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Чуй своето тяло. Наръчник за всяка жена
Защото се опитваме да бъдем силни, да живеем правилно, да сме перфектните майки, съвършените жени и най-добрите в работата си!
Бясната скорост на модерния живот ни пречи да чуваме вътрешния си глас, който ни казва друго – да забавим темпото, да се вслушаме в тялото си. Но не всяка от нас може да остави живота си и да тръгне за Тибет, за да постигне хармония със себе си.
Затова авторката Сара Стоувър създава книга, която е и сборник със съвети, и практическо ръководство по йога и медитация, и готварска книга с рецепти.Включва подредени по сезони:
• Лесни съвети, подходящи и за най-натоварения начин на живот – и на изтощените майки, и на свръхангажираните бизнес дами
• Упражнения и медитация за хармонизиране на тялото и настройване на биологичните ритми към всеки период от денонощието и към всеки сезон
• Ин и ян йога практики, съобразени с физиката и възрастта на жените
• Здравословни и вкусни рецепти
Бясната скорост на модерния живот ни пречи да чуваме вътрешния си глас, който ни казва друго – да забавим темпото, да се вслушаме в тялото си. Но не всяка от нас може да остави живота си и да тръгне за Тибет, за да постигне хармония със себе си.
Затова авторката Сара Стоувър създава книга, която е и сборник със съвети, и практическо ръководство по йога и медитация, и готварска книга с рецепти.Включва подредени по сезони:
• Лесни съвети, подходящи и за най-натоварения начин на живот – и на изтощените майки, и на свръхангажираните бизнес дами
• Упражнения и медитация за хармонизиране на тялото и настройване на биологичните ритми към всеки период от денонощието и към всеки сезон
• Ин и ян йога практики, съобразени с физиката и възрастта на жените
• Здравословни и вкусни рецепти
376 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2011
156 people are currently reading
1147 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
March 16, 2015
First Impressions: I'm not sure who this book is for. It's had a few good ideas about how to care for your body and mind, but the first chapter seems to assume that you don't have a job or kids to take care of. Your typical day is supposed to involve all sorts of small rituals, yoga, resting, journaling, and exercising, interspersed with short bursts of what is referred to as "work" without any specific indication that this is work in any traditional sense. The life portrayed sure sounds lovely, but I don't know how anyone who isn't of the extremely wealthy leisure class without any responsibilities would pull this off on a regular basis. Maybe there will be more about that later in the book, but so far I'm skeptical.
I'll be reading this over the course of the year as the seasons change to get some inspiration and ideas, but I'll have to work hard not to become annoyed with the complete life of leisure and privilege the author seems to be living.
I'll be reading this over the course of the year as the seasons change to get some inspiration and ideas, but I'll have to work hard not to become annoyed with the complete life of leisure and privilege the author seems to be living.
August 26, 2012
This is one I will go back to and read often, which is highly unusual for me. I found great inspiration in this book. Its powerful and well written and delivers messages about self love that all women need to hear. Great ideas to improve your happiness, to find time for yourself (which is a tricky one for moms), eat healthier and use yoga to really calm yourself and increase your strength and lower your stress.
February 14, 2013
At the age of twenty-one, Sara Avant Stover was diagnosed with cervical dysplasia, precursor of cervical cancer. It was, she screamed inwardly, not fair--she was a runner, she practices yoga, she was vegan. How could this happen? Yet she knew that she was unhappy--sad, lonely confused. She was bulemic, anorexic, and dominated by an inner tyrant who demanded she do more, do it better. When she asked the doctor what she could do, his answer was to wait three months.
Through a series of fortunate happenings, Stover was offered a teaching position in Thailand where she learned to face herself. Her Type A personality slowed down, and she was introduced to healing wisdom from several sources--traditional Chinese medicine, Buddhist medication, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medical system), massage, and natural detoxification programs. These Asian approaches to health dominate much of this book.
Ten years later, Stover is fully recovered from dysplasia, irregular menstruation, anorexia, bulimia, an exercise addiction, and anxiety. She has learned, she tells us, to reconnect to her body, her femininity, and nature. This is a book about every woman being able to make similar dramatic changes in her life, a book about taking care of yourself through meditation, yoga, prayer, and diet. Women, Stover reminds us, are traditional nurturers. We must learn to care for ourselves, just as we care for others.
In the introductory section of her book, Stover lays out some basics and gives specific suggestions, ranging from keeping a journal to learning your body's daily cycles, staying off the Internet, exercise, regular sleep habits. None of this is remarkably new, but Stover makes it palatable with illustrations, sidebars, and simple reminders such as keeping charts--how did you feel six months ago and how do you feel now? Rather than recommending a diet, she advocates a system of conscious eating.
The book itself is divided into four sections, one for each season of the year: Spring is for beginnings, summer for rejoicing, autumn for harvesting, and winter for listening. Each section contains extensive yoga poses and sequences, some philosophical suggestions, and lots of recipes which incorporated ingredients such as quinoa, hummus, cucumber water, split pea soup. In autumn, there is a concentration on root vegetables. Her diet suggestions reminded me of friends who are both gluten- and dairy-free. For most of us, these diet changes would require a dramatic change in the way we eat. Yet many would find, as my friends have, that such change makes a world of difference in well-being. And that's what this book is about.
The way of the happy woman will not be achieved easily by many of us. Following Stover's exercise, dietary, and charting suggestions would require devising an organized approach, committing seriously to it, and investing a lot of hard, disciplined work. This change in lifestyle will strike the right chord with some, with its specific directions and suggestions, and it will turn others off. This book belongs in the libraries of readers who are seriously committed to alternative approaches to wellness.
Another note of caution: before undertaking such a dramatic change in health habits, most of us would do well to consult with our family physician.
by Judy Alter
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
Through a series of fortunate happenings, Stover was offered a teaching position in Thailand where she learned to face herself. Her Type A personality slowed down, and she was introduced to healing wisdom from several sources--traditional Chinese medicine, Buddhist medication, Ayurveda (traditional Indian medical system), massage, and natural detoxification programs. These Asian approaches to health dominate much of this book.
Ten years later, Stover is fully recovered from dysplasia, irregular menstruation, anorexia, bulimia, an exercise addiction, and anxiety. She has learned, she tells us, to reconnect to her body, her femininity, and nature. This is a book about every woman being able to make similar dramatic changes in her life, a book about taking care of yourself through meditation, yoga, prayer, and diet. Women, Stover reminds us, are traditional nurturers. We must learn to care for ourselves, just as we care for others.
In the introductory section of her book, Stover lays out some basics and gives specific suggestions, ranging from keeping a journal to learning your body's daily cycles, staying off the Internet, exercise, regular sleep habits. None of this is remarkably new, but Stover makes it palatable with illustrations, sidebars, and simple reminders such as keeping charts--how did you feel six months ago and how do you feel now? Rather than recommending a diet, she advocates a system of conscious eating.
The book itself is divided into four sections, one for each season of the year: Spring is for beginnings, summer for rejoicing, autumn for harvesting, and winter for listening. Each section contains extensive yoga poses and sequences, some philosophical suggestions, and lots of recipes which incorporated ingredients such as quinoa, hummus, cucumber water, split pea soup. In autumn, there is a concentration on root vegetables. Her diet suggestions reminded me of friends who are both gluten- and dairy-free. For most of us, these diet changes would require a dramatic change in the way we eat. Yet many would find, as my friends have, that such change makes a world of difference in well-being. And that's what this book is about.
The way of the happy woman will not be achieved easily by many of us. Following Stover's exercise, dietary, and charting suggestions would require devising an organized approach, committing seriously to it, and investing a lot of hard, disciplined work. This change in lifestyle will strike the right chord with some, with its specific directions and suggestions, and it will turn others off. This book belongs in the libraries of readers who are seriously committed to alternative approaches to wellness.
Another note of caution: before undertaking such a dramatic change in health habits, most of us would do well to consult with our family physician.
by Judy Alter
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women
April 5, 2014
I understand why this book might be inspiring to some women, but it just was not for me at all. There are some useful ideas and tools (a brief intro to mindfulness meditation, yoga practices, the idea of finding ways to tune into the seasons), but mostly I was put off by all the alternative medicine stuff. It's just not my thing.
I also felt that, despite her protestations, this book really preached a kind of new age perfectionism that is not attainable for most people. If happiness truly comes from within, I don't think you need to revamp your life in order to look for peace.
I also felt that, despite her protestations, this book really preached a kind of new age perfectionism that is not attainable for most people. If happiness truly comes from within, I don't think you need to revamp your life in order to look for peace.
April 15, 2012
I think the majority of us are so busy with day to day life that we don’t recognize that we are out of balance. We push as hard as we can and try to use every minute to get a few extra things done. Of course, our health suffers. Only then, when we are forced to, do we dare take a breath.
In this constant push and pull, I think we have forgotten some of our greatest strengths. Often it seems ridiculous to take time for ourselves, to slow down, or to even notice our own natural cycles. We’ve completely forgotten that as woman, we are designed to follow a natural flow that slows us down so that we can be renewed and filled with healthy enthusiasm once again.
The Way of the Happy Woman asks women to celebrate themselves. To slow down and pay attention to their cycles so that they can make the best use of their natural gifts. It’s an important message. I think for far too long we’ve been led to believe that all that things that make us women also make us weak. That somehow we have to be manly to be valued as human beings. Yet, in veiling our femininity, we also ignore some of our greatest assets, particularly the skills we need to cope and perhaps even thrive in such a chaotic world.
In this constant push and pull, I think we have forgotten some of our greatest strengths. Often it seems ridiculous to take time for ourselves, to slow down, or to even notice our own natural cycles. We’ve completely forgotten that as woman, we are designed to follow a natural flow that slows us down so that we can be renewed and filled with healthy enthusiasm once again.
The Way of the Happy Woman asks women to celebrate themselves. To slow down and pay attention to their cycles so that they can make the best use of their natural gifts. It’s an important message. I think for far too long we’ve been led to believe that all that things that make us women also make us weak. That somehow we have to be manly to be valued as human beings. Yet, in veiling our femininity, we also ignore some of our greatest assets, particularly the skills we need to cope and perhaps even thrive in such a chaotic world.
June 28, 2015
This is one of the best books I have ever read about how to create peace and balance in your life through yogic and ayurvedic practices. One of my all time favourtes and one that I return to every season.
July 18, 2017
I bought this book because I loved her "SHE" about taking the journey of Perosphone and she referenced this book frequently. I am interested in living closer with the cycles of the earth and the seasons and gave this book 5 stars because it is brilliant with it's ideas and rituals and ways to live closer to nature and with our feminine spirit. I also found it resonated with me strongly when she wrote of how it feels to be disconnected from ourselves and the world and it inspired me to aspire to living more in touch with my inner self and seasons.
The only thing that I was put off by was the first chapter where she described a way of life to aspire to that simply isn't possible for me or actually anyone I know. People have children and work and can't simply spend hours attending to themselves every day. I also don't agree with calling in sick because of your period (I'm not referring to those with painful conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS but your typical, healthy period). We are working to normalize menstrual periods in our society and we are not sick when we bleed. I do think that acknowledging it with a ritual or treat however is a fantastic idea
Overall, I plan to put many of these ideas into practice and even join the on-line group for tribal support and think this could drastically change my lifestyle so 5 stars indeed.
The only thing that I was put off by was the first chapter where she described a way of life to aspire to that simply isn't possible for me or actually anyone I know. People have children and work and can't simply spend hours attending to themselves every day. I also don't agree with calling in sick because of your period (I'm not referring to those with painful conditions such as endometriosis or PCOS but your typical, healthy period). We are working to normalize menstrual periods in our society and we are not sick when we bleed. I do think that acknowledging it with a ritual or treat however is a fantastic idea
Overall, I plan to put many of these ideas into practice and even join the on-line group for tribal support and think this could drastically change my lifestyle so 5 stars indeed.
June 11, 2012
This was an interesting book. The writing is beautiful, soothing and 'visual'. Author Stover hopes that with this book we can put down our lives of stress, eat healthy foods, meditate and practice yoga everyday. Much of this we will do when the children are napping.... or not.
My children are grown and gone and I don't have the time or intention of curling inward as laid out in the book. I do eat healthy foods, meditate etc., however, I also pay bills, have hobbies, see friends, listen to music and the like.
The book is divided into 4 sections (seasons). There are some good lists of seasonally available foods, some interesting yoga pose sequences based on 'moon phases" and a lot of moon/menstruation information. You will also find a little Ayurveda practice here.
In my humble opinion it is a grand undertaking resulting in too little and too much...
My children are grown and gone and I don't have the time or intention of curling inward as laid out in the book. I do eat healthy foods, meditate etc., however, I also pay bills, have hobbies, see friends, listen to music and the like.
The book is divided into 4 sections (seasons). There are some good lists of seasonally available foods, some interesting yoga pose sequences based on 'moon phases" and a lot of moon/menstruation information. You will also find a little Ayurveda practice here.
In my humble opinion it is a grand undertaking resulting in too little and too much...
January 26, 2016
A deeply powerful and spiritual book. One of my favourites and a constant companion as I live my day-t0-day with a little more health and peace, thanks to Sara Avant Stover. I love the yoga sequences - they are physically and spiritually strengthening and very deeply fulfilling. The recipes are a little harder for me to achieve, but I am committed to trying a few out every month. The feminine wisdom has stayed with me since the day one and has truly helped me reach deep down within myself to find the answers to all my fears, anxieties, hopes and dreams. Truly inspires a different way to live and be. Would recommend it to any and everyone (Women and men)! And particularly to all the women I love and appreciate in my life.
April 17, 2012
I wanted to like this book way more than I did. It's a struggle to even finish it with other books in the house. She says she isn't advocating big changes, but she is. Radical food changes and lifestyle things that may be simple in themselves, but that require pushing back against regular life-maintaining silence in the morning, taking the first day of your period off every month, eating smoothies with spinach for breakfast, sleeping and waking with the sun .... I also am done with people who blithely suggest just setting the alarm 30 minutes earlier in the morning to do whatever great idea they have. Enough of that and eventually you might as well stop going to bed at all.
January 13, 2014
Sarah's philosophy of honouring our cycles and intuitive wisdom is one which I hold great reverence for and this is an inspiring resource for anyone wanting to tune into their feminine wisdom and the wisdom of nature and the seasons. This book is a valuable resource and friend.
July 18, 2012
Yoga, meditation, diet, this book covers everything to help make you a happier woman. It's helped me to banish PMS, by tuning into my monthly and life cycles.
March 22, 2013
An amazing guide for a balanced life centered around yoga and meditation and journaling. Will be trying to mirror these strategies in my own life.
July 15, 2014
Great book! Learning to honor our bodies as women and to honor our moon cycles brings us closer to who we naturally are. Definitely good food for the soul. I highly recommend it to every woman.
December 29, 2013
Practical tips and advice. Journaling prompts for every month. Recipes and soul exercises! Love it!
January 25, 2018
I like the theory and idea of this book and I enjoy Sara’s writing and the harmony with the cycles and moods of the seasons, but as a mother of four kids with a home business, I did find myself feeling a bit eye-rolly about most of her plans and methods because...HELLO, if you really followed this whole book in its entirety, you would literally do nothing else but prepare foods and do yoga. All. Day. There is no time for anything else if you look at this book with a realistic understanding of how many hours there are in a day. It also assumes, very strongly, that the only person you have to take care of is yourself. Self-care is critical, but it usually takes place in the context of a larger family grouping, not just on your own.
I think the yoga sections would be much more useful to me if I had the hard copy instead of the kindle edition. That’s my own fault, not the book’s, but something to keep in mind. I also think my criticism primarily comes from viewing this book as a whole—as a method to “follow” completely, it is unrealistic. As a book to dip and dive into as needed, like a buffet of possibilities, it has more potential!
I think the yoga sections would be much more useful to me if I had the hard copy instead of the kindle edition. That’s my own fault, not the book’s, but something to keep in mind. I also think my criticism primarily comes from viewing this book as a whole—as a method to “follow” completely, it is unrealistic. As a book to dip and dive into as needed, like a buffet of possibilities, it has more potential!
April 14, 2017
This book is split into seasons so I actually started it spring of 2016 and finished with winter in January 2017. Haha where to begin with this one? If you're not open minded to "natural remedy" ideas you'll have a hard time reading this. Lots of people aren't going to set a glass of water in the moonlight overnight but that doesn't mean you can't find other gems for you in this book. I appreciate the ideas of living and eating seasonally, journaling, respecting the rhythms of our bodies, taking days throughout the year to recenter ourselves, and other messages touched on here. A bit new agey but also back to simpler times kind of stuff.
June 30, 2020
What a lovely and gentle way to live an intentional feminist life. Clean eating, Yoga and reflections that match the seasons of the year serve as the guide. Silence will allow u to hear our divine voice. I will be recommending this book to all my friends and hope we can create a “women’s circle” to support each other going forward.
February 27, 2016
This book is 3/4 for me, 1/4 not-for-me. For me: seasonal living, wellness, self-care tips, examples of free, at-home day retreats for every season, etc. Not-for-me: colonics, and letting a glass of water soak up moon energy outside overnight, and drinking it in the morning. You win some, you lose some.
I have to say I definitely want to own this book and will be buying a copy, and taking notes in it. The yoga sequences, recipes, Ayurvedic care tips, journaling ideas, and general woman-centered inspiration, are an invaluable addition to any woman's wellness practices.
I have to say I definitely want to own this book and will be buying a copy, and taking notes in it. The yoga sequences, recipes, Ayurvedic care tips, journaling ideas, and general woman-centered inspiration, are an invaluable addition to any woman's wellness practices.
August 5, 2013
This book is especially helpful for women under 50 and their mothers, as well as other women of influence. It is similar to Waverly Fitzgerald's Slow Time; there are several books out there in this genre. The author lists women across history who have been her guides and inspiration from Mary Magdalene to Clarissa Pinkola Estes. This book is written about a young woman's experiences and her responses to stress and illness and how she forges a lifestyle to nourish and sustain herself.
July 8, 2014
Love!
I put this in the "return awesome things here" bin at the library.
There are moments of a little too hippie-dippie even for ME, but overall this is a beautiful, wonderfully-structured, enlightening little guide to yoga postures, foods, actions, meditations, and journaling for each season, to live your life simply but with meaning and joy. I intend to purchase myself a copy and follow the principles.
I put this in the "return awesome things here" bin at the library.
There are moments of a little too hippie-dippie even for ME, but overall this is a beautiful, wonderfully-structured, enlightening little guide to yoga postures, foods, actions, meditations, and journaling for each season, to live your life simply but with meaning and joy. I intend to purchase myself a copy and follow the principles.
January 18, 2015
Interesting in theory, but not especially in practice. I did take away a lot of ideas and practices from the book but I won't be following the plan verbatim. This book will help you become more in touch with your body and your feminine energy, as long as you read with an open mind and take the advice with a grain of salt.
October 31, 2017
I use this book as a reference guide throughout the year, helping me to connect to the wisdom of the seasons and my own wisdom as we travel through nature's cycles each day, month, year...This book is essential nourishment and guidance for any woman wanting to stay connected to the wisdom within and all around her.
April 11, 2013
this isn't the kind of book you "finish"--it's the kind of book you dip into again and again with seasons and life changes. Stover writes with heart and wisdom and provides writing prompts, recipes, yoga sequences, and more to help you live the best year of your life.
March 23, 2017
- Not the most practical book as it requires a “free” lifestyle in order to completely follow.
- However, there is something in there for everyone.
- Her idea of “seasons” and “cycles” is new and interesting.
- A wonderful “Go-To” book that you can turn to when you need it.
- However, there is something in there for everyone.
- Her idea of “seasons” and “cycles” is new and interesting.
- A wonderful “Go-To” book that you can turn to when you need it.
Read
August 10, 2011Sappy title, but I'll give it a shot.
November 17, 2020
This was one of the first books I read when I became interested in the applications of yoga and ayurveda to feminine wellbeing. It has lots to offer: Sara offers her own story of healing as an example of how illness can be overcome. She is also very practical - the book is split up in very neat chapters and features boxes for distinct practices. This makes it eminently readable and easy to return to for specific advice. The yoga sequences are also really well explained and do-able. It's a very useful resource.
July 13, 2025
I really like this book and am letting go of the physical copy. That said, I find it easier to dip in and out of this book, rather than reading it straight through.
I like that it approaches life through seasons. I think I will use her seasonal yoga lessons for when I teach yoga.
I love the blend of yoga, reflecting, cooking, etc. It's such a sweet book.
I suggest reading it as needed or by the season.
I like that it approaches life through seasons. I think I will use her seasonal yoga lessons for when I teach yoga.
I love the blend of yoga, reflecting, cooking, etc. It's such a sweet book.
I suggest reading it as needed or by the season.
January 29, 2020
Beautiful book on living for rhythms of the year to the fullest. Looking forward to implementing, especially the yoga.
March 12, 2020
Helpful. Insightful. Encouraging. Great loving enlightened mama style.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews