Meditations on Intention and Being: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga, Mindfulness, and Compassion (Anchor Books Original)

I have practiced yoga and meditation for many years. I love this book. Rolf Gates has taken the path of integrating yogic and Buddhist wisdom into his being further than I have and like a gentle guide, his words in this book took me by the hand and led me further down the path. I read little bits everyday and then meditate. The wisdom in this book is profound and best taken in small doses to fully integrate. The stories are completely grounded in the practices of yoga and meditation, so it is a huge inspiration to practice daily and with a lot of mindfulness. The book is an illustration of a person living these yogic truths and telling truthfully how it plays out in his life experiences and how the practices and teachings of yoga and other spiritual traditions help to resolve past experiences. He speaks honestly of the struggle to practice loving-kindness meditation toward difficult, even abusive people. There are beautiful visuals in the stories as well. "If you are willing to jump out of an airplane you simply need to walk toward the door. At some point well before you actually get to the door you get swept up. Grace is like that. If you are willing to aim your life at an ideal you simply need to walk toward it. At some point grace will sweep you up." I bought this book because I wanted concise, inspirational nuggets to help integrate yogic truths into my practice and this book definitely delivered that and more.

I loved meditations from the mat. I have now found a studio here with teachers trained by Rolf Gates. My first experience with them has been amazing. In regards to this book, my interest in yoga in people with PTSD and trauma has been on going for a few years now. Mindfulness, the study of and practice I believe is one of the most effective ways to heal from trauma or if nothing else manage it. My life has changed completely from both yoga and mindfulness. It is not an easy fix but it is worth every step it took to get here. Without meditation, yoga and staying present I can't imagine where I would be. This book is a great way to start your meditation practice, to do before yoga or just to remind us to stop and get present. When I stay present and honor my intentions I stay on track with my life. When I have a difficult day mindfulness and meditation pulls me back to the mat and my life. In time I learned I could live with my past and really appreciate the present moment. This is an important book considering all the uncertainty going on in the world today. Truly am grateful for this book and Mr. Gates. I have heard over and over when the time is right the teacher will appear. I am grateful for the wisdom in both books, this one especially. Thanks to Amazon for such quick delivery during the holidays.

I am interested in meditation and reading some of this book online caught my interest, so I purchased a hard copy.

I use this book as part of the practices that I offer my students. At the end of each practice, during Final Relaxation, I read through one of the readings of the day. I then take a short passage or line to share with the students as a little "gift" for them to take with them into the rest of their day. It's a great companion for your personal practice as well as professional development.

This is a stunning and beautiful book. I have been a yoga practitioner for over 16 years and a teacher since 2009. I have had a daily meditation practice for several years. I had the privilege of receiving a galley copy of this book before its' release. I have sat with it every morning after meditation for two months. Rolf's ability to bring in his experiences in a way that is relatable, down to earth and profound at the same time is his genius. This book lands truths in the mind, body and heart that are a testament to the wisdom and grace available in the practices of yoga and meditation. The voice of the writing seems effortless and reads like silk. Each entry carefully leads to a deeper insight at its conclusion as surely as steps in walking meditation or the inbreath and outbreath of sitting meditation. Each entry, for me, imparts the felt experience of meditation. It is already dog-earred and much loved by my students and myself. I am deeply grateful for this amazing and lucid book.

The Master teacher has, again, produced a masterful work of art. Authentic and real, this work is instantly a timeless classic. Rolf weaves Yogic philosophy and the wonders of his life's journey into a guide which is relevant, accessible and timely. This beautiful work is filled with wisdom teachings that at once move the reader and provide for deeper contemplation. Such provacitive literary work is a must read for the yoga practitioner as well as anyone looking for a useful tool to move into their own stillness, their own truth. Thank you for being vulnerable by sharing your truth with us all Rolf. It's a gift!

Rolf Gates's first book "Meditation on the Mat" was quite important to me. I find that "Meditation on Intention and Being Daily" is taking me forward another step. It is a great guide to finding a way to live one's life intentionally instead of being tossed around by life. I love the emphasis on compassion, not only towards others, but especially towards one self. This book supports me to be gentle with myself, but steadfast in my practice, so every day I can be ready for this crazy and confusing but beautiful world. Thank you Rolf. .

I gave it a four only because everyone I know think its a 5 and the book is heart felt - ie written.... Its very deep and I find i must reread a lot of the content.... I've put it away for awhile... but will play to return to see if i still feel the same.

I have only just received this book but it looks promising. The language is straight forward (not New Age speak) and seems honest. On reading the reflection for the first day, it would appear that the reflections could be read over and over and get something different from it each time. There is not too much to take in either. A helpful start to each day and helps one to get into truly embodying their yoga practice in daily life.

beautiful inspiring book! great gift! thoughtful!!! loved

Great book for meditation inspiration

If you love yoga :)

Lovely book.