Learning to Breathe: My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm to My Lifeis authors Priscilla Warner's journey to overcome the debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that had plagued her since she was fifteen years old. Up until the beginning of this journey she had managed anxiety with a pharmacological cocktail of sedatives but is pushed into finding alternatives by a particularly bad attack. She tries a series of disciplines- from silent retreats with Buddhist monks to ritualistic chanting- to bring her meditation practice to the next level and finally transcend her anxiety.
This book had me at "Bring Calm to My Life". Although I don't suffer from anxiety attacks, I have become increasingly aware of the stress I feel daily and the toll it is taking on my health and body. In an effort to better manage that stress, I have explored meditation and yoga. I would classify myself as a "dabbler" - I certainly haven't mastered any particular technique and don't do it with any regularity but I am interested in learning more about how breathing and meditation techniques can help bring calm to my daily routine. For this reason, I really enjoyed Priscilla's journey - it had the perfect balance of information and personal experience so that the reader learns a little about the technique she is trying but more about her experience with it - both good and bad. The author shares quite a bit about her upbringing and family history as she explores it and gains some insight into why she struggles so much with anxiety. She does all of this exploration and journeying with a sense of humor and recounts her story with wit. This is really the key to this book's success for me - she doesn't take herself too seriously. As she says at the beginning of the book "Maybe my journey would resemble Siddhartha meets Diary of a Mad Jewish Housewife". Her journey is certainly accessible and whether you are new to meditation, a "dabbler" or experienced, there is something in this book for you which will help you learn how to bring peace and calm into your life. I immediately thought of three people in my life who would appreciate this book and each for different reasons.
For more information about the book or to view some "breathtaking moments", visit the
author's website There are some great tips from the author on the website about how to start your own journey to calm.
And while you are waiting for that journey to teach you how to achieve calm via meditation, why not achieve it the tried and tested (albeit not as healthy) way with these Buddha Chocolates made by
Garrison Chocolates of Providence, RI? Thanks to the generosity of
Simon and Schuster, I have one box of 2 inch Chocolate Buddhas (2 white, 2 milk 2 dark) for one lucky winner. To enter,
comment below on what you have tried to manage stress. Other stops on the blog tour are also offering interesting meditation-themed giveaways; you can see the schedule
here **Giveaway is now closed**
Learning to Breathe: My Yearlong Quest to Bring Calm to My Lifeis authors Priscilla Warner's journey to overcome the debilitating anxiety and panic attacks that had plagued her since she was fifteen years old. Up until the beginning of this journey she had managed anxiety with a pharmacological cocktail of sedatives but is pushed into finding alternatives by a particularly bad attack. She tries a series of disciplines- from silent retreats with Buddhist monks to ritualistic chanting- to bring her meditation practice to the next level and finally transcend her anxiety.
Hmmm...what haven't I tried? As a person that doesn't manage stress too well, I have sought various management techniques. I'm very interested in this book. Yoga helped a lot. Just learning to quiet the little voice in the mind. Burying myself in a totally absorbing book works for me too, when I can get it to.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty good with stress. Glad to see you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a book I'd be interested in. Have been considering giving yoga a try, but for now walking the dog and reading are my best stress-relievers.
ReplyDeleteI walk -- and walk -- and walk. I'm not sure it helps, but least I'm too tired to sit around and stress out.
ReplyDeleteI watch my 12-year old granddaughter suffer with panic attacks. She's learning to breathe properly as instructed by her counsellor. Having suffered panic attacks myself, I can help at home.
ReplyDeletegaylelin@hotmail.com
I hadn't heard of this book but it sounds fantastic. I am constantly trying to figure out different ways to manage anxieties and create a sense of peace. I think a huge part of it, though, is just being really self-aware and in tune to your body.
ReplyDeleteStress is my middle name. So I can totally understand the problem. I am intrigued about this and might consider reading it in the future.
ReplyDeleteI walk and do yoga to relax myself and relieve stress.
ReplyDeleteeugeniewu at gmail dot com
I find the best cure to stress is a dog - they're always happy to see you and make you walk twice a day. I've heard that petting an animal lowers your heart rate too.
ReplyDeleteDid someone say chocolate??? Love the concept of chocolate Buddhas ... as chocolate is, sadly, one of my ways to deal with stress. Maybe not the best way but it is a way. On a healthier front, taking a walk and getting a good night's sleep work better.
ReplyDeleteI'm a dabbler too when it comes to yoga and meditation. I get all geared up, do it for a week and then "get busy" again. I could see this being an appealing read for me.
God, I'm the worst meditator. I cannot just sit there and breathe, I go crazy. I've had panic attacks in the past, and I know breathing exercises to sort that out, but just doing breathing exercises on my own time, ARGH I HATE IT. I wish I didn't. I am always so jealous of people who manage to stop worrying and love the breathing.
ReplyDeleteI'm eager to read this book! As for stress (and lemme me tell ya, I can be the Queen of Stress), I meditate, I spend extra time with my furbabies, and I get out in nature and try to commune with the beauty surrounding me. Exercise helps a lot too, especially pilates
ReplyDeleteSometimes, when none of those things work, I go down to the basement and scream really loud!
To relieve stress i refocus my thoughts think only positive no negatives allowed.lomazowr@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHave you read The Faith Club? Warner was one of the authors of that book, and honestly, she drove me nuts. While the book sounds interesting, I'm not sure I can separate it from my prior experience with the author.
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