Perfecting Ourselves: Coordinating Body, Mind, and Spirit

by Aaron Hoopes

Can we achieve perfection? While true perfection is fleeting, we often achieve a moment of perfection: a state of mind that is just right, a time when we are fully attuned to the needs of our body, mind and spirit. It is the potential for achieving this type of integration that Perfecting Ourselves: Coordinating Body, Mind and Spirit seeks to tap into. Author Aaron Hoopes explores the basic threads of the self-body, mind and spirit-and demonstrates simple methods of integrating the three through breathing exercises, meditation, focused quietism and conscious living. He considers the body and how we can become more fully aware of it by examining detrimental behaviors, exploring the effect they have and suggesting ways to counter them. In particular, he shows how deep breathing exercises and conscious awareness of the breath constitute a major pathway to physical health and well-being. He then looks the mind and how we can gain more control over our thoughts and feelings. In particular, he focuses on "Quietism" an approach that includes exercises for calming the mind and gaining clarity of thought. Finally, he discusses the spirit, which manifests itself when we have integrated a healthy, connected body with a calm, clear mind. When integration occurs, every moment of life becomes "perfect." We can live in balance with our self and the world around us. Through breathing and quietism, the quality of life improves. We get sick less often and recover faster. Things that bothered us before become insignificant. Feelings of well-being invade us, and we feel ready to tackle any task or obstacle in our path. Follow along as Aaron leads you through simple exercises that will help you: * Develop healthy habits one step at a time * Holistically heal and strengthen your body * Reduce tension and stress through mindful breathing * Increase your connection between mind and body * Get in touch with your "Universal Mind" * Discover the joys of quietism * Achieve internal balance

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2002

About the author

My new book has just been released. Reconnecting to the Earth: Reclaiming Our Relationship to Nature and Ourselves.

I haven't been on GoodReads much in the past couple of years while writing this new book, but I'm back and ready to talk with people about book. Please feel free to contact me.

I am the author of 5 other books including Zen Yoga: A Path to Enlightenment through Breathing, Movement and Meditation.

I have spent over thirty-five years studying and teaching tai chi, yoga and traditional Eastern healing methods.

My best-selling Daily Warm-Up DVD is a simple method for anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to integrate breath and movement into daily life.

I am the founder of Zen Yoga a blend of tai chi, qigong and yoga.

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Spending a few hours with this book helped me change a lot of ways I deal with the stresses that life brings. By learning little techniques to quiet the noisy mind or by slow and easy breathing when sitting in traffic when I'm already a half-hour late is gratifying. Highly recommended.