Sit Down, Be Quiet: A modern guide to yoga and mindful living
‘Some guys think yoga makes you less of a man, the truth is it makes you a better one.’In today’s society, being a man is overrated. There is a set of unspoken rules that govern the way men are supposed to act and behave – act tough, don’t cry, win at all costs and these Rules are passed down from generation to generation. BUT a shift has happened and the world has opened up to a more conscious way of living, a more compassionate way of living.Boys of Yoga’s Sit Down, Be Quiet is a straightforward book for the modern male who’s ready to step in and start taking control of their own identity and mental well-being. It’s time to smash the stereotypes and appreciate that It’s cool to be kind, self- aware and non-judgemental. Through practising yoga – working inside as well as out and adopting mindful approach to the everyday this book celebrates the way in which guys can take the first steps to a healthier, happier life in the here and now.
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Thorsons
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First published by Thorsons 2018
FIRST EDITION
Text and photography (except where indicated) © Michael James Wong 2018
Cover design by Sim Greenaway © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2018
Cover photograph © Nicola Peters
A catalogue record of this book is available from the British Library
Michael James Wong asserts the moral right to be identified as the author of this work
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Source ISBN: 9780008249656
Ebook Edition © March 2018 ISBN: 9780008249649
Version 2018-02-01
This book is dedicated to you, your brother,your dad, your boyfriend, your grandpa,your teacher, your mate, your homie, yourBOYS and any guy ready to step into a moremindful way of living.
Now is the time to begin.
@boysofyoga
CONTENTS
You’re One Breath Away From Calm
Learning The Basics And How To Get Started
To my son, and all the boys out there.
When you were younger you were a joy to be around. As you got older there were times your mother and I thought otherwise. But it didn’t mean we ever stopped loving you. You were just growing up and figuring out who you wanted to be.
In the years that followed you were eager to learn more: about yourself, your family, your home, your community and how life worked when you had a little more time to experience it. There were good times, and times that didn’t go exactly to plan. And that’s ok, it’s how life is supposed to be.
Parenting in any form is not an easy job and, like life, there is no roadmap. But I think we did alright. Our approach was simple; we encouraged you to have an open mind and a big heart and to understand that the world is a far nicer place when it’s greeted with a hug or a high five. As your parents, we showed you life through the lens of our family, but allowed you the freedom to choose how you wanted to live and who you wanted to become.
We raised you to know that you are always more than enough.
We are from a different generation, and our greatest fear was that you would end up too much like us – outdated, behind the times and with an unwillingness to learn and grow with the ever-changing world.
Always remember to take risks, tell people you love them and say it like you mean it. You’ve only got one shot at this thing called life – make sure you live it to the fullest.
My wish is that this book opens the minds of more men of all ages to take to the mat, to become yogis of the future, for their own good and wellbeing. Since you started yoga, I’ve learned that it’s not a casual pastime and it’s not just something to make you more flexible, or calm your temper; it’s the full package – a lifestyle and a wonderful, fulfilling and healthy way of living.
It’s something I wish I had known more about when I was younger and I’m sure your mother would agree.
I’m extremely inspired by what you do, who you have become and your willingness to always stay true to your intentions. Never compromise on the things that make you happy, just keep smiling and enjoy the ride.
Lots of love
Dad
P.S. Don’t forget to call your mum.
(Graham C. Wong, Santa Monica, California)
Yancy Scott Schwartz
To most guys yoga is pink Lycra and vegan chicks. It’s breathing deeply while doing poses named after animals and feelings. It’s done in dimly lit rooms with candles and incense, followed by gluten-free cupcakes and kale smoothies. And if that’s your mentality, then you’re not alone.
But it doesn’t mean you’re right. The real practice of yoga is working in, not working out. There is a lot more to it than just making shapes on the mat, and over time the body will get stronger and more flexible, the mind calmer and daily life will feel a little less chaotic. Yoga can give you the physical workout you want, but go deeper and you’ll realise it’s so much more.
