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The S@#t I've Heard at Yoga: What I Learned in Downward Dog
S@#t I’ve Heard at Yoga is a collection of humorous, unexpected, and insightful essays that reveals how yoga helped a Type A cynic transform to a Type Y(oga) optimist.
Calm is the new superpower. This collection of eclectic anecdotes charts my reluctant evolution from cynic to optimist. Inspired by bits of random dialogue with fellow yogis, confessional phone calls from friends, loud-talkers in coffee shops, a stare down with a winter-skinny deer and salient nuggets from yoga instructors in various locales—including the Hamptons, Palm Springs, Upstate New York, Los Angeles, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard—the sharp-edged wisdom found in these pages is the ultimate DIY therapy. Rather than explore the spiritual core or physical practice of yoga, these stories capture how yoga can lighten the rest of your day by quieting the crazy squirrels that live in your head.
In the context of our social, political and cultural oddities, these essays surf the edge between outrage and “OM.” As a wisewoman said, “Yoga really begins when class ends.” Michael’s if everyone was required to practice yoga we’d have a lot less s@#t to deal with in the world. Whether you’re twenty, thirty, or sixty, if you’re stuck—if you’re trying to navigate a shift in your personal, professional, or romantic identity—S@#t I’ve Heard at Yoga may help you go from “Now what?” to “What’s next!”
Calm is the new superpower. This collection of eclectic anecdotes charts my reluctant evolution from cynic to optimist. Inspired by bits of random dialogue with fellow yogis, confessional phone calls from friends, loud-talkers in coffee shops, a stare down with a winter-skinny deer and salient nuggets from yoga instructors in various locales—including the Hamptons, Palm Springs, Upstate New York, Los Angeles, Nantucket, and Martha’s Vineyard—the sharp-edged wisdom found in these pages is the ultimate DIY therapy. Rather than explore the spiritual core or physical practice of yoga, these stories capture how yoga can lighten the rest of your day by quieting the crazy squirrels that live in your head.
In the context of our social, political and cultural oddities, these essays surf the edge between outrage and “OM.” As a wisewoman said, “Yoga really begins when class ends.” Michael’s if everyone was required to practice yoga we’d have a lot less s@#t to deal with in the world. Whether you’re twenty, thirty, or sixty, if you’re stuck—if you’re trying to navigate a shift in your personal, professional, or romantic identity—S@#t I’ve Heard at Yoga may help you go from “Now what?” to “What’s next!”
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my free digital copy in exchange for an honest review. I read this one because of the name and the cute dog on the cover...but it didn't exactly turn out to be what I thought it was going to be. I really wanted to love this book and the parts I could hang with WERE good. But since I am not a squirrel on cocaine, it lost me over and over again. It just jumped around so much and I feel like a very large part of it was not actually things that were heard in a yoga class.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Abandoned at 22%.
I have been practicing yoga several times a week for the better part of a decade, but I've never gotten into the spiritual parts—when my favorite yoga teacher says "let the breath breathe you", I still don't really know what the fuck she means. The title/cover jumped out at me when browsing Netgalley, and I thought that Norton was like me, appreciative of the physical yoga practice, but a little put off by the bastardized, new-agey Western adoption of its mystical aspects, and that this would be a relatable read. I enjoy yoga as centering, grounding self-care that challenges my body yet calms the squirrels running around in my head, as Norton writes... but as another reviewer beautifully put it, his squirrels are on cocaine.
This wasn't at all what I thought it would be. I expected tongue-in-cheek self-help-type essays inspired by a cynic's observations and lessons learned in yoga spaces—a jumping off point for some amusing insights and genuine reflection. Instead, this was the disjointed memoir of a dull unknown that had more to do with his professional background in marketing than anything (over)heard in yoga class. The attempt at a sort of quirky, self-deprecating humor was there, but none of it landed, and considering what the premise of the book is, I didn't find it particularly introspective. The tone was so conversational, the writing so stream-of-consciousness, I couldn't help but think that this was the wrong medium—Norton is exactly the guy you picture in your head when you think of a podcaster; this should've been a podcast, not a book.
It's pretty short, and I could've finished the rest of it in a sitting or two, but I didn't want to. Here's my bit of yogi wisdom, free: You don't have to stick with things that suck. Namaste.
—————
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I have been practicing yoga several times a week for the better part of a decade, but I've never gotten into the spiritual parts—when my favorite yoga teacher says "let the breath breathe you", I still don't really know what the fuck she means. The title/cover jumped out at me when browsing Netgalley, and I thought that Norton was like me, appreciative of the physical yoga practice, but a little put off by the bastardized, new-agey Western adoption of its mystical aspects, and that this would be a relatable read. I enjoy yoga as centering, grounding self-care that challenges my body yet calms the squirrels running around in my head, as Norton writes... but as another reviewer beautifully put it, his squirrels are on cocaine.
This wasn't at all what I thought it would be. I expected tongue-in-cheek self-help-type essays inspired by a cynic's observations and lessons learned in yoga spaces—a jumping off point for some amusing insights and genuine reflection. Instead, this was the disjointed memoir of a dull unknown that had more to do with his professional background in marketing than anything (over)heard in yoga class. The attempt at a sort of quirky, self-deprecating humor was there, but none of it landed, and considering what the premise of the book is, I didn't find it particularly introspective. The tone was so conversational, the writing so stream-of-consciousness, I couldn't help but think that this was the wrong medium—Norton is exactly the guy you picture in your head when you think of a podcaster; this should've been a podcast, not a book.
It's pretty short, and I could've finished the rest of it in a sitting or two, but I didn't want to. Here's my bit of yogi wisdom, free: You don't have to stick with things that suck. Namaste.
—————
Note: I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2026
The first half of the book had me. I’m not a self help book person so hearing the yogi wisdom through this guy who was also rolling his eyes and doing his best not to hear it made it all go down easily. Some good life tips, plus lots of funny anecdotes that anyone who’s done yoga can appreciate.
But then he abandoned the yogi wisdom and went off on tangents on gaining weight with age, giving a homeless woman his favorite sweater, the price of peaches in the Hamptons, Covid, and way too much marketing/branding talk. I think he thought he was explaining how he made use of this newfound wisdom and peace to live a better life, but it felt pretty disjointed, like the pages of a different manuscript had gotten mixed up with this one.
Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3, because he’s a very funny and engaging writer. I just wish this book was a bit tighter in focus
Thanks to Permuted Press, via NetGalley for this ARC!
But then he abandoned the yogi wisdom and went off on tangents on gaining weight with age, giving a homeless woman his favorite sweater, the price of peaches in the Hamptons, Covid, and way too much marketing/branding talk. I think he thought he was explaining how he made use of this newfound wisdom and peace to live a better life, but it felt pretty disjointed, like the pages of a different manuscript had gotten mixed up with this one.
Overall, I would give it 3.5 stars, rounded down to 3, because he’s a very funny and engaging writer. I just wish this book was a bit tighter in focus
Thanks to Permuted Press, via NetGalley for this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll admit I wasn’t immediately sold on the title, but I was intrigued by the promise of an irreverent take on yoga—because yes, after decades of practicing on and off, I’ve heard more than my fair share of nonsensical, overly precious, and occasionally eye-rolling things from both teachers and fellow practitioners.
As is my habit, I skimmed the table of contents, then jumped straight to the back to read the author bio. That’s where Michael J. Norton really won me over. By the time I read the final line of his acknowledgements, “Your local bookstore is the best place to feed your heart, mind and soul," I knew this book was speaking my language. That sentiment alone brought back memories of why I have enjoyed living for so long in a city filled with wonderful local bookstores, both new and used.
I requested a digital ARC from NetGalley because yoga has been part of my life, in various forms, for many decades. I returned to a more regular practice in 2009, and while consistency still ebbs and flows, I know one thing for certain: when I practice, I feel better—physically and mentally. This book arrived at exactly the right moment. I’m dealing with some difficult decisions, lying awake with insomnia, and Norton’s reflections felt like timely, much-needed company.
The section “Who Am I Anyway?” toward the end absolutely sealed it for me. This is a voice I understand. Perhaps that’s because we’ve both made a few trips around the sun. The humor is sharp but warm, self-aware without being self-absorbed, and grounded in real life experience. The line “forward motion trumps analysis” made me want to underline the page and say thank you out loud.
This book resonated deeply because it’s written by someone who came to yoga later in life and translated it into “yoga off the mat” in a way that feels authentic rather than performative. I also appreciated Norton’s observations about attention-hungry social media culture—another moment where I found myself nodding vigorously. As a Gen Xer, I’ve never fully understood the urge to share every detail of one’s life online, and it was refreshing to see that skepticism articulated so clearly.
His Palm Springs yoga chapters genuinely made me smile, and I laughed more than once—yes, including the mysterious Trazodone reference (I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I could certainly guess). I also loved learning that he despises Warrior II, one of my personal favorites—proof that yoga really does meet us all differently. Where he dislikes it, I feel expansive and powerful. Both responses are valid.
Yes, the writing meanders at times, but that wandering feels intentional, reflective, and human. This isn’t a polished, overly curated yoga memoir written by someone selling enlightenment or branding themselves online. In fact, I think the fact that Norton is not a yoga teacher is precisely what makes this one of my favorite yoga memoirs. He writes from lived experience, insecurity, success, anxiety, humor, and genuine affection for the practice.
I honestly love this book. It’s been a long time since a yoga memoir resonated with me this much. Readers who will enjoy it most are those who have practiced yoga for a while and who are inclined toward reflection rather than dogma. This is the book I want to close out my year with and carry quietly into the beginning of 2026, letting it bubble in my mind.
Namaste, y’all.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.
As is my habit, I skimmed the table of contents, then jumped straight to the back to read the author bio. That’s where Michael J. Norton really won me over. By the time I read the final line of his acknowledgements, “Your local bookstore is the best place to feed your heart, mind and soul," I knew this book was speaking my language. That sentiment alone brought back memories of why I have enjoyed living for so long in a city filled with wonderful local bookstores, both new and used.
I requested a digital ARC from NetGalley because yoga has been part of my life, in various forms, for many decades. I returned to a more regular practice in 2009, and while consistency still ebbs and flows, I know one thing for certain: when I practice, I feel better—physically and mentally. This book arrived at exactly the right moment. I’m dealing with some difficult decisions, lying awake with insomnia, and Norton’s reflections felt like timely, much-needed company.
The section “Who Am I Anyway?” toward the end absolutely sealed it for me. This is a voice I understand. Perhaps that’s because we’ve both made a few trips around the sun. The humor is sharp but warm, self-aware without being self-absorbed, and grounded in real life experience. The line “forward motion trumps analysis” made me want to underline the page and say thank you out loud.
This book resonated deeply because it’s written by someone who came to yoga later in life and translated it into “yoga off the mat” in a way that feels authentic rather than performative. I also appreciated Norton’s observations about attention-hungry social media culture—another moment where I found myself nodding vigorously. As a Gen Xer, I’ve never fully understood the urge to share every detail of one’s life online, and it was refreshing to see that skepticism articulated so clearly.
His Palm Springs yoga chapters genuinely made me smile, and I laughed more than once—yes, including the mysterious Trazodone reference (I didn’t know exactly what it was, but I could certainly guess). I also loved learning that he despises Warrior II, one of my personal favorites—proof that yoga really does meet us all differently. Where he dislikes it, I feel expansive and powerful. Both responses are valid.
Yes, the writing meanders at times, but that wandering feels intentional, reflective, and human. This isn’t a polished, overly curated yoga memoir written by someone selling enlightenment or branding themselves online. In fact, I think the fact that Norton is not a yoga teacher is precisely what makes this one of my favorite yoga memoirs. He writes from lived experience, insecurity, success, anxiety, humor, and genuine affection for the practice.
I honestly love this book. It’s been a long time since a yoga memoir resonated with me this much. Readers who will enjoy it most are those who have practiced yoga for a while and who are inclined toward reflection rather than dogma. This is the book I want to close out my year with and carry quietly into the beginning of 2026, letting it bubble in my mind.
Namaste, y’all.
Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.
February 9, 2026
I aspire to be a better person. I promise I do. But I have a full-time job and Nutella brownies to bake and video games to beat. So I would love to spend hours a week becoming more flexible, enlightened and beautiful in a yoga studio, but I have stuff to do. I also do not do Self-Help books. I’m fine, thanks. And if I’m not fine, there’s zero chance my life is going to get better by listening to advice from Stephen Covey. So how’s a busy but lazy person like me supposed to upgrade my spiritual, mental, moral and physical well-being? WELL. Turns out now I can reap the benefits of yogic wisdom by simply reading Michael Norton’s delightful new book, The S@#t I've Heard at Yoga: What I Learned in Downward Dog.
The author has spent a lot of time in yoga class and has distilled the many life lessons he’s learned into a series of concise, punchy neo-koans that are entertaining, funny, and, yeah I’m gonna say it, instructive.
What’s lovely about this collection of essays is that in addition to being hilarious, they are also completely practical. Here’s an example. Early in the book there’s a chapter called “Be a Beginner.” Through gentle prompting from his instructor, the author realized he’d been sort of phoning in that day’s routine. The suggestion: Pretend you’re brand-new at this. Let each feeling be new and each exploration original. You can bet this is what I’m now thinking about when I realize I’m simply dragging my tired self through another desultory workout at Crunch. Hey! I’m lifting weights here!
Each piece in The S@#t I've Heard at Yoga is like that. It’s a helpful tidbit that’s easily applicable to your life.
The book isn’t limited to just lessons learned in class. The author gets his thoughts outside of the studio and into other areas of his daily life. And even though (apparently) this guy’s life doesn’t look much at all like mine, I found it all relatable and (this is key) never pushy. It’s really like having coffee with a friend and sharing insights you’ve had while signing autographs at the stage door (or whatever your normal Tuesday night is like). It’s all breezy and easy to take in while still being authentically substantive.
Against heavy odds, Michael J. Norton has written a self-help book that even a sarcastic cynic like me can love.
The author has spent a lot of time in yoga class and has distilled the many life lessons he’s learned into a series of concise, punchy neo-koans that are entertaining, funny, and, yeah I’m gonna say it, instructive.
What’s lovely about this collection of essays is that in addition to being hilarious, they are also completely practical. Here’s an example. Early in the book there’s a chapter called “Be a Beginner.” Through gentle prompting from his instructor, the author realized he’d been sort of phoning in that day’s routine. The suggestion: Pretend you’re brand-new at this. Let each feeling be new and each exploration original. You can bet this is what I’m now thinking about when I realize I’m simply dragging my tired self through another desultory workout at Crunch. Hey! I’m lifting weights here!
Each piece in The S@#t I've Heard at Yoga is like that. It’s a helpful tidbit that’s easily applicable to your life.
The book isn’t limited to just lessons learned in class. The author gets his thoughts outside of the studio and into other areas of his daily life. And even though (apparently) this guy’s life doesn’t look much at all like mine, I found it all relatable and (this is key) never pushy. It’s really like having coffee with a friend and sharing insights you’ve had while signing autographs at the stage door (or whatever your normal Tuesday night is like). It’s all breezy and easy to take in while still being authentically substantive.
Against heavy odds, Michael J. Norton has written a self-help book that even a sarcastic cynic like me can love.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Post Hill Press and NetGalley for this ARC, out January 6th.
I was genuinely interested in this collection, as the premise—essays inspired by observations and lessons from yoga spaces—promised reflection, humor, and insight. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t the right fit for me.
I found it difficult to connect with the author’s voice, which often felt quite inward-focused. Some of the commentary came across as more judgmental than reflective, and the humor didn’t land for me personally. A large portion of the book also focused on weight and body-related topics, and one anecdote in particular felt uncomfortable rather than insightful, at least from my perspective.
That said, I can see this resonating with readers who enjoy very personal, candid essay collections and a direct, unfiltered narrative style.
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars — while I appreciated the concept, the execution didn’t work for me, though I did read the book in full.
I was genuinely interested in this collection, as the premise—essays inspired by observations and lessons from yoga spaces—promised reflection, humor, and insight. Unfortunately, this book wasn’t the right fit for me.
I found it difficult to connect with the author’s voice, which often felt quite inward-focused. Some of the commentary came across as more judgmental than reflective, and the humor didn’t land for me personally. A large portion of the book also focused on weight and body-related topics, and one anecdote in particular felt uncomfortable rather than insightful, at least from my perspective.
That said, I can see this resonating with readers who enjoy very personal, candid essay collections and a direct, unfiltered narrative style.
⭐️⭐️ 2 stars — while I appreciated the concept, the execution didn’t work for me, though I did read the book in full.
February 4, 2026
This book is funny, smart, provocative, and genuinely entertaining. The writing is sharp and thoughtful without ever feeling heavy or preachy. It made me slow down and really pay attention to what I was reading—not because it was difficult, but because it was insightful in a way that felt deeply relatable to my own life.
This is not a self-help book. It’s a self-think book. Instead of telling you what to do or how to be better, it invites you to notice, reflect, and question—often with humor and unexpected honesty. I found myself laughing, nodding in recognition, and pausing to sit with certain lines long after I’d read them. It’s rare to find a book that feels both playful and meaningful at the same time, and this one succeeds beautifully.
This is not a self-help book. It’s a self-think book. Instead of telling you what to do or how to be better, it invites you to notice, reflect, and question—often with humor and unexpected honesty. I found myself laughing, nodding in recognition, and pausing to sit with certain lines long after I’d read them. It’s rare to find a book that feels both playful and meaningful at the same time, and this one succeeds beautifully.
February 5, 2026
Help yourself to a great read!
David Sedaris meets Nora Ephron with a dollop of Tony Robbins… funny, insightful and empowering. I’m always looking for a book that inspires and entertains in equal measure, and this delivers. Norton’s witty and wise story telling made me pause, ponder and (almost) sign up for yoga.
Namaste!
David Sedaris meets Nora Ephron with a dollop of Tony Robbins… funny, insightful and empowering. I’m always looking for a book that inspires and entertains in equal measure, and this delivers. Norton’s witty and wise story telling made me pause, ponder and (almost) sign up for yoga.
Namaste!
February 6, 2026
This book will make you think about how you live life without taking it too seriously! R very worth picking up if you are at a transition point in life, but aren’t the kind of person to read a self-help book.
No yoga experience necessary!
No yoga experience necessary!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews