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

by Max Strom

We can do more with this life. We all know it, we all wish for it, but just how to do it--that eludes us. In his new book, A Life Worth Breathing, internationally renowned spiritual philosopher and teacher Max Strom shows us the way. His groundbreaking book reaches past dogma in a language that is vital, inspired, and accessible. Strom leads us on a journey of self-discovery as we excavate our past in order to have a better understanding of our present. According to Max Strom, "We live in fear of terrorism but in actuality the most devastating terrorism comes from within us as we sabotage ourselves." With practical techniques, A Life Worth Breathing offers us a path to transformation with visionary insights on forgiveness, gratitude and self-empowerment. The teachings are rooted in Yoga, Sufism and Eastern philosophy, but make no mistake, this is not a yoga book of postures, it is a guidebook for living.  A Life Worth Breathing teaches us that by healing our past emotional wounds, silencing the inner critic that cripples us, and cultivating a yoga and breathing practice, we can elevate ourselves from the mindset of a reactionary victim to an authentic life of meaning, health, and joy. A life worth living, a life worth breathing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Health, Self Help, Audiobook, Religion, Personal Development

240 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2010

Reviews

[Ron Vitale · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I actually got this book *after* taking a few classes with Max Strom when he was here at our local yoga studio. What a wonderful human being he is. A great teacher who runs challenging classes that make you laugh and think. I credit his classes and this book with helping me put into words the ways in which yoga continues to transform my life in every big and little way, all for the better. However, you don't have to be a yogi in order to benefit from his wisdom and his spiritual, ecumenical, pan-religious philosophies; he sees more similarities among people and, naturally, religions and ideas, than most are willing to admit. It's a great read if you are feeling lost and want to rediscover your authentic self but are not interested in seeing a therapist. His book offers another approach at self-reflection and self-inquiry.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

★★★★★ (This is a review of the audiobook.) Good Gravy Beans! I loved this book. I listened to it again, right after I finished it. Lovely book. Now I have to go out and find more books by Max Strom. Went to B&N last night, but no luck. **sigh** or rather... **deep breath** LOL!

[Tiffany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! It had a huge impact on me. I'm in the middle of yoga teacher training at a nearby yoga studio, and Max's book was required reading for us leading up to a weekend of workshops with Max. What a wonderful human being he is! He is an excellent story teller, as is evidenced in this book. What Max writes will get you to think about how you are living, and you might even find yourself inspired to live a life of more meaning.

I highly recommend reading this book, (and when he's speaking near you) seeing Max in person. If he's not traveling near your neck of the woods, definitely watch his youtube videos (start with his Ted talk: Breathe To Heal).

Max's next book is coming out in the middle of next year (summer 2018) and I can't wait!

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I liked much of the content of A Life Worth Breathing, I also found it somewhat contradictory. While I agree that many of the practices are beneficial, others are simply not for everyone, nor should there be shame in not living as Strom says. I didn’t find many of the exercises inspiring.

I’m speaking specifically about Strom’s putting down of people who work hard and have a lot of money. I don’t think that’s wrong, nor do I think giving their money away makes them better. Some rich people give others jobs or invaluable financial or business advice. That counts. Strom advocates for a simple life, but that’s not everyone’s preferred lifestyle. And for a simple man, his own giant headshot on the cover, along with the self-aggrandizing subtitle confuse me about where he’s coming from. I also disagree that God only gives grace occasionally. I believe it’s us that are only able to occasionally perceive/receive the grace that God radiates constantly.

Strom also makes lots of good points. He advocates for developing Mind, Emotions, and Body, in that order, and points out that they’re all related. The breathing and meditation exercises are easily accessible. His advice to do 40 minutes of yoga 4 times per week is helpful. In fact, the first half of the book is excellent. It’s the second half, about Ethics, that bogs down and lays judgment.

Some of my favorite quotes:

• Nothing happens in the mind that doesn’t happen in the body.

• Whereas information is something you derive from books, experiential knowledge is derived from direct, personal experience.

• So, in our daily life, when we see tragedy, when we see evil, when we see suffering, we have two choices: We can take that suffering into us and become upset, or we can direct our joy and love and send it out into the suffering in order to heal it.

• Your happiness or unhappiness is actually a result of choices you make; often, you are not even aware that you are making them because they are triggered by external things.

• Learn not to define yourself by what you are against; instead, define yourself by expressing with your actions and your words what you are for. It is easy to criticize, but this has little value.

• You are not to judge. Tolerance is at the core of this practice. If someone is not willing to heal today, you must answer with a willingness to wait for him or her forever.

• Don’t presume to know the long-term outcome of your errors, because you don’t really know.

• Forgiveness cannot repair the past, but it can repair your heart and mind, and it can prepare you to make the best choices now.

• Never assume that you know someone’s intention.

• The more we protect ourselves, the less we are seen; the more we reveal ourselves, the more we touch others.

[Eileen Olson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having taken a class with Max Strom I looked forward to reading this book and was not disappointed. He creates a book that is filled with grace as I felt inspired by his words as though the book was written just for me.

As a yoga teacher, to me the breath is the foundation of the practice. Carrying Max's words off the mat to be in life with awareness and appreciation is a blessings.

[Lou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read review in its entirety at http://www.compassbookratings.com/rev...

A beautiful look into the mindset of Max Strom, a worldwide respected teacher of personal transformation and yoga, A Life Worth Breathing satisfies a soul who's held its breath in for far too long.

Focusing on what Strom calls, The Three Pillars of Transformation: body, mind, and emotions, the student/reader will learn to simultaneously immerse change within these three areas to culminate in a sacred journey within one's own self, a personal evolution.

“It is nearly impossible to walk a spiritual path while the mind and emotions are in chaos and our bodies are weak and/or sickly. The aim of this book is to lead you into yourself, for it is within you that firsthand knowledge dwells.”

The book is primarily divided into the afore mentioned three sections: body, mind, and emotions. Strom is able to convey his personal insights and experiences with each “pillar” in a friendly, modest fashion. His metaphors read like parables and give greater comprehension to the subject being discussed. Every few pages “exercises” or suggested activities are given to expand reader into student and eventually into mastering of his/her own self. These exercises are a beneficial tool to expand on what is being taught. It is one thing to know something by reading it; it is another to know by experiencing it.

A minor irritant is the repetition of some words and sentences. This could possibly be the author's way of driving home a point, and it may not bother some readers, as it is not incessant.

Readers of all dominations of faith can rest assured that even though Strom references different religious material, it is done respectfully. There is no pious criticism. In fact, all faiths are esteemed and given honorable recognition.

Seeking physical, mental, and spiritual healing? If so, Max Strom's A Life Worth Breathing, could be worth the investment.

[Alex]

This was interesting! When I first started listening, I got a bit concerned about the constant mentions of religion (should maybe have expected that when buying a book about yoga though...?), and it's true that at times the book became a bit too "if you do yoga 4 times a week you will find GOD" for my personal taste, but at the same time it offered enough interesting and inspiring insights even to an entirely non-religious person for it to not really bother me at all. Especially because religion in this books is not discussed in terms of institutions such as the church, but is more defined as the use of moral principles to guide one's own life and the belief in a general spiritual power, which was not too bad.
I would definitely say that a lot of the topics discussed in this book were inspiring, and that I took a lot of thoughts away from it that will hopefully enable me to improve my life. And also complete my transformation into a spiritual witch.

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this man and the book was amazing as well. I know it took me forever to read this but I really enjoyed this book. My life, on the other hand, has gone off on a different tangent and I haven't spent as much time reading for pleasure or education lately. I started his book last year prior to taking a weekend workshop with Max Strom at a yoga studio here in town. He is the most kind hearted and loving man I have ever met or had the pleasure of practicing with. I can't say that I have mastered what I learned then or what was in the book but it has transformed me none the less. I highly recommend this book and his breathing or yoga DVDs. If you have a chance to take any of his yoga classes, do it, don't hesitate. You will not regret it.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Elizabeth Love · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Tabitha Donaghue · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is really an exercise in believing in your own intrinsic worth as a living being arrayed in a magnificent matrix of body and mind. As you proceed through it you are gently stripped of negativity, and buoyed on encouragements to be sweet to yourself, and sweet to others. The single best line in this book is: ‘perhaps it is the addiction itself we hunt, not the prize.’ I go in for this sort of thing, so I found this book very insightful and soothing and helpful. It wants you to move with light baggage and full breaths.

[Mj · Rating 5 out of 5]

if you do Yoga, do this book

Max tells it like it should be. It is a book you will want to go back and reread parts of again, just to have the info settle into your thoughts. Anyone who has started doing Yoga will find this book very insightful and have you reaching for that inner connection and being. The author may get a bit caught up in the Eco system too much but not in challenging yourself to find out who you are and were created to be.

[Mireya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of those books that changes your perspective of life. This book has touched me deeply. It has taught me so many things. I started reading it with a marker in my hand and its pages are now full of highlights and margin notes. I want to read it again. And again. And apply its content and learnings every day. Thanks Mr. Strom!

[Yasmine Hardcastle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having met Max Strom and taken his yoga classes, I can safely say that the man knows his stuff. He is a gentle giant of a man, and I hear his voice when I read this book (which I open up to bookmarked pages all the time). 'A Life Worth Breathing' is insightful and real; and will have you looking at whatever you are going through from a different perspective.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to turn back to page 1 and read it again. Remarkable!

[Sky]

So far a lot more of a life coaching book than yoga book.

[Beth Honeycutt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I am getting stingy in my old age with 5 star ratings:-)
I can't wait to see Max Strom in April. What an amazing, inspirational man with a message for all people - not just yogis.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an Audible Deal of the Day, pleasantly narrated by the author. As a Christian, it was an interesting insight into a different worldview, along with some ideas for adding beneficial practices from different cultures into your life.

This is a book about how to live well, in terms of health, happiness, kindness, "mindfulness" etc, written from the perspective of someone who would call themselves "spiritual", with a respectful "come one, come all" approach to religion. I definitely felt encouraged to try yoga at some point (5 young children, no time!), and have already incorporated some of the breathing practices when I get a moment to sit down (I love ocean breathing). I liked the author's emphasis on forgiveness, and loving others, and he has an engaging life story.

It is a very moral and ethical book, and the author's aim is to help people become whole and well, mentally, physically and spiritually. But it is all about finding the god inside of you, drawing on your own reserves, finding goodness and love in your own heart for others. He talks about Jesus, but along with the Buddha, Allah etc, in a "this is what he said about being good“ way, not in a "Jesus died to save us and restore our relationship with God, and offers the gift of the Holy Spirit to change us from within“ way, and so unfortunately, for me, misses the best bit.

[Stuart McGregor · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found this book to be fair in some respects, obvious in many, and sometimes essentially wrong or contradictory (IMO of course).

There are some interesting ideas (though not exactly new) about having a 'better' life (or is it a worthy one?). It seemed pretty much akin to many other books that are similar in those lines, not exactly anything earth shattering though fair to consider.

Many ideas about being a better person seem either obvious or possibly even wrong in my view. Ideas like trying to be kind to anyone who deliberately wrongs you for example - yes all good in theory but really in practice, all the time...?

Then some ideas I found rather idealistic and even contradictory at times - e.g. talking about removing self-ego and similar ideas. These come from someone massively personally successful, rich etc. Someone who teaches his own views at many times. It's a common fault in these types of books I find. Difficult to overcome I suppose if you preach lack of ego and publish these type of books.

To add, the huge full face picture of the writer themselves on the front cover a little contradictory perhaps - ego much?

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not really into new-agey books, which I would place this one under, but I liked this for its commitment to its message, specifically the basic tenets of healing the body, calming the mind, and healing the heart/emotions through yoga. I'm still a neophyte when it comes to the practice of it and I've definitely been using more sports logic in my approach to it, but this book expanded my understanding of yoga as a way of healing and being in the world. If you keep an open mind and are interested in learning more about yoga as a spiritual healing exercise as much as a way of improving your physical health, you'll like this. It's a bit cheesy at times, and not everyone will be able to get past the God angle, but there is plenty that is useful and illuminating in this book. I'll listen to it again down the road, as I did feel more conscious of myself and the world around me when I was going through it the first time around.

[David Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very satisfying read, straightforward, believable

Max Strom uses his life experiences to explain how he became interested in yoga and how it transformed his life. As a yoga practitioner for the last few years, his descriptions of using the breath to guide the practice is very similar to my instructors at Life Time Fitness, so his book reinforced my own practice. His writing abilities in describing spiritual lessons he has learned are very thought provoking and inspiring. I sent several book quotes to family and friends. Max seems very authentic and seems to have a very sincere desire to help others improve their lives by learning the benefits of cultivating a yoga practice.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very clear and convincing writer who has a gift for sharing his passion and beliefs around yoga using accessible language and excellent examples and anecdotes. I finally understand what the instructors mean by heartspace now, and found some excellent ideas to put into practice on that journey of constant change called life. I'm not sure I can commit to all of his programme, but that's not the point and also is the beauty of yogic practice.

My friend leant me the book indicating I should read just the chapter on business ethics. I ended up reading the whole thing and thoroughly enjoyed it.

[Lee Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this was a book to read a little at a time, like a daily meditation. Strom's book is part instruction, part inspiration, part meditation. My first attempt was to read straight through, but just like a yoga practice any attempt to get through it is missing the point. Concentrate on your calm deliberate breath throughout and Max's little bites of wisdom come alive. This book was recommended to me by my yoga instructor, a woman who embodies grace, strength and love and the book did not disappoint. Additionally, as a Christian, I was particularly thankful for the way Strom incorporates the similarities of the world religions and is respectful to them all.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish there were an option to mark this as perpetually reading as I will refer to this book often. i actually didnt read the last 10 pages for many months because i didnt want to come to the end. I love the encouraging and inspiring tone of the book. I love that it addresses spirituality without being religious. This book has been life-changing for me especially in the realm of letting go of past hurts and remembering to live in the present moment. Now that I am reflecting upon it, it makes me want to start reading it again from page 1.

[MoJo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes way beyond the physical postures of yoga in a decidedly spiritual direction, but Max Strom's approach manages to pull this off in a wholly down-to-earth, practical way. No prior knowledge needed; no necessity to take onboard anything that resembles doctrine. His message is completely positive without compromising any of the real challenges of life. By mixing yoga philosophy with his own life experience, Max presents the material to be both personal and universal, authentic and accessible. I felt inspired in every chapter.

[Carol Saxelby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really can't recommend this book highly enough. It's so beautifully written, and gives such a deep understanding of yoga, and how beneficial it is...it's the kind of book you can go back to over and over again. It's the kind of book everyone should read, whether they're into yoga or not. Absolute masterpiece.

[Noah · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Lucretia Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Comprehensive guide to importance of movement and breath

I purchased this book accidentally while sitting in meditation with my phone underneath me. Not sure how it happened but it felt like a sign I should read this book. I am so glad I did. I highlighted much of it for reference, and I plan to read it again after some breathwork and yoga practice.

[Mariusz Gorzoch · Rating 5 out of 5]

That book in some special way connects what happens in our head with what happen outside of it. Spiritual guide how to enjoy what you have, enjoy small things and find peace thru Yoga. I've enjoyed this book quite a lot, it brings peace and pushes you into thinking about a different aspect of life.