The Luminous Self: Sacred Yogic Practices and Rituals to Remember Who You Are

by Tracee Stanley

A guide to self-remembrance with practices, meditations, and self-inquiry questions inspired by yoga and Tantra to help you connect with your inner wisdom, remember your wholeness, and live with clarity and compassion—by the bestselling author of Radiant Rest.


The Luminous Self shares teachings and practices that can help us connect with our true Self and reclaim our inherent power and wisdom—essential for living with purpose and grace in our turbulent world. In this book, Tracee Stanley shares teachings and practices in each chapter—including meditation, yoga nidra, breath work, dreaming rituals, community care practices, journaling, and more—that can help us remember and honor our deepest Self.

The book is a journey of inner exploration for anyone who desires to know themselves more deeply. Chapters introduce different paths to personal discernment—including facing obstacles to liberation, forgiveness, the power of memory, transitions as portals to wisdom and devotion, and nature as a teacher—and include stories from Stanley's life, teachings, and practice. 6 audio practices accompany the book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Self Help, Spirituality

208 pages, Paperback

Published October 10, 2023

Reviews

[Tom Kiefer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think I was expecting more introduction and background on the relevant yogic concepts, nothing extensive, just enough to ground and orient Stanley's stories and practices for those of us not familiar with the field. I didn't feel like I found that here, which I think made some of the advice and practices more difficult to fully grasp and relate to.

The Luminous Self contains a lot of perspective and teachings from author Tracee Stanley and a lot of "practices" (mediations and other exercises) for readers to try out. Personally, I found a lot of the perspective discussions interesting while some parts (especially whenever referring to long-dead ancestors or the Universe communicating with us) difficult to swallow, at least without some sort of background to ground these ideas' in a perspective that I can understand (whether or not I might agree or sympathize with it). A lot of the practices involved lots of symbolic visualization and projection which may or may not resonate for everyone and didn't so much for me, although even so there're a few good ideas in there.

Overall, I suspect that some (perhaps some who're more already-grounded in yogic concepts than I?) might find some or all of this book more useful than I did, but I had a hard time connecting with much of it, and found myself skimming through some of the practice descriptions near the end.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read any of Tracee Stanley's books you are missing out. Tracee breaks open herself and in doing so has created a deep yogic guide to your own awakening and evolution. By sharing her own stories and a number of practices she is a beacon for you to start your own healing and growth. I felt seen, I felt held and I felt capable of my own growth with this book. These practices are not for the faint of heart or someone who is looking for a quick fix or a Band-Aid these are practices that are a lifetime of work and guidance for the self. Thank you Tracee!!

[Gemini · Rating 2 out of 5]

I guess I was expecting more out of this book, wasn't really my thing. I found it hard to be following some of their yogic practices especially when I am reading this on public transportation & can't really follow along. This is meant to be done in your home or somewhere you can focus. While it goes though various teachings & practices it didn't resonate w/ me. Some may find this helpful & be able to get to that inner peace or whatever.

[Hilary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to finally read this because Stanely has been on the periphery of my yoga world for a long time. There are lots of good practices here that I will be referring back to. I particularly liked the ancestor work.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Auspicious mind mapping, venerating our ancestors, the powers of dreaming! Yes please!
This book is deep work and must be approached with an open heart. Tracee illuminates the path and its up to you how far to go 🙏🏼

[Rachael David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Helps you awaken your issues and provides a safe space to work through them. Enlightening and graceful.

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A wonderful book with many practices and prompts to explore. I especially loved the ritual transformation exercise at the end.