Richard Freeman has a presence about him, or more accurately, is a presence: one of calm, quiet compassion and understanding; a sense that not only does he “get it,” but that that you “get it” too, even if you don’t know that you do.

This presence successfully transfers itself to the pages of his long-awaited first book, The Mirror of Yoga: Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind.

Just as a mirror reflects our image back to us, Freeman envisions yoga as a vehicle to reflect back to the practitioner exactly who we are and who we can become. The Mirror of Yoga provides an overview of the basis for all forms of yoga: hatha, ashtanga, karma, etc., as well as a discussion of the role of the Bhagavad Gita, and the Upanishads in yogic practice. Without diluting or compromising any of the information, Freeman integrates the philosophical and spiritual roots of yoga into an easily understandable and meaningful practice.

The Mirror of Yoga is highly recommended to anyone looking for more meaning, depth, and understanding from their practice or anyone looking to further explore yoga’s roots as a means to gain a greater understanding of themselves. From Shambhala Publications and available at your local, independent bookseller. (Shop local, shop independent, and tell ’em you saw it on Elephant Journal!)