Chop Wood, Carry Water, by Jamie Shane

I just finished reading a great new book called Chop Wood, Carry Water, by Jamie Shane. Shane is a certified yoga instructor and practical philosopher who owns Bija Yoga studio in Naples, Florida. Ms Shane also writes a popular weekly column for the Naples Daily News. Chop Wood is a light-hearted, relaxing read with a refreshing perspective on life. Shane presents a compelling case for yoga and the benefits of simplifying our lives. "Yoga", Shane writes is "a physical science designed to bring the body and the mind into alignment with spirit". As you wind your way through the book, you learn how yoga can become a lifelong relationship with your inner self. There are a few instructive sections where the reader can practice basic yoga moves, which serve as tempting morsels, leaving the reader wanting more. I had a few major discoveries about myself while reading this book. The biggest was that I do not know how to breathe. That's right, I don't know how to breathe. I learned that true breathing involves slowing things down, listening to your inner voice, and to pay attention to hear your body speak to you. But as much as her book helps the reader learn how to meet and understand oneself, it also speaks how to live and love others. Shane refers to the "bumpy road to enlightenment" by expressing her own thoughts and experiences. While our journeys through life may be bumpy, her book offers a smooth path of advice and wisdom. If you have ever considered yoga, check out Shane's book, it just may change your perspective on life.
Jamie Shane can be reached via e-mail at yoda@bijayoga971.com
Don't just take my word...

Even Dr Sidney Wang, psychic betta fish and resident oracle recommends this book. Dr Wang wishes to share a quote from Mahatma Gandhi that Ms Shane uses to close her book: "There is no way to peace. Peace is the way."

Welcome Dr. Sidney Wang

I am pleased to introduce Dr Sidney Wang to this blog. Dr Wang is not just an ordinary Red Crown Tail Betta. He is believed to be a reincarnated relative of King Rama II of Siam, and somewhat of an oracle. He arrived here with Yod, his caretaker on a private jet and has been actively communicating ever since. Each week, Dr Wang will be sharing stories of his adventures, and dispensing words of wisdom, advice and inspiration. Readers may submit questions for Dr Wang to consider and answer publicly here on the Palm Springs Savant blog by using the comments feature. Whether you find Dr Wang's column inspirational, amazing or just plain witty, I hope you enjoy hearing from him.

Dr Wang has taken up residence in my San Diego home, rather than in Palm Springs. He likes being close to the Pacific Ocean versus landlocked in the desert, but is learning to get along with Owen and Koshimi, who are also in residence midweek. A cat and a dog don't typically make ideal household companions for a Crown Tail Betta, but in these circumstances, Dr Wang has learned to accept his destiny.

Above: Dr Sidney Wang relaxing at home, contemplating the many mysteries of the Universe while his Booda statue looks on.
-Rick Rockhill