 Perfection is, of course, a subjective concept, so I won't belabor the point. I will say only that, in my opinion, whenever we move in a direction that leads to an improved state of being, a state of greater self-cultivation, that process and that moment represent perfection. In Perfecting Ourselves, Aaron Hoopes teaches readers to do just that, and in a clear and concise manner.
Hoopes lays out a very specific path to perfection, drawing strongly on his life experience, his practice of martial arts, qigong, yoga, meditation, and massage. This book is filled with useful advice, from admitting and accepting to awareness and attention. Hoopes begins by reintroducing us to our physical body and its principle requirements. He also spends adequate time going over a few of the things that work to our detriment—self-neglect, smoking, intoxicants - legal and illegal, poor diet, injury, and inactivity. And while encouraging readers to accept their body as is, Hoopes simultaneously encourages us to see reality for what it is and to move toward a greater, healthier state of being. He does so by next dealing with motivation and moderation—simplicity. I often talk about how our culture places heavy emphasis on the importance of eating right, exercising, and getting enough water, but how so little importance is given proper breathing. You can go days, weeks, even months without that first group, but just try holding your breath a while. Well, apparently Aaron Hoopes agrees with me. He spends the third section, some 30 plus pages, dealing with the importance of the breath and practices that move it closer to perfection. And please keep in mind that breath comes from inspire—inspiration, to breathe life into, to animate, to make alive and vibrant. Next Hoopes moves on to the mind, mending the mind, and minding the mind. He writes of ordinary mind as well as universal mind and the importance of quietism, a concept mostly ignored in our 24/7 society. If you are sitting in a quiet setting while reading this review, it's likely you already have some idea of what I mean. If you are attempting to read this review while watching television or while sitting at your computer or phoning a friend, it's possible you will never know. Working from lower to higher and from dense to ethereal, Hoopes lastly deals with the spirit. Here he turns to the Chinese concepts of yin and yang, qi (chi), meditation, and the unification of body, mind, and spirit. Developing one's spirit may be a little woo-woo for some, but Hoopes gives very specific exercises and meditations that are fully capable of opening doors of which many seem unaware. Perfecting Ourselves is a gentle guide, a friend fully capable, open, and willing to help us get on the path to perfection, one willing to help open-minded readers integrate such practices into our daily lives. Are you ready? |
