Turning Inward: The Practice of Introversion for a Calm, Joyful, Authentic Life

by Ross Rayburn, Eve Adamson

A yoga and meditation instructor offers a new take on mindfulness through the practice of introversion—a way to find your authentic self to balance life in our hectic, extroverted world. Lead Instructor of Yoga and Meditation for Peloton Ross Rayburn offers a new and accessible take on mindfulness and the art of meditation through the practice of introversion, which is a method of self-exploration for finding authenticity, joy, and calm in our hectic, extroverted world.​
 
Building off his popular Peloton meditation and yoga classes and his years of teaching and spiritual study, Ross Rayburn offers a new way to look at meditation. Rather than a purely esoteric practice, meditation is, Ross argues, simply “turning in,” which anyone can learn how to do through the practice of introversion. Because we spend most of our time “turned outward” in order to function in society, introversion offers both a respite and a source of insight.

The practice of introversion leads to a happier, calmer life and a truer sense of yourself and your path—something many crave in our chaotic and often polarized world. 
 
With the easy and enjoyable techniques in this book, and a surprisingly simple and straightforward way of thinking and seeing, you can begin introverting with more intention and with more structure and regularity, for even greater benefits. You’ll learn how to handle life’s difficulties with less anxiety and greater perspective, and you’ll have the tools to remember who you really are, especially during those times it’s easiest to forget.
 
Through these practical exercises, guided visualizations, opportunities for contemplation, breathing techniques, and more, you will discover that everything you need to be is already who you are. It’s inside you. All you have to do is turn inward to find it.

Genres: Nonfiction, Audiobook, Self Help, Health

272 pages, Hardcover

Published January 9, 2024

Reviews

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, thanks to NetGalley and Hatchette Books for the ARC!

When I saw this book was available on NetGalley, I requested it IMMEDIATELY! I’ve never been much of a yogi, but Ross’s classes on Peloton are some of my favorite to take—especially his meditation classes. Lucky for me, that’s a big focus in his first book!

Turning Inward teaches the reader about the meditation practice of introversion. As someone with a low social battery to start with, the act of “introverting” sounded pretty appealing 😂 All throughout, Ross gives tips and real-world examples. He tells us how to introvert without interrupting our daily routines, through physical/emotional pain and intense emotions, outwardly in journals or art, with our five senses, etc. His methods embrace patience, gratitude, love, and gentleness toward ourselves and the people around us. He makes sure we know that every mediation isn’t necessarily going to bring some kind of profound insight; sometimes turning inward simply means checking in with our bodies and minds, discovering our needs, and how we can work to meet them. Then, in chapter 9, he even writes out a 4-week plan to create a daily introversion practice if one chooses to follow it 😊

I think I gleaned the most information from chapter 4: Vehicles of Introversion. Personally, I consider mediation as a method of prayer and I’m looking forward to utilizing some of the skills and practices Ross teaches in my daily prayer life and personal interactions. 🩶

[Jessica Ashe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 💫

Thank you to netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read “turning inward” by Ross Rayburn.

I was already a massive Ross Rayburn lover. I am a member of the peloton community and he is my top instructor that I’ve taken classes with this year. His meditations and yoga classes are 2nd classes are 2nd to none.

Since I take more of his meditation classes, I was already lightly familiar with some of his practices, but learning about his history and his why was very enlightening to me.

I felt after reading “turning inward” my few on introversion has a more solid definition. I am a natural introvert, but it gave me a more purposeful tool for “introverting”.

He lines out many different meditation practices for different situation and explains how they are all useful.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a member of the peloton community, yoga/meditation interest, or you just love Ross which to be honest, how could you not adore him?

[Rachel Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve been practicing yoga and meditation with the author via the Peloton app for a couple of years and it has changed my life for the better. I appreciate learning a bit about his background and I am glad the audiobook includes some guided meditations.

[Rin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you mediate? Practice yoga? Are you looking for tools to bring calm into your life outside of those practices or just in general? This book will give you everything you need to find introspection anywhere, anytime!! I listened to this on audio, as I already follow Ross on the Peloton platform, but after listening I’m going to pick up a physical copy to keep as a reference. Ross broke down introspection in easy to work through parts, the guided meditations were easy to follow and the ending 4 week practice is something I can see adding in to my daily routine. This book is 100% the best self wellness book I’ve read in a long time, I can’t wait to pick up a physical copy.

Busy minded ? Think it’s not for you? This book will prove to you that introspection is something we all do, can do and need to do in order to be our most authentic versions of ourselves. Mindset matters! This book was a delight and a gift to myself, I’ll use these tools forever! Go on, read it!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been an introvert since birth, and to find a book dedicated to the art of turning inward really filled a hole in my soul! I especially love the sections on Yoga and on introverting in daily life. There are many practical suggestions here as well as reasons why turning inward is beneficial and even healing. Whether you’re an extrovert, or an introvert, this book will speak to you.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Windee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because I love Ross’s sleep meditations on Peloton. This book was really great way of looking differently at meditation but also provides guidance on building your meditation practice. I would highly recommend this book my friends that want to expand their meditation practice.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette books for the Advanced Reader Copy!

[Sus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love Ross. Don’t love meditation. Made it about 60-70% through the book. Wanted to learn more about Ross and less about meditation. 😀

[Rebeca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great advice for easy meditation.

[AMAO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Turning Inward: The Practice of Introversion for a Calm, Joyful, Authentic Life
by Ross Rayburn
09 Jan 2024


🧘🏽‍♀️Its a very rare privilege to get such vulnerable and intimate specifics directly from a fitness instructor. I see Ross daily on Peloton and he genuinely has the warmest spirit during his meditation and Yoga Classes. His memoir lived up to all my guesses and wonderments I had about him. I was taking Yoga and Meditation long before Peloton was even a thing. I must say though... I find his classes to be grounding and that is a great feeling to get from my home. Given his initial goals... I and millions are certainly fortunate that the universe saw a more meaningful purpose for him. Turning INWARD via Yoga and Meditation is far from a luxury. Given the scientific benefits and this jacked up world that will persist the world is fortunate to have access to his passionate instruction through the free and paid Peloton virtual platforms. This was a beautiful read and what a blessing to have him share so much more than he does outside the Peloton Studio.🧘🏽‍♀️#TurningInward #NetGalley

Lead Instructor of Yoga and Meditation for Peloton Ross Rayburn offers a new and accessible take on mindfulness and the art of meditation through the practice of introversion, which is a method of self-exploration for finding authenticity, joy, and calm in our hectic, extroverted world.​ As New York Times bestselling author Robin Arzon says, “Turning Inward provides the tools to befriend yourself. In sharing his mindfulness TIPs, Ross provides a path for even the most novice meditator. Herein lies many entry points back to oneself.”

Building off his popular Peloton meditation and yoga classes and his years of teaching and spiritual study, Ross Rayburn offers a new way to look at meditation. Rather than a purely esoteric practice, meditation is, Ross argues, simply “turning in,” which anyone can learn how to do through the practice of introversion. Billy Porter, award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright, commented, “Ross Rayburn is one of those rare people who understands how to help us access our inner depths. I’m proud to call him both my teacher and my friend.”
Because we spend most of our time “turned outward” in order to function in society, introversion offers both a respite and a source of insight. The practice of introversion leads to a happier, calmer life and a truer sense of yourself and your path—something many crave in our chaotic and often polarized world.

With the easy and enjoyable techniques in this book, and a surprisingly simple and straightforward way of thinking and seeing, you can begin introverting with more intention and with more structure and regularity, for even greater benefits. You’ll learn how to handle life’s difficulties with less anxiety and greater perspective, and you’ll have the tools to remember who you really are, especially during those times it’s easiest to forget.

Through these practical exercises, guided visualizations, opportunities for contemplation, breathing techniques, and more, you will discover that everything you need to be is already who you are. It’s inside you. All you have to do is turn inward to find it.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Turning Inward is written by a popular yoga and meditation teacher who found a widespread following through his work at Peloton. I enjoy his calming presence when I take his virtual classes and was interested in reading this book based on my familiarity with his work. Unlike many of his colleagues who have written memoirs in recent years, Turning Inward is a much different book. Rather than spill details about his personal and professional life with other fitness celebrities, Rayburn makes the case that introverting is something that anyone can do in a manner that suits them best. He shares the benefits of pausing and looking inward to better understand oneself and those around them. While building his case, he continually describes ways for anyone to incorporate this practice in just about any environment--including those with no previous meditation experience. The closing chapters of this book include a catalog of meditations to walk someone wishing to build a meditation practice through a 4-week program, increasing the time spent meditating from 5 minutes to 20 minutes each day. Prompts are numerous, and Rayburn encourages the reader to find any options from his smorgasbord of choices that click and go with them. Anyone wishing to explore a variety of methods toward a more mindful way of life in just a few minutes each day will appreciate the offerings in this title.

[Sean Holder · Rating 5 out of 5]

One thing I must say before I begin, this is THE yoga and Meditation book. As someone who's dabbled in meditation but struggled to find a consistent practice, I found Rayburn's teachings to be both accessible and profound. His emphasis on "turning in" resonated deeply with me, offering a tangible path to authenticity and inner peace amidst life's chaos.

Through these exercises, I discovered a newfound sense of calm and clarity, allowing me to navigate life's challenges with greater ease. I appreciated the emphasis on integrating introversion into daily life, recognizing its value as both a refuge from external demands and a source of profound insight.

I have become more mindful of my thoughts and actions, and the amount of time I spend daydreaming or assuming what someone or something else's reality is, all because of this book. It's a wonderful breathe of wisdom. I would recommend it to anyone for certain.

I've gained valuable tools to navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and clarity. This book is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper connection with themselves and a path to inner fulfillment. A glorious, tender look at what really matters in life: our relationship to ourselves, and finding meaning in the grounded unity of mind, body, and breath. Delves deeply into living for the present moment. A must read.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the way Ross conducts his meditation sessions on Peloton & was curious to try out his book after all the glowing reviews. There's tons of different ways to use "inverting" in your daily life at work or home. It's definitely useful for anyone with an anxious mind or a high stress job (especially if you possess both those things tbh).

Did I read the whole thing in his voice? Absolutely. Did I read all of the guides in the plan chapter? Nope. I got the bulk of what I wanted from the first half before it becomes a sort of meditation workbook/guide.

I would rate this book higher but unfortunately it got a wee bit repetitive. A lot of it could be read out of order if you wanted. Perhaps you'd prefer re-reading the parts you found useful at some point. Good prompts for taking a step back and reflecting before a performance, an interview, or just a tough conversation. Are you meditating yet? Maybe not traditionally speaking, but it seems you don't need tradition to benefit from "introverting." So why not give it a browse & some reflection?

[Danica San Juan, LMSW-C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although he only briefly discusses this part of his life, I really enjoyed learning that Ross is a person of faith and had mostly positive experiences with the Christian church growing up. I love hearing positive stories about queer people of faith and it was so timely of me reading that part of his life during the current political state of this country and it being Pride Month.

I really enjoyed Ross while he was still a Peloton instructor. Despite taking numerous of his meditation classes on Peloton as well as practicing meditation a lot on my own as a mindfulness-based mental health therapist, I actually learned a lot of new things about meditation through his book. I actually wished he taught more of these new-to-me concepts while he was still a Peloton instructor.

Finally, I thought it was very touching that the final chapter in his book was a sleep meditation. The section of the book where he outlines a four-week meditation plan should be read via audiobook especially if you miss his sleeping meditations on Peloton.

[Paula Kitsch · Rating 4 out of 5]

My goal for 2023 was to do more Yoga and Try and meditate more. While trying to do this some days are easier then others. When I found out that Ross, one of my go to Peloton instructors for meditation was coming out with a book, I couldn’t contain my excitement. While I started fast I realized this is not a book you rip through, which is hard for a person like me who loves to read a book cover to cover in days.
This book is more about reading a chapter, taking notes that you feel speak to you or that you need improvement on. I would read a chapter and then attempt that day to do a Meditation or Yoga class and see how that lesson applies to me and the implementation of it towards my practice.
I am so excited since I am hard to sit still unless reading to see Ross’ chapter on being busy during meditation and now Peloton has launched Walking Meditation!
This book is extremely helpful for people who need to turn off their brain and turn inwards to concentrate on their practice.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC of Turning Inward by Ross Rayburn in return for an honest review.

I truly enjoyed the book, Turning Inward, by Ross Rayburn. I am a dedicated Peloton user and often listen to Ross' sleep meditations. However, meditating is not something that comes easily to me and not something that I think I'm necessarily succeeding in doing. I'm looking for more ways to change my outlook in 2024, and this was the perfect book to help me dive in.

Ross' approach was truly wonderful. His writing flowed so well and it was like he was actually speaking to me while I read his words. I found many of his approaches to be easy to understand and to follow. He also used relatable stories to show how the different aspects of "Turning Inward" could be applied. This was a great read for anyone that wants to make a positive change, from the inside out, in their thoughts and actions.

[Gwendolyn]

This book is a collection of tips and exercises for “turning inward” or “introverting,” which Ross Rayburn explains is simply a way of tuning into your interior thoughts and sensations—a kind of body wisdom or consciousness, if you will. I listened to this as an audiobook, and it is narrated by Rayburn. As a Peloton instructor, Rayburn is well-liked for his yoga and meditation classes, especially his sleep meditations. I enjoyed hearing this book in his voice, but the book is more of a how-to manual with a lot of suggested “introverting” exercises. It doesn’t lend itself particularly well to the audiobook format because it’s strange to listen to one meditation exercise after another. I think it would be better to use the print version of this book as a reference guide when starting a meditation practice.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ✨. If you are curious about meditation, this is a great read for beginners - provides a lot of different insights and meditative practices. It breaks past stigmas about meditation and shows how to embrace the practice of “turning inward” in your daily life.

If you are a fan of Ross’s mediations on Peloton, if he narrates the audiobook I’d recommend that as it could really enhance the experience of reading this.

I will note this is really a how-to book on meditation, with prompts to pause reading to do meditations of various lengths throughout. Personally I was hoping for more on Ross’s background, as well as more tie-ins to yoga practice too (it’s hinted at a few times broadly), but that was just my personal expectation and didn’t detract from the quality of the exercises he provided.

[aimeecat · Rating 3 out of 5]

The main reason I read this book is because Ross has done some of my favorite guided meditations of all time. He is my go-to person to help me relax and breathe, especially during his sleep meditations. His soothing voice and calm/clear delivery is wonderful.

That being said, this book was not for me. Parts of it read like a textbook and is very much for beginners who want to learn how to meditate via introversion. I was really hoping to hear more from Ross’ personal experiences, what inspired him, his own spiritual journey, and testimonials. He does give a few stories that I found valuable.

I still love Ross, so I will gladly read anything else he writes. I might even give this book a second read. He does go through some meditations, and I HIGHLY recommend using the audiobook for those; I cannot imagine just reading them would have the same effect.

[Katie Gendel · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars rounded up

This book is a valuable resource for those interested in mindfulness and self-awareness, providing a well-balanced mix of author insights, practical exercises, and meaningful chapters. Rayburn caters to both beginners and seasoned meditators, offering useful tips for various readers. The sections on yoga and introverting in daily life are particularly enjoyable, featuring practical suggestions and reasons for the benefits of turning inward. The author's personal stories and examples add depth, making the book relatable to both extroverts and introverts alike.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Becca Hester · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoy a lot of the content of this book, however, I'm not sure a book was the right medium. A podcast or, as is advertised throughout the book, his work on peloton would likely be more impactful. I'm glad I got an audiobook because the method of delivery goes back and forth between talking about introversion and guided meditation but overall it sort of fell flat.

Reading other reviews, it seems like most people found this book because they already knew the author through peloton. As someone who picked up the book first, it does make me want to listen to his meditations, but I am not sure how much I learned from the book.

[Monica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ross Rayburn’s Turning Inward is both an introduction to meditative practices and a personal history of the author’s dive into mindfulness. Especially useful are the techniques that make this accessible to people who have trouble sitting still — meditative movement is just as valuable a tool as sitting on a cushion with knees crossed! The book includes explanations of various techniques, exercises, visualizations, and more — something sure to resonate with each reader.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC.

[Natascha Gutermuth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read this book as an ARC.
I have been a huge Peloton fan since its beginnings. While I love Ross as an instructor, I was expecting more of a book on his coming to be an instructor and his background. This book was a meditation book and just way into detail about meditation for my liking. I did not expect a book that actually made the reader meditate while reading. I like a quick meditation but this one was just too focused and appears to be more for someone studying to be a meditation instructor.

[Lovely Loveday]

Turning Inward transcends the boundaries of traditional meditation. Rayburn possesses an innate understanding of your individual needs and possesses the expertise to guide you towards profound self-discovery. As a seasoned yoga and meditation instructor, he presents a fresh perspective on mindfulness through the art of introversion - a transformative practice that enables you to unearth your true essence and restore equilibrium in our fast-paced, extroverted society.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Turning Inward. As someone who overthinks and is a strong introvert, Ross opened my eyes to different ways of thinking - even a different meaning to introversion!

I liked how he shares not only background of meditation, also some practices along the way, specific meditations for various scenarios, and a four week journey. It's timely too with the new year to be more mindful in the days ahead.

Thank you to Hachette Books and to Netgalley for an ARC.

[Jennifer Hazen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I take a lot of Ross' yoga and meditation sessions on Peloton so I was excited to read Turning Inward. I loved learning more about Ross and his path through life so far. I loved that he let us know that meditating doesn't necessarily mean sitting still. He gives practical advice for finding calm, joy, and authenticity. If you're a fan of Ross' and/or have trouble or misconceptions regarding meditating or yoga or seeking calm.

[Robin Perkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

This is a great beginner meditation (or introversion) book. There is a buffet of meditations for you to try and figure out what works best for you. The author gives you instruction without pressure to get it perfectly right. He very much encourages you to take what works for you and leave the rest. If you need to do something slightly different then he writes it, he encourages you to adapt it to you.

[Lauren Giac · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 💫

I rounded up based on my love for Ross and his ability to talk me to sleep. Although this book got repetitive at times, and I considered making it a drinking game every time he said turning inward or turn in, I didn’t because I would be wasted by chapter 1. I enjoyed the exercises throughout the book!

[Caroline Brode · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve loved Ross Rayburn’s meditations on Peloton, so I was happy to grab this book. Sadly, I tuned in via a library audiobook loan and didn’t have time to put many of the TIPS or the 4 week guidance practice while having the book. I would recommend owning this if you’re wanting to try out some practices or commit to a habit.

[Diana Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ross makes meditation and mindfulness so simple, accessible and inviting. His meditations have changed my life and this book is an extension of that. He writes so beautifully and makes his knowledge so easy to understand and apply. I love this book and his approach to mindfulness so much! 5+ stars!

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Ross’ soothing voice and his support of meditation as a messy, imperfect, and sometimes noisy practice that helps you sort out your thoughts and feelings to make space for yourself in the world. His book is as generous, calming, and thoughtful as his guided meditations.