Workout for the Soul (2001)

Extract

Extract 1, Page 24

Our physical bodies are extremely important as the temples of the soul, the vehicles in which we live and gain experience. We should respect this brilliant, complex “machine” – our physical body – through correct breathing, diet and exercise. If you regard your body in this way, you will feel a certain reverence and love towards your body that will definitely help you in Step One.
(Preparing the Temple of your Soul)

Extract 2, Page 48

The mind is by its nature unsteady and constantly affected by what we see, hear, feel, etc., every minute of the day. When we begin to concentrate our minds, we will find that our breathing automatically becomes deeper and slower. When we have bad news that causes us to feel sad or angry, we should notice that our breathing tends to become irregular, the opposite of the slow, smooth flow of breath when the mind is calm. This proves our mind and breath are interdependent. Each is unable to act independently of the other. Correct breathing gives us physiological and psychological balance. This is such an important fact that you should write down the following words in your journal for constant reference: My mind affects my breath, my breath affects my mind.
(Harmonizing with the Breath of Life)

Extract 3, Page75

This technique, called the samayama, consists of concentrating and contemplating a person or attribute that is noble in some way. During the samayama, or contemplation on greatness, you actually acquire an aspect of that attribute yourself. For example, if you feel fearful about having to speak in public, you may wish to contemplate person who is extremely brave and fearless. You would consider the positive qualities of courage until you actually feel the qualities filling you. Certainly, if the person was great enough you should be able to do this. In fact, the greater the person, the better the result of this contemplation practice.
(Contemplation on Greatness)