Strong, Calm and Free

If you have always wanted to live more peacefully, love more fully, and discover a deeper, more meaningful spiritual life, yoga is the path. Heartfelt and deeply practical, Strong, Calm and Free brings alive the possibility of a life of inner peace, compassion and joy. Grounded in both modern science and ancient wisdom, this beautiful and inspiring book demystifies the philosophy and psychology of yoga, making the 4000-year old practice accessible for modern life. Whether you've never stepped foot on a yoga mat before or want to deepen your home practice, this beautifully-illustrated book is suitable for all abilities, gently guiding you through a ten-week journey of yoga sequences, meditations and mindful living practices that will build strength, bring insight and offer a path to healing and freedom. Written by holistic counsellor and international yoga and meditation teacher Nicola Jane Hobbs, Strong, Calm and Free shares the tools to help you navigate the peaks and valleys of modern life, to dispel the "I'm not good enough" myth that holds so many of us back and to experience the miracle of being yourself. By sharing her gentle wisdom alongside simple, practical exercises, Nicola invites you on a path of inner transformation. A mindful adventure of self-discovery. A journey towards health, happiness and wholeness. Towards strength, peace and freedom. Towards becoming fully and fearlessly who you are.

IntroductionThe gift of yogaWhat is yoga?How to use this bookPART ONEWisdomThe eight limbs of yogaThe essence and evolution of yogaThe seven paths of yogaThe ten pillars of mindful livingThe five branches of healthThe universe of the bodyBreath is the bridgeThe language of yogaPART TWOPracticeThe journeyHow to beginYou and your mat: practice guidelinesSelf-care to enhance your self-practiceLet's beginThe opening sequenceThe closing sequenceWEEK ONE: CompassionWEEK TWO: HonestyWEEK THREE: AbundanceWEEK FOUR: BalanceWEEK FIVE: Non-attachmentWEEK SIX: PurityWEEK SEVEN: ContentmentWEEK EIGHT: Self-disciplineWEEK NINE: Self-studyWEEK TEN: Self-surrenderWhere now?PART THREEExploreSequences:- Grounding- Releasing- Energising- CalmingReferencesRecommended readingIndexAcknowledgements