After a recent back strain, I couldn’t even tie my own shoe. But one thing I could do was Neil’s DVD. I started the DVD barely able to move. I ended an hour later feeling more free physically, more at peace mentally, and better able to cope with the recuperation period my back needed. Neil leads those in pain through movements that are coordinated with a calming, rhythmic breath, inducing the relaxation response—a perfect antidote for the fear that accompanies pain. Neil also gives the viewer insights on how long to hold a posture and gauging how far to push the stretch. H eposes great questions so you can judge for yourself the right amount of movement. I did more than one practice (there are 3, 30-minute practices) and could do most of the postures even in my acute pain. When I skipped a posture, I simply breathed along with Neil. The biggest challenge I had was transitioning between the floor and standing. I paused the DVD giving myself time to catch up, using a nearby coffee table to assist me in my ascent. Neil’s method to overcome pain is the perfect recipe to work with the body/mind in a healthy way instead of being stuck in fear, forcing movement, or shutting down in depression.