear, time for reflection, aiding detox, encouraging release, settling yourself)

~ Ending your day well (the importance of rest, mindful relaxation, drifting toward sleep, transformation, silence and surrender)

Yogamad.com gives this brief description of the book:

This compact, colourful book brings together the most fascinating facets of yoga thought and practice in a friendly and accessible way from morning energizers and ways to remain focused at work, to techniques to aid relaxation and restful sleep. With postures, meditations, breathing exercises, mantras and mudras for every occasion interspersed with inspiring quotes from classical Eastern texts and modern gurus this yoga compendium will bring you increased balance, compassion and insight, as well as improved strength, flexibility and physical well-being.

Try to get a copy of this book if you can find it in other branches of Fully Booked or other bookstores. It is a handy book that hardly occupies space beside your bed or on your reading table. The yogic wisdom inside this small book will serve you throughout your yoga practice. And even if you are not yet into yoga, I believe practice of some or all of its tips can lead to a more meaningful life for you.

Here are some page samplings:

1001 Meditations

I found this book while killing time at Fully Booked Bonifacio High Street (PhP599). It was the last copy in that branch but I saw another copy at the Promenade Greenhills one.

It’s tiny, just about 4 x 4 inches in size and an inch and a half thick. But when I flipped through its pages, I realized how, despite its being simply written, it contained a treasure trove of wisdom that was easy for anyone to digest and follow. You need not read it from cover to cover. Instead, you can take a few tips at a time and practice them.

The contents are categorized into the following sections:

~ Luck and Destiny (setting out, finding the way, uncertainty, ups and downs)

~ How to behave (positive perspectives, acceptance, humility, motivations and desires, choice and responsibility, right action)

~ Finding your strengths (courage, fortitude, self-awareness, wisdom, calm, creativity, patience)

~ Mind and body (the observing mind, managing emotions, embodiment, subtle energies, healing the psyche, coping with illness, well-being)

~ Home and family (parenting, learning and growth, the nurturing core, sacred spaces)

~ Relationships (in partnership, friendship, making connections, bridging the gap)

~ Happiness (everyday contentment, enjoying the moment, the joy of play, gratitude, treasuring the self, dealing with troubles)

~ The wider world (connecting with nature, the web of life, loving service, the global family)

~ Time passing (change and transition, timelessness, growing older, facing mortality)

~What really matters (truth, compassion, love, spirit, unity)

The suggested 1001 tips are numbered. Here’s a sample: