Flex Your Mind

Rachel Bonkink is no ordinary yoga teacher. She holds a Masters Degree in Commercial Sciences and a long corporate career as an operational director. She has studied Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been a life coach for over 10 years. She specializes in organizing and hosting the most amazing yoga retreats, from Costa Rica to Scotland, from France to Morocco, leading groups, teaching yoga and relaxation in stunning locations and inspiring people to embed the principles of yoga into their everyday lives. From the very start of her own yoga journey, the philosophy of yoga resonated with her more than any individual asana, or posture. She has continued to read, study and train to deepen her knowledge of yoga and meditation. Between retreats she lives in rural Morocco, where she can be found by the beach writing, studying and enjoying life, doing the things that she loves the most.

Introduction

Chapter 1: Non-violence

Non-violence as the foundation of all yogic philosophy and the quality of the strong. I dive into the different manifestations of violence, zooming into our thoughts, judging and social media, and revealing techniques to generate more kindness and compassion towards ourselves and others.

Chapter 2: Truthfulness

Knowing your truth, your true Self and not lying—not to others, nor to yourself. I discuss the power of secrets, silence, listening and the words we speak.
Chapter 3: Non-stealing

Not about stealing objects or money, rather on stealing other people’s time, joy and enthusiasm. It means not stealing from the earth, nor from ourselves. This requires slowing down, taking ownership, controlling our greed and feeling true abundance.
Chapter 4: Energy management

Regulating our energy and resources to avoid and burn out. This requires us to figure out what brings us energy and what takes energy. I also discuss topics like breaking free from bad habits, the relativity of our jobs and focus.

Chapter 5: Non-attachment

Non-attachment or the liberation from greed. This includes the freedom that comes with not wanting more stuff, but also covers not hanging on to old beliefs, patterns, habits, relationships, people, a career or a position. At the same time, we see how mastery of this principle will give us exactly what we want.

Chapter 6: Purity

Which involves cleansing both body and mind. I ask the reader: If our thoughts were beamed on a big screen above us, would we be in trouble? I further the discussion by looking at judging, simplicity, health and working out. The need for meditation is being introduced as a means of psychological hygiene and mental fitness.

Chapter 7: Contentment

The internal state of happiness and satisfaction. This includes accepting life as it is and examining our own expectations and restlessness.

Chapter 8: Self-discipline

Self-discipline and motivation. I explain how to reach goals with intentions and willpower, and how to examine the process of failure to increase the potential for growth.

Chapter 9: Self-inquiry

Involving a frank discussion of why we do the things that we do. This practice is about spiritual passion and cultivating an eagerness to know Self, with a capital S.

Chapter 10: Surrender

Having
full trust that things will work out. This requires us to look at our fear and
show our true Self.