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A Way from Darkness: My Story of Addiction, Recovery, and Yoga
A Way from Darkness is the unflinching and confessional story of Taylor Hunt's journey from addiction to health – physical, emotional, and spiritual. His parents’ divorce set the stage for a downward spiral of self-destruction. The pressure he felt to keep his family together coupled with a deep desire to “fit in” fueled his experimentation with drugs and alcohol. His descent from upper-middle class teen with a promising future to the depths of heroin addiction left him bankrupt in every imaginable sense of the word. Soon, he was fully immersed in the dark underbelly of society and on the brink of death. Finding his way out of the abyss after ten years was neither quick nor easy. A twelve-step program of recovery and the practice of yoga provided the guiding lights toward a new path. Taylor does much more than share his story in A Way from Darkness; he invites the reader to find healing through community, Ashtanga yoga, and ultimately, acceptance.
314 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
28 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 31, 2016
My heart leaped, I gasped, I shook my head , said no out loud and yes. I could not move from the couch until I heard Taylor Hunt's whole truth . It's an amazing read in a book that enables us all to relate to whether we know addiction or not. The humanness, honesty and truth along with a gripping writing style moved me.
I so loved the honesty and inspiration that I felt when reading this book. I was not really able to put it down as I felt very connected and was engrossed in his journey. I was rooting for him, sad when the fork in the road turned and then tears of joy when it turned again. The story is real and not much is left out. His story is for everyone as we make our journey in this life and are touched by angles along the way. Taylor's angels are apparent and his story helps us remind us that we are not alone.
I so loved the honesty and inspiration that I felt when reading this book. I was not really able to put it down as I felt very connected and was engrossed in his journey. I was rooting for him, sad when the fork in the road turned and then tears of joy when it turned again. The story is real and not much is left out. His story is for everyone as we make our journey in this life and are touched by angles along the way. Taylor's angels are apparent and his story helps us remind us that we are not alone.
November 6, 2024
Impressive story from dealing with addiction to becomming a certified ashtanga teacher. I just had to keep on reading to know the rest of his story, finished the book in about two days. The first half about the addiction - was raw, tears in my eyes. Unbelievable story, what a perseverance. His path in Ashtanga yoga is very inspiring and motivating.
I’ve noted some quotes which i can relate to:
~ Practice is actually contained in the hardest poses. The poses that initially seem impossible, have taught me the most. For me the beauty is in the struggle. Avoiding the difficult postures is trying to obtain the beauty without the struggle. ~
I’ve noted some quotes which i can relate to:
~ Practice is actually contained in the hardest poses. The poses that initially seem impossible, have taught me the most. For me the beauty is in the struggle. Avoiding the difficult postures is trying to obtain the beauty without the struggle. ~
June 29, 2016
I love how this book is written like a casual conversation! I feel like I'm sitting with Taylor sipping coffee and he is telling me his story. This book made me cry and made me smile. I loved it! It put me in a place of self reflection and has made me look at my yoga practice differently. I have been practice Ashtanga for about 11 years and Taylor's story has helped me so much get over a few hurdles. Keeping the self-talk positive and just getting the practice done. No trying…..just doing!
Thank you Mr. Taylor Hunt for your amazing book! I hope to practice with you one day!
Thank you Mr. Taylor Hunt for your amazing book! I hope to practice with you one day!
January 9, 2018
Really good book....learned about the ways of an addict and recovery. I also loved his experiences with Ashtanga yoga and how that was a major part of his recovery and sobriety.
January 17, 2021
Authentic, gritty, and inspiring!
March 14, 2016
This is the story of Taylor Hunt, who struggled with alcoholism and a severe drug addiction for many years during his teens and youth before finally starting a journey of recovery that led him first to sobriety, and then to discover ashtanga yoga, start a devoted practice, and eventually become a yoga teacher helping other people struggling with addiction to find their path to recovery through ashtanga.
The first half of the book deals with his dark years of abuse in a very honest and direct way. The story is pretty depressing and it's hard to imagine how someone can come out of such darkness. There is crude insight into the mind of a person suffering from addiction and very helpful in understanding the downward spiral of hard drugs usage. It is hard to read this part of the book without feeling devastated with the damage that drug abuse can do.
Thankfully, Taylor's story turns when he finally works his way through recovery. Once in sobriety, Taylor discovered ashtanga yoga. Through the practice, he found out that despite being clean, there were still plenty of emotional issues that he had to work through and the daily yoga practice served as a catalyst for this work. Eventually, he went on to become a yoga teacher himself and started sharing his yogic experience with other people.
The story is beautiful and very emotional. There is a strong connection between the daily struggles of life and having a consistent practice of ashtanga yoga. This connection is perhaps better understood by practitioners, but this book is a good account of how ashtanga can work at an emotional level. Taylor having had the courage to share his difficult life story is an important contribution to spreading the word of how yoga can be an emotional healing practice for those under distress and for that alone it deserves recognition.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book are donated to the Trini Foundation. Started by Taylor, this Foundation seeks to help people struggling with addiction to find a way out through the practice of yoga.
The first half of the book deals with his dark years of abuse in a very honest and direct way. The story is pretty depressing and it's hard to imagine how someone can come out of such darkness. There is crude insight into the mind of a person suffering from addiction and very helpful in understanding the downward spiral of hard drugs usage. It is hard to read this part of the book without feeling devastated with the damage that drug abuse can do.
Thankfully, Taylor's story turns when he finally works his way through recovery. Once in sobriety, Taylor discovered ashtanga yoga. Through the practice, he found out that despite being clean, there were still plenty of emotional issues that he had to work through and the daily yoga practice served as a catalyst for this work. Eventually, he went on to become a yoga teacher himself and started sharing his yogic experience with other people.
The story is beautiful and very emotional. There is a strong connection between the daily struggles of life and having a consistent practice of ashtanga yoga. This connection is perhaps better understood by practitioners, but this book is a good account of how ashtanga can work at an emotional level. Taylor having had the courage to share his difficult life story is an important contribution to spreading the word of how yoga can be an emotional healing practice for those under distress and for that alone it deserves recognition.
A portion of the proceeds from sales of this book are donated to the Trini Foundation. Started by Taylor, this Foundation seeks to help people struggling with addiction to find a way out through the practice of yoga.
August 17, 2016
A vivid and harrowing glimpse at a life decimated by addiction, only to be reconstructed around the practice of Ashtanga yoga. Taylor is always careful to point out that yoga is not a cure for addiction, as the struggle for sobriety is fought anew every day, but the practice gave him the most important thing in that struggle: the belief that change is possible. That calling towards another way of life, towards possibilities and potential, was the beginning of hope. And hope is the beginning of everything.
Written in a down to earth style, you almost feel as if Taylor has sat down next to you in a coffee shop to tell you the story of his extraordinary life. Yoga may not be the first thing you might think of as a way to turn a life around, but we learn that there are good reasons why it's such a big part of many people's lives, outside of the obvious physical benefits. Arguably, Taylor's biggest accomplishment in the book is demonstrating the importance of finding your path, even if it doesn't happen to lead to yoga. To yearn for a fulfilling life is not just for addicts.
Written in a down to earth style, you almost feel as if Taylor has sat down next to you in a coffee shop to tell you the story of his extraordinary life. Yoga may not be the first thing you might think of as a way to turn a life around, but we learn that there are good reasons why it's such a big part of many people's lives, outside of the obvious physical benefits. Arguably, Taylor's biggest accomplishment in the book is demonstrating the importance of finding your path, even if it doesn't happen to lead to yoga. To yearn for a fulfilling life is not just for addicts.
September 23, 2017
I would suggest this book to any devoted yoga practioner and/or person in recovery. He is relatable and honest. My only criticism of the book is that he doesn't delve or reveal enough of the specifics of his experience. It leads to many questions and the answers are only alluded to in the book. So I think there is much more to this story than is revealed. So is this a reflection of my curiosity? and do the details add to the purpose of the book? Maybe and maybe not. All in all I enjoyed this read and it helps support a good cause as well. Thanks for your story! I hope to practice with him sometime!
March 31, 2016
They say that we can't see the stars (or, light) without the darkness. I was drawn in immediately as Taylor sunk into the depths of the darker side of our humanity. It was as if I was holding my breath, muscles tense, the entire first half of the book. It was not until Taylor started to emerge from the darkness, did I start to relax and slowly, exhale with relief and a deep sense of gratitude that Taylor (and Jessica) are with us today, transmitting the knowledge and power of our yoga practice.
July 1, 2018
3.5*
This is an incredibly inspiring and moving book! It could have REALLY used an editor. There were many grammar mistakes and a whole lot of repetition. It was a quick read, though, and I finished the whole thing basically in one sitting. If you're at all interested in yoga this is a good one to read to get you motivated! This was my book club's pick this month and I'm definitely excited to discuss it, it gave me a lot to think about!
This is an incredibly inspiring and moving book! It could have REALLY used an editor. There were many grammar mistakes and a whole lot of repetition. It was a quick read, though, and I finished the whole thing basically in one sitting. If you're at all interested in yoga this is a good one to read to get you motivated! This was my book club's pick this month and I'm definitely excited to discuss it, it gave me a lot to think about!
April 30, 2016
I met Taylor at a yoga workshop last year. He mentioned his struggles with addiction but I had no idea how huge his struggle was to get and stay sober. What an eye opener to read just exactly how an addict must feel every day. Thank you Taylor for sharing your story. Hope to see you on the mat again soon!
July 6, 2016
This book was so intense for me - I had to put it down from time to time because it made me anxious as hell. Taylor's writing is incredibly honest and detailed. You can actually feel like you are part of the story, it's amazing. I loved how he finds yoga, and resists it at first but he ends up being super devotional to the practice. It's a really miraculous thing he has there.
April 10, 2020
If you are a student or want to be a student of Taylor Hunt, this will give you insight into why he teaches the way he does. It will leave you questioning why you practice the way you do and maybe even considering refining some of that. If you want inspiration to Come out of your own darkness, this is a good boon for you.
March 25, 2016
This book is proof that people can change- there is so much hope in that. Dedication to community is so often looked over in today's culture- Taylor's story reminds us just how important it can be. Thank you again for sharing.
May 12, 2016
I look forward to discussing this book at our next yoga book club.
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May 19, 2016An amazing story of drug addiction, perseverance and the path to recovery. Taylor's story is such an inspiration for me with my yoga practice and in daily life. A must read!
June 25, 2016
honest and deeply touching.
June 11, 2017
Gritty, raw, enlightening and inspiring. I honestly couldn't stop reading it. Though we weren't close, and didnt interact much, as a former classmate of Taylor's, I can't help but feel a sense of joy in reading his book. His retelling of his struggles are gripping, his path to recovery fascinating and his spiritual journey incredible. Taylor's words are encouraging, never preachy. He recounts what worked for him on s physical and spiritual level and encourages others to find what works for them. I bought this book because Taylor and I were brief acquaintances in life and I thought it would be neat to read a book by someone I knew. I wasn't prepared for how this book would grip me and the powerful words he would provide. Great read, really great read.
August 30, 2017
An example of the importance of getting back up
I loved the honesty and straightforwardness in Taylor's voice to tell his story. He really brings you to the pain, anger and many more feelings he battled through addiction and the battles on the other side: sobriety.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting to improve his/her life. We don't have to hit rock bottom in order to improve, although it may be necessary for some. Taylor found yoga and it works for everyone when you put in the hard work, and commitment.
5 stars for the courage to share, without restraints, his story. The way it's written makes it hard to put down the book!
I loved the honesty and straightforwardness in Taylor's voice to tell his story. He really brings you to the pain, anger and many more feelings he battled through addiction and the battles on the other side: sobriety.
I recommend this book to anyone wanting to improve his/her life. We don't have to hit rock bottom in order to improve, although it may be necessary for some. Taylor found yoga and it works for everyone when you put in the hard work, and commitment.
5 stars for the courage to share, without restraints, his story. The way it's written makes it hard to put down the book!
March 8, 2020
I have read this book multiple times and has soothed my heart every time. As a recovering addict that also found strength and tools for sobriety on the yoga mat, I could relate with the authors experiences.
You can't swing a cat without hitting one of the many addiction/recovery memoirs out there. Even so, there are several good ones and this is one of them.
Taylor Hunt pulls no punches with his accounts of his addictions, his relationships, his recovery, and his path to yoga. He does not shy away from the grizzly details but always does this in a way that honors the experience without making any excuses for himself or anyone else.
It is raw and well done.
You can't swing a cat without hitting one of the many addiction/recovery memoirs out there. Even so, there are several good ones and this is one of them.
Taylor Hunt pulls no punches with his accounts of his addictions, his relationships, his recovery, and his path to yoga. He does not shy away from the grizzly details but always does this in a way that honors the experience without making any excuses for himself or anyone else.
It is raw and well done.
January 23, 2026
The book is full of platitudes. Also he Taylor Hunt can't stop moaning about how unlucky he was and then describing how he was suddenly empowered because of yoga. It's a narrative you hear often - how one yoga class turns someone's world around. But because he spends the first half of the book in an irritating woe-is-me mindset and the second half in look-at-me-I'm-so-great mindset - it all appears fake. I'm aware that he is a sexual predator, so maybe that colored what I feel - but really, the book doesn't give any real insights into yoga.
February 15, 2019
Hunt's narrative certainly gets a 4.5/5, and his accomplishments are both outstanding and inspiring. The editing, particularly in the first part was distracting at times, but it's an easy read that's worth your time!
July 4, 2019
This made a huge impact on me. A friend lent this to me and I read it in a few days. What a journey Taylor has been on. Inspiring, honest, raw and out in the open. We need more people to share their story. It is an encouragement beyond belief.
June 26, 2020
I really enjoyed this book! Taylor does workshops at my home studio and I picked this book up from the bookshelf there. I love books about Ashtanga and the descriptions of Mysore and Taylor's perspective on Ashtanga were really interesting. 4/5
September 25, 2017
An insightful look at one of the yogis that wants to go back to Yoga practice roots.
November 11, 2017
Very interesting memoir through darkness, finding light. A nightmare of addictions, then 12 step recovery and an Ashtanga yoga practice where the author found his dharma
May 26, 2021
Good. A little blunt at times but I appreciated the story and feel like I have a better understanding of what recovering from addiction is like.
September 14, 2025
I'm adding to my original 5-star review (the text of which is still at the bottom of this edit - an illustration of the power of group-think): Taylor Hunt is a narcissist and engages in all of the classic characteristics: manipulation, gaslighting, love-bombing. And, he does all of this surrounding several years of many inappropriate (lie-based) sexual relationships with his yoga students.
At the time of my original review, I was adjacent to him. He was my teacher's teacher and she often hosted him for workshops at her studio. He always made me uneasy (big ego, authoritarian teaching style), but my yoga community seemed to love him. So, I ignored my inner alarms.
And, this book? It's poorly written and badly edited. And seems written only to serve Taylor and his brand.
*****
Taylor's authentic story of addiction and recovery and Ashtanga yoga resonated with me on many levels - as a recovering alcoholic and as one who has found yoga to be an integral part of my sobriety toolkit.
At the time of my original review, I was adjacent to him. He was my teacher's teacher and she often hosted him for workshops at her studio. He always made me uneasy (big ego, authoritarian teaching style), but my yoga community seemed to love him. So, I ignored my inner alarms.
And, this book? It's poorly written and badly edited. And seems written only to serve Taylor and his brand.
*****
Taylor's authentic story of addiction and recovery and Ashtanga yoga resonated with me on many levels - as a recovering alcoholic and as one who has found yoga to be an integral part of my sobriety toolkit.
August 29, 2016
Taylor Hunt's account of his journey from addiction to recovery is refreshingly honest and offers true insight into the mind and heart of those afflicted by the disease. His story of finding the practice of Ashtanga yoga will speak to those who have found peace and healing in unique ways. As an adult child of an alcoholic and family member to those in recovery, I found his book to real and meaningful, a true insight into the way the mind is rendered irrational by addiction. As a yoga teacher and student of Ashtanga, I found it to be refreshing to know that there were others likes me who did not always find bliss and euphoria in yoga, but instead felt raw and pain as old habits and truths are laid bare. Taylor's journey to teacher and passionate advocate offers hope and inspiration to his readers.
August 2, 2016
I could not put this book down. Taylor's story is one that needs to be heard. Hearing about his struggles reminded me how life is rarely easy and hearing how yoga touched his life made my heart happy. His story is full of truth and surrender, his words show the love he has for this practice and for his students. This is a book worth reading and if you practice or have any interest in this practice Taylor is a teacher worth meeting. I would suggest to any and everyone to get a copy of this book and to pick up a copy to pass off to a friend or stranger.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews