As part of my 43 Before 43 I’m reading 43 Books.
photo credit: ponderingyogini.org
After a lifetime of panic attacks, author Pris Warner decided she would like the brain of a monk and all that comes along with it – peace, tranquility, compassion, loving kindness, wisdom and patience.
In Learning To Breathe, she takes a year to discover the path to peace.
Friends, I loved almost everything about this book.
I immersed myself in the author’s story and admired the author for facing her fears. I found her immediately likable and I really cared whether she would be relieved from her panic attacks in the end. Reading quickly over three days I was reminded of my own lifelong desire for inner peace.
Hmmm, maybe I need to get myself back on the cushion.
My only issue is I found it to be a bit tidy. What do I mean by tidy? The author decided she wanted the brain of a monk and next thing you know she’s on the path to a daily 20 minute meditation practice.
I have been struggling with adding meditation to my life for years, so I wonder how this happened so effortlessly. She didn’t feel any resistance or forget just plain forget? I need some of that!
That was my only beef with the book.
I sped through each chapter which covers a month and a spiritual practice aimed at resolving her panic attacks.
While I don’t suffer specifically from panic attacks, I do suffer from complex PTSD and as a result have also used many of the therapies the author experiences in my quest to find a more peaceful existence.
The one hold out for me has been EMDR. As a result of reading about the author’s success, I decided to give it a try.
I may or may not be writing about that experience later, but I am hopeful that I will be able to move forward because if this treatment.
Do I recommend this book? Without a doubt.
Would I want to be friends with author? Yes, if for nothing else, to get some meditation tips.
Have you read Learning to Breathe? What did you think?
Teacher Goes Back to School 
I haven’t read this book but am glad to have read your review. I appreciate that you listed your beef. I too would imagine it would be difficult to turn off the hamster wheel in order to meditate regularly. It would be nice if the author of this book admitted to this too1
Just so you know, my daughter has had CRAZY success with EMDR with her PTSD. And many of my clients do as well. Children it can effect quicker–my clients tell me it takes about 3 – 4 sessions. Also they periodically have to go back sometimes (like every year or two). I hope it helps. And I’ll try the book, although I think I will agree with the “tidy” comment. I miss you!