Due to a passing in the family a few years ago and my subsequent health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for years after the bereavement. Thank you for the opportunity.

Didn't finished. Unfortunately this book didn't quite worked out for me as I quickly lost interest in this specific subject. Thank you for the opportunity

Unfortunately, this book was just really not for me. The first 80 or so pages just seemed to be repeating themselves over and over, telling the reader that it was important to be relaxed & mindful but not HOW or WHY or any other information on the subject.

The last few chapters were more useful, as they actually gave techniques for meditation. Though I wish that were a more central part of the book. It’s a shame that it took so long to get to that point.

This book is quite short, but has very nice information on the subject of relaxation and Yoga Nidra.



The author first goes to explain the various reason why stress is so damaging to our body and mind.



He lists numerous examples in which everyday situations can cause stress, and how this could affect us. I think the list is very inclusive, and although I though I was too long, I also understand, that the reason behind it is just because there are many more reasons why stress can appear in our life.

I feel like the author wanted to make sure the reader understands that the opportunity for encountering a stressful situations are many.



After being sold on the idea of stress being bad, of course you get the solution of relaxation. And the author explains how relaxation is more than just chilling, or resting. He goes thru all the benefit that a relaxed mind and body can bring to us and our lives.



A particular section I really liked and bookmarked says the following:
"In a state of true relaxation we discover a deep stillness of body and quietness of mind, a level of peace and harmony that is out of our reach if we are stressed"

After that you will encounter a few simple relaxation exercises. Breathing and meditation.

And in the end of the book you will find exercises that are more elaborate than the simple ones, and are also extracted from the practice of Yoga Nidra.


I really liked all the exercises, but I wished the author would have provided links to audio for these instructions as to use them like guided meditations. Since it can be a bit hard to memorize the exercises, and if you are reading each step, is not the same feeling as just listing to someone guiding you.


Even then I still consider this book a great read if you're interested in the topic.

Thank you to NetGalley, Ixia Press and Ed Shapiro for an ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

Throughout the book the author tells his journey of learning to relax. Studying Yoga Nidra helped to greatly inform his beliefs and outlook on life. The book isn’t quite what I expected. More is his life journey, rather than information that may help the reader on their journey towards a more relaxed life. For a book that was only a little over 100 pages, it took me forever to get through it. The book isn’t bad, it just didn’t resonate with me.

The sections about various types of breathing exercises could be helpful for people who are unfamiliar with them. If you’re looking to learn more about yoga practices, especially the mental aspect, then The Art of Mindful Relaxation might help you. But not the book for me.

I enjoyed the book but it did not rise to the level of must have books in my collection. However it was well written and the material was easy to digest.

#TheArtOfMindfulRelaxation #NetGalley

An A to Z guide of Yoga Nidra. Ed is a world famous expert about yoga and meditation. He shares his knowledge and his techniques about this marvelous practice which is the Yoga Nidra that permits the practitioner to be able to reach a deep and profound relaxation state of mind. This state of mind helps unlock true potential and skills of the human mind.