The Monk's Mindset: Finding Stillness in a World That Won't Stop Moving

by Sam Yo

In The Monk's Mindset, former Buddhist monk and renowned Peloton instructor Sam Yo shares the transformative lessons that helped him move from chaos to clarity. Drawing on his monastic training, meditation practice, and experiences as a performer and coach, he reveals how anyone can weave ancient Buddhist wisdom into modern life to find calm, focus, and purpose, even in a world that never slows down.
Through vivid storytelling and reflective practices, Sam explores how to
· align your four dimensions-body, mind, heart, and spirit-for lasting balance and well-being;
· channel your energy wisely with Right Effort-learning when to move, when to rest, and when to simply be;
· repair your story and free yourself from limiting beliefs;
· calm a restless mind with his bubble practice for managing overwhelm and uncertainty;
· listen deeply by emptying your cup-a mindful communication practice that nurtures true presence; and
· live with intention through short monk's mindset moments that fit any schedule.
Each chapter blends memoir and modern mindfulness with practical habits, reflection prompts, and affirmations to help you reconnect with your inner strength, deepen emotional awareness, and cultivate lasting peace.
Whether you're seeking clarity, navigating change, or simply trying to slow down, The Monk's Mindset offers a practical tool kit for mindfulness, self-discovery, resilience, and spiritual growth and reminds you that the stillness you seek has been within you all along.

Genres: Nonfiction, Buddhism, Audiobook, Self Help, Memoir

270 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 21, 2026

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book by Peloton instructor Sam Yo, like other instructor books, is part memoir, part self-help. The autobiographical part focuses primarily on the year he spent as a monk in Thailand, which is indeed pretty fascinating! Though I feel like he’s a little more mysterious and private than some of the other instructors so I would have liked to know a little more about his present day life.

The self-help part is as the title indicates, lessons we can all learn from monks - mindfulness, growth mindset, meditation, etc. I’m not really a self-help person, but Sam brings the same calming energy he somehow successfully brings to cycling classes and he definitely had some good suggestions. I listened to the audio of this one because I wanted to hear Sam’s voice, but if you are more interested in the self-help aspect I’d recommend a physical copy instead or in addition as there are activities, tips, etc included. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t finish my review by noting my favorite part were the references to Star Wars, Lord of the Rings, etc.

3.5 stars

[Sher❤ The Fabulous BookLover · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

I recently did my first class with Sam. His spring recovery class soothed the heck out of me. I have never felt so safe and calm in a peloton class. And now I understand why.

I wanted more “Monk” info. Like how long do they meditate…How to quiet the mind fast, etc. but I understand this book is about giving you calm in an overly hustling world.

If you’re wanting to find that stillness within then this book is good for you. I personally wasn’t expecting the books direction and I feel like because he was a Monk someone told him to write a book, but it was not needed.

[Kristen M · Rating 2 out of 5]

While I love Sam Yo on the Peloton platform, not everyone needs to write a book. Full of trite platitudes, I sadly found myself rolling my eyes through the cheesy “find your breath,” and “a single tear dropped from my eyes.” I didn’t hate it, but I ironically was impatient and frustrated through the banal calls for calm.

[Jeff Steil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Sam's journey and found his tips about mindfulness to be meaningful and practical. He is one of my favorite peloton instructors and was happy that he also included a lot of nerdy references in his book, just like his rides.

[Stacey Szarka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly presented! I have loved you as a peloton instructor for years and even more so now! Thank you Sam for sharing this journey and teaching us the insights of a monk’s mindset!

[Rachel Martensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is exactly what I was looking for. I feel the need to slow down and find it very hard when my world just keeps pushing/pulling. Even though everything going on around me are good things, I feel the nervous energy behind the scenes of myself. Sam Yo is one of my absolute favorite Peloton instructors and now one of my favorite authors. This book is not only a great book for a beginner to learn a Monk's Mindset but he also makes himself very relatable to those of us that are new to Monk's and their beliefs and way of life. Throughout the book, we are given examples of how to become more present and be more mindful throughout our day. Simple exercises and things to think about pertaining to each one of us in our individual situations. I loved that I was able to grasp what he was talking about and took a ton of notes. I listened to the audio version of this book and loved that Sam narrated it. Will be purchasing a copy to take my notes in and keep it. This book is one that I want to have on my shelf to look back and reflect on his lessons. Thank you for this amazing book!

[Birdie.Recommends · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook of The Monk’s Mindset and absolutely loved Sam Yo’s narration. He does a wonderful job bringing the listener along on his journey as he learns the deeper meaning behind the teachings and experiences that shaped his life.

That said, this is one of those books that made me wish I had a hard copy in front of me. There were so many practical insights, mindset shifts, and small action steps that I wanted to underline, highlight, and revisit later. I found myself constantly thinking, “I need to remember that.”

Grounding, thought-provoking, and inspiring, this book offers wisdom that feels both meaningful and achievable. Rather than simply teaching concepts, Sam Yo shows how these lessons can be put into practice in everyday life.

Highly recommended for anyone looking to slow down, reflect, and approach life with greater intention.

Thank you to the author in NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to an advanced copy of this book.

[Kim Langston-Perkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Sam Yo for sharing your wisdom and knowledge with what you learned from the monastery. I really appreciate it. When I used to bike on peloton, I loved your classes. I’m so grateful to have read your book! It was just what I needed. Thank you again 🙏❤️

[Kelsie Charbonneau - theshelvesofduchessarya · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book in the way it helped me understand how to adapt some of the "monk mentality". The author narrates the book and he does a nice calming job and I felt at ease while listening. I would definitely recommend this book if you feel like this genre might be for you!

[Bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

Never heard of Sam Yo but I am always looking into finding ways to integrate mindfulness into my fitness and life. The subtitle also got my attention because that is definitely what things feel like! Part memoir and part self-help, Yo talks about growing up, finding his way through life first through performance, being a monk and then as a Peloton instructor.

Yo weaves back and forth between telling the audience about growing up and not feeling like he really fit in to gradually finding his place in the world as well as various mindfulness/meditation tips/tricks and general lessons he has learned and how some of that is part of his life. Depending on your knowledge level, some of it may be new to you (I cannot say how well it would integrate with Peloton specifically). As someone who has been exploring this for some time, this was less helpful for me.

Overall this was quite dull. It's a book that's capitalizing on his popularity but otherwise is not particularly interesting. It's never any one thing (memoir vs. self-help, etc.) and for some people that might be fine but I really was more interested in the monk aspect of his life more than anything else. If you're a fan of his or into Peloton, though, it might be a fun read.

I can't say this has especially interested me in Peloton either, so if you're looking at it from that angle, then keep in mind this really more a book for someone who is interested in Yo's philosophy or approach than anything else. Which was something I appreciated: sometimes these works could easily be sales pitches in disguise but this is not that either.

Borrowed from the library and that was best for me.

[Guylou (Two Dogs and a Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝗛𝗘 𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗞'𝗦 𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗗𝗦𝗘𝗧 𝗯𝘆 𝗦𝗮𝗺 𝗬𝗼 is an inspiring blend of memoir, mindfulness, and practical wisdom that encourages readers to become the best version of themselves. Sam Yo beautifully shares his journey—from first-generation immigrant to actor, ordained Buddhist monk, and Peloton instructor—with honesty, humility, and warmth. His personal stories, especially those from his time as a monk, feel authentic and relatable, making the lessons easy to connect with and apply to everyday life. I especially loved how Sam explained the principles he learned as a monk in such a clear, thoughtful, and easy-to-follow way. Rather than focusing solely on physical fitness, he reminds us that true well-being comes from nurturing the mind, body, and spirit together. Each chapter offers practical exercises that make mindfulness feel approachable and achievable, no matter where you are in your journey.

🎧 For audiobook lovers, this title is also narrated by Sam Yo himself, adding an extra layer of authenticity and heart to an already meaningful reading experience.

Whether you're seeking personal growth, greater mindfulness, or simply a thoughtful nonfiction read, The Monk's Mindset offers wisdom you'll return to long after the final page.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁:
🧘 Mindfulness and meditation
📖 Memoir
🙏 Buddhist teachings
✨ Practical exercises
🌸 Spiritual journey

[Lorena · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a nice blend of memoir, teachings, and practices. Sam Yo shares personal stories, mostly from the year he spent training to be a monk at a Buddhist monastery in Thailand. I found his stories both interesting and instructional, and I wish he would have shared even more of his personal experiences (and his grandmother’s wisdom). However, he does a nice job using those experiences to teach the reader about the monk’s mindset. Each instructional section is followed by a few practices to help you incorporate the monk’s mindset into your daily life.

His stories felt very authentic, and I appreciate how he shared so many of his personal challenges. It makes him feel relatable and the practices feel achievable.

The audiobook production was good, as was the narration by the author. It was nice to hear him tell his story in his own warm, friendly voice.

I received a free advanced review copy of the audiobook through NetGalley. I volunteered to provide an honest review.

[Heather Baez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Yo is one of my favorite Peloton instructors. He's not the loud, vivacious "pump you up!" almost stereotypical spin instructors, which I appreciate. He's calm, focused, and gentle in his coaching. I also like his taste in music, which is why I chose a lot of his rides. While he shares very little (compared to other instructors) about his life, we do know that he's a former dancer and former Buddhist monk.

His book is less memoir and more self help. He does talk about entering the monastery to study and his daily life there which was super interesting. Each chapter he takes parts of his teaching, explains how he learned them and became life lessons for him, and then shares how the reader can incorporate them into their daily lives.

While I was hoping for a little more "post monastery" life, (it's not here!) I found his journey interesting. This might be a better one to read in hard copy form if you're looking to jot down/take away some of the lessons.

[Bookishme_lisamarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam Yo has such a calm, comforting voice that it honestly felt more like having a conversation than listening to a typical self help book.

The book mixes personal stories with advice about mindfulness, stress, and slowing down a bit in everyday life. Never preachy or over the top, it was simple, thoughtful, and easy to take in. I found it relaxing and genuinely helpful.

I think the audiobook format worked especially well for this one because of how soothing the narration was. It’s the kind of book that’s nice to listen to while walking, driving, or winding down at night. I will admit that I fell asleep while listening on my couch a couple of times. But, it was never from boredom, just his calming voice.
4⭐️

As always I would like to thank NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for the advance audiobook copy.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sam Yo is my favorite Peloton instructor, and this book is so genuinely him! I love that Sam offered a detailed view into one of the most interesting parts of his life in this combo memoir/mindfulness guide: The memoir focuses on his time spent as a Buddhist monk, while the mindfulness exercises and meditations come from what he learned at the monastery. I was always so curious about this time in Sam's life, and it was great to have him pull back the curtain (Pun intended, as he's also a professional actor and dancer!) This book felt so unique to Sam and his POV — the references to all his various fandoms (Star Wars, Star Trek, musical theater, The Matrix, etc. — even a Lego-themed guided meditation) were so totally him! I'm so incredibly proud of Sam for publishing this book — what a treat for all of his Peloton fans (myself obviously included!)

[Christi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Monk's Mindset is equal parts memoir, exploration of Buddhist teachings, and approachable mindfulness exercises. Perfect for incorporating calm into our busy lives.

Sam Yo has long been one of my favorite Peloton instructors for his calm and supportive style of fitness programming and fantastic playlists. He challenges without shouting or shaming. His first book embodies that same thoughtful teaching style. His pop culture references and storytelling illustrate Buddhist fundamentals for a 21st century audience.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing and Edelweiss for the digital review copy.

[Gavin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read, and perhaps not quite what I expected in some ways. Sam's ability to carefully weave his personal stories into a mindfulness self-help style guide was perfect. I truly felt as if I were a bystander watching everything unfold. The book certainly got me thinking and I will reference parts of it in the future. I'm glad I have a hard copy as well to be able to easily go back and review. There was no extra or fluff, it was incredibly well written. Everyone should take the time to read this; it would make the world a better (or more mindful) place.

[Stacey Ferrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Monk's Mindset: Finding Stillness in a World That Won't Stop Moving was exactly the book I needed at exactly the right time. Part memoir and part guide to living more intentionally, Sam Yo shares simple but powerful lessons on mindfulness, letting go of excess, thinking before speaking, and becoming the best version of yourself.

This book challenged me to slow down, be more present, and rethink what really matters. Sometimes the right book finds you when you need it most, and this was one of those books for me.

[Suzan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is read by the author, I usually like because I feel I get a better understanding of what it is they are trying to get across to me. Sam Yo's voice came across as being one-dimensional and didn't hold my interest. I felt the book had much great inspirational information, but it was still lacking something for me. I had hoped to learn a little more about what is involved in becoming a monk.
Would I recommend this book? Yes? There is nothing in the book that I found offensive, and much you could learn from.

[Mike Corcoran · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book from my favorite Peloton instructor. From the start I liked his workouts the most because he talked sparingly, you worked hard and there was always a sense of calm. After reading the book, I understand why. The book is part memoir and part instruction book on how to embrace the monk's mindset. I thought he gave many practical ways to implement the teachings he reviewed. Well done for a first book.

[Stevie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Back when I did Peloton, Sam Yo was one of my favorite instructors, due to his calm demeanor (a 180 to the fun chaos from my other favorite, Cody's classes). This was a very interesting look on his journey to monkhood as well as practical advice for embracing the foundations of mindfulness and finding small moments of stillness throughout the day.

[Gina Mullen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. Although I rarely ever say this, I could have had a bit more of his background and details of his journey. I enjoyed hearing about his relationship with his grandmother. I LOVE his reflections at the end of the chapters……..I’m very happy I bought this book, rather than borrowed from the library. I’ll definitely relook at it.

[Kathleen Malaspina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book, I felt like Sam was there with me, similar to when I take one of his Peloton classes online. It was interesting to hear his life story and how he reached the place his is today. His message of sharing kindness and practicing mindfulness came through in such a beautiful way.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to this during my early morning walks (ironically, I started at 1.5 speed so I think I missed some insights in the beginning). My main regret (since I was walking and listening) was my inability to jot down some of the wisdom he shared. I found that most of the teachings and practices parallel my own faith tradition and I appreciate the reminders.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I will listen to again and I took many notes because I really want to incorporate meditation into my life and it has a lot of practical tips. I also loved hearing about his background and he did amazing on the narration!

[Orlando · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed This

The Monk”s Mindset brings more clarity to the idea of being able to focus when so much is trying to distract us. This book has plenty to offer. Both actionable and thought-provoking.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actor turned Buddhist monk turned Peloton trainer mixes self-help and memoir in this book focusing on the lessons he learned while becoming a Buddhist monk. Some good advice here. The author reads the audiobook.

[I received an advanced copy of this audiobook via Netgalley.]

[Melissa Drapac · Rating 5 out of 5]

A big "YesYo!" to this amazing book that is half autobiography, half guide to living more mindfully.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam's story of his time in a Thai monastery mixed with the principles he learned while there.

[Petra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous. I love Sam as my Peloton instructor and I loved reading this book. We all need much more stillness in our lives.