For centuries, Chinese sages, rulers and spiritual seekers have embraced a simple yet powerful principle to enable them to live in harmony with the Source of nature and all life: the art of “self-cultivation” or, xiu yang. Xiu yang works with the idea that we can steadily nurture our capacity to being fully human and fully awake. Like a field that is patiently cultivated to optimally grow the nourishing and healthy crops, we can undertake practices aimed at smoothing out the roughness and irregularities in our bodies, minds and spirits in order to produce a deep, lasting spiritual happiness.

Xiu yang promotes the idea that inner balance leads to outer radiance: in order to be in harmony with the world, we must first be in harmony with ourselves. By tending to the field of our own bodies, hearts, minds and relationships, we can start making positive changes within our lives and in the lives of others.

In this nurturing lifestyle guide, Mimi Kuo-Deemer champions the contemporary value of adopting this ancient approach. Through a combination of practices from meditation and mindfulness to yoga and qigong, Xiu Yang offers a fresh approach to finding balance and bringing peace into your life, home and community. The book is filled with practices and perspectives that will help you “come alive.”

Breath helps you remember your innate ability to find true peace and calm abiding in any moment. It wakes you up to your true nature, which is a connection and oneness with all things… By focusing on the breath mindfully our busy mind starts to settle, which helps us feel relaxed and more peaceful.

“Exquisite... for anyone interested in building a sustainable life that is imbued with vibrant healthy, mental and emotional clarity, and the most basic human need of all: happiness” —Donna Farhi, author of Yoga Mind, Body, Spirit

“A treasure chest for the heart and mind, a potent tonic for body and breath, and a vibrant life essence for the spirit” —Simon Low, Principal, the Yoga Academy

Also by Mimi Kuo-Deemer is Qigong and the Tai Chi Axis: Nourishing Practices for Body, Mind, and Spirit.