Honestly, I had considered writing a book. I even started one. It was a memoir told as a novel, to allow some creative freedom, and protect the innocent and guilty as well. I may still do that one.
But this is not the book I ever thought I would write. It is not a book that I wanted to write. It was, ultimately, the book I had to write.
First, I must make it clear that this book is not only about cancer. Cancer is used as an example of a problem to be dealt with, but many aspects apply to other physical and mental problems as well.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, I did the same thing I have always done when confronted with a new and unknown situation. I studied it, and studied it, and researched it and lived it. And that has been going on for five years.
Throughout that time I have had many, many conversations with friends, family, co-workers, and students regarding cancer. I realized that I had accumulated a large body of information relative to the disease, and just as importantly, the system that treats it. People were so surprised and sometimes shocked by the information, that I began to think, “ok, there is a need for this information. People need to know this stuff.”
That is how it happened. I started a blog and realized that to use yoga as an ally in the battle of life, that life, yoga, and the problem were all inseparable to the yogi. All part of the package of living in material creation.
Thus the stories and views on life are from the yogic point of view. The chapters on yoga are from a long time in it. The section on cancer is from the viewpoint of a yogi facing his mortality.
There may be things in the book that resonate with you and others that don’t. That is exactly as it should be. I don’t pretend to have all the answers, but I know this. If you find one thing in one book that you can integrate and use in your life that improves it, it was well worth the read.
Because in the end, it is all about accumulating knowledge, and most importantly, doing the work.
May your path stay light and clear.
Some Amazon reviews
“Profound and enlightening. David’s work is highly informative and valuable for all readers. Furthermore, it’s succinct and easy to read.”
……………
“Wonderful nuggets of inspiration and truth. Great to see in words what we get a glimpse of in class. Well worth the read.”
…………….
“David is a rare find as a yoga teacher and friend. His dedication to unbiased research and his own physical and spiritual journey in the writing of this book, is one reason alone to buy it. If you don’t personally have cancer, we all know someone who has been diagnosed…and David wrote a book for us to better prepare ourselves and anyone we know who’s life takes a turn in this direction. Thank you, David, for giving us this holistic guide to a healthy and fulfilling life…with or without cancer.”
……………….
“David has a way of interweaving ancient knowledge and translating it for modern time application and learning. As a Yoga Therapist in training (C-IAYT), I highly recommend this book to any student of life who is wondering how Yoga (philosophy and experiential framework) can help guide us on our path.”
………………
“This is an informative book that lays out some tools you can use to build a better life. It is not written as “the only way” it gives you information you can use but the author encourages you to to become educated in what you are dealing with so you can make choices that are right for you.”
…………….