Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga

by Rolf Gates, Katrina Kenison

365 daily reflections offering a way to integrate the mindfulness that yoga teaches into everyday life, from the acclaimed yoga teacher, Rolf Gates who offers "a healthy way to find peace and a sense of coming home, day by day” (USA Today).As more and more people in the West pursue yoga in its various forms, whether at traditional centers, in the high-powered atmosphere of sports clubs, or on their own, they begin to realize that far from being just another exercise routine, yoga is a discipline of the body and the mind. Whether used in the morning to set the tone for the day, during yoga exercise itself, or at the end of the day, during evening reflection, the daily reflections in Meditations from the Mat will support and enhance anyone’s yoga journey.

Genres: Nonfiction, Spirituality, Meditation, Health, Self Help, Reference, Philosophy

417 pages, Paperback

First published December 3, 2002

Reviews

[Reanee Spratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a masterpiece. Rolf Gates shares with us his personal yoga journey and gives us great inspirations for our yoga journey.

Rolf uses quotes and gives fine examples from his own life how yoga has worked for him and improved his life. He spirit shines and inspires. He is candid and engaging.

I teach yoga and sometimes you just want a bit of yoga to read...and that is what he has given us here. Small important daily readings which are easily digested. Some could be incorporated in Savasana readings in class.

Namaste,
Reanee

[Amanda Hupe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got to meditation 136, and it started to become a chore. It is too preachy and religious for me. I was hoping for more spiritual guidance and focus on yoga rather than the author's religious beliefs and his own struggles. He often mentions the military and alcoholism--it is repetitive and I couldn't relate to it at all. When it comes to yoga, it is something I look forward to every day, and like I said, reading the daily meditations became a chore. I did enjoy the quotes but not the meditations themselves.

[Rat de bibliothèque · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you do your daily yoga and then read this book afterwords you feel even more of a sense of calm than you would have before. Even if you don't daily practice yoga you can see and feel differences in your attitude and mental health.

Everyone can benefit from "Meditations from the Mat".Each chapter takes you through a section of the eight limbed path of yoga. Over the course of a year the author (Rolf Gates) walks you through his personal meditations as well as educates you using the eight limbed path (the eight limbed path is a plan for living that flows from action, to knowledge, to liberation - the ultimate goal being liberation, freeing yourself from all that inhibits and hold you down).

The eight limbed path consists of the yamas (the five moral restraints: ahimsa - nonviolence, satya - truthfulness, asteya - nonstealing, brahmacarya - nonhoarding), the niyamas (the five observances - sauca - purity, santosa - contentment, tapas - zeal and austerity, svadhyaya - self study, isvara pranidhana - devotion to a higher power), the asana (postures), pranayama (mindful breathing), pratyahara (turning inward), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi (union of the self with object of meditation). There is a helpful outline of the eight limbed wheel in the first few pages (I like to make notes next to it).

No other yoga book out there that I have seen is quite like this one. The author is a yoga teacher who began teaching looking at yoga purely as a fitness thing who later learned that it is a way of life (and to some, afterlife). You could compare its format to that of teen study bible, it's very day by day (but the author states that reading a few a day rather than just one will not hinder your benefiting from his words).

Each day also has a wonderful quote to accompany the lesson and just adds to your fire for yoga and to learn more. Yoga is a fire you can never put out that burns deep within you once you light it. Pick up the torch.

[Alejandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book looked very promising and I was truly hoping to read something about yoga that didn't end up taking me down that religion path that lately all these books seem to do. There are some good entries here and there; but mostly it's too holy for my taste. Some of us like our yoga religion free and each passing day it's harder and harder to find someone who has this vision as well. All in all it's a meh read.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such a fabulous support to me in my yoga practice. Reading an excerpt or two a day keeps me feeling energized and inspired! Sometimes when I don't feel like practicing yoga one day, I pick up the book and after reading a few entries I have found the motivation I need.

The wisdom that Rolf Gates imparts is definitely NOT just for people who practice yoga, but for anyone who is interested in living a life of balance and compassion towards others.

[Dan Secor · Rating 5 out of 5]

First a disclaimer - I am not an active yoga practitioner. I recently participated in a weekend beginner's yoga retreat at Kripalu that emphasized gentle techniques but even that was rough on my bad knees. However, this book is so much more than a yoga treatise - it is meant to supplement a yoga practice but is a daily meditation aid in it's own right. And a profound one at that. I own many volumes that help to supplement my meditation practice but this one quickly became my favorite. It even makes me want to give yoga another shot!

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this book. I really enjoyed reading it every day. It is designed to be read one entry at a time (once a day for a year), but often I found myself reading ten or fifteen entries. Every entry comes with an epigraph (I am a huge fan of epigraphs).
The reason I give it four stars instead of five is because Gates has a little bit of loggorhea when it comes to discussing God. It gets on my nerves. Everyone knows that yoga is accessible to everyone regardless of religious affiliation (or lack thereof). I don't have a problem with his stating his own belief and connection with God, but it starts to get repetitious and rather prescriptive. Furthermore, his AA background comes up a little too often. That twelve step mentality seems a little out of place on occasion. That said, this book is absolutely rife with flashes of brilliance. It's very informative in discussing the yamas and niyamas. In fact, it discusses, at length, all 8 limbs of the yogic path/discipline. It's not just about the asanas. I recognized more than a little familiarity with my own yoga experiences--both the high points and frustrations. Furthermore, it really drives home the point that while yoga is about developing a life-long practice and becoming introspective in our practice, we also come to recognize the importance of community. I will definitely read it again.
Recommended.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great gift for yoga beginners- just nothing super deep or transformative, and nothing to re-read or revisit, really.

[Stephanie Spence · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rolf Gates is an excellent example of approachable, knowledgeable and loving. I first met Rolf years ago when I was doing my first Yoga Road Trip, traveling up the west coast of the U S in an RV interviewing yoga teachers every day. I had bought his book on the recommendation of a friend, wondering what in the world I had in common with this guy. I couldn't put the book down, then on my second pass I opened it once per day for a year. This book was part of the inspiration for my forthcoming book and I'm so honored that Rolf has written the forward for my book. This should be on every bookshelf. It's so much more than just a book about yoga.

[Stefanie · Rating 1 out of 5]

Super religious, nauseatingly shtick-y, and every meditation was just another story about how Rolf Gates Learns From His Mistakes Did He Mention He Was In The Military And Also An Alcoholic Here's More Stories About Him Being Great At Everything Because He Embraced God.

[Cydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I started reading this over a year ago, just as I was about to begin yoga teacher training. This is a book that I will refer to over and over again.

[Christine Bissonnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

On April 1st 2024, I made the intention to meditate every day, read a passage from this book, and write about where it carried me. My intention was not to be perfect (if I missed a day, I wasn't going to throw up my hands in defeat and move on), but to be consistent. To do my best. Well, it's May 4th, 2025... and I've done it. For the last one year and one month I've meditated and journaled for 365 days. Thank you Rolf Gates for supporting this practice. So many of these meditations spoke to exactly what I was going through as I progressed through this year long ritual. My meditation practice will not be ending here. In fact, it feels like it's just beginning.

[Shevon Quijano · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meditations from the Mat is a compilation of essays by Rolf Gates exploring the principles of yoga, practical tips, and encouragement for continued practice. He explores the eight limbs of yoga in depth using personal experiences as a yoga convert, his history of alcoholism, and his current life as a yoga teacher and studio owner to shed light on the application of these principles. Although this book was meant to be read over the course of a year I read it all at once which has a particular benefit: the ability to absorb the spirit of yoga all at once.

The truth is not outside of myself. It is inside and this spiritual journey is the continual process of uncovering the true me. My soul is pure and good at its core and only through showing up consistently and sincerely will I gain more understanding of myself, the universe, God, and the spirit of love.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book were:
Thank you for bringing me here.
Do a little yoga a lot rather than a lot of yoga a little.
Focus on one Yama a day for ten days during asana, pranayama, and dhyana.
Find mentors (in person and/or in books)
Everything is already okay. I just need to see it.

[John Leemhuis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meditations from the Mat is one of the most meaningful and powerful books that I have ever read. As stated in the title, the author provides a daily reflection (365 in total) that includes a relevant quote and a personal story that helps the reader gain a deeper appreciation and understanding of how the 8 fold path of yoga applies to everyday life.

I cannot tell you how many times I read these reflections and was stunned by how directly the author's words connected with a situation confronting me in my life.

If yoga is part of your life, this book will help give your practice greater depth and meaning.

Thank you Rolf Gates!

[Lindsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rolf brings so much vulnerability into this book. I am so thankful for the daily gratitude he offers and peace he brings through this book. I recommend this to anyone, even those who do not practice the physical yoga asana.

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this book! I have incorporated this book into my daily spiritual practice because it is so full of wisdom. It is set up as daily reflections and takes you through the eight limb path of yoga. It has really deepened my yoga practice and helped me to understand the physical and spiritual connections, and it has also made me look at my own christian faith in new deeper ways. Overall, it is an enlightening and inspiring book that I will continue to read over and over.

[Dawnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm somewhat cheating on this book simply for the fact that it is a year commitment and has a daily meditation for 365 days. My goal is to continue with this daily. I've been at it about a week and have reviewed the whole book, though not read every daily meditation and am thoroughly enjoying it!

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

while this book is very good for quote-collecting, most of the quotes I found to be appealing were not even Rolf Gates originals. his writing & discourse about his own tribulations was completely underwhelming. I wanted something I could read aloud at the end of my classes & got someone's personal journal instead.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is one I love to revisit for spiritual reminders and motivation. It is simple, personal, and beautiful.

[Jmp · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not what I was wanting to read. Neither meditations, nor yoga instructions.

[John Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!

Definitely a book that I will listen to several (if not many) times.

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I usually read this everyday as a morning meditation before getting on my mat and starting my day. Sometimes I read a few extra a day for a pick me up, and sometimes I just randomly flip to any page for some inspiration. Regardless this book has been a wonderful journey. I will probably continue to use it throughout the year until I have found another one like it or until I grow sick of it - which seems unlikely. Amazing to find a ex army ranger, ex 12 stepper writing about his journey with yoga outside of just going to yoga studios and retreats. This is real practical stuff! It gives you tools to understand yoga the journey of the self fearlessly! I am so happy for the author and his artistic, compassionate, and understanding reflections. Take the journey in a year (or less) and enjoy this book.

[Billye · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meditations from the Mat : Daily Reflections on the Path Of Yoga by Rolf Gates, Katrina Kenison is a book that you do, if you choose. This is a very useful tool and guide. The daily entries provide ideas and support for your yoga journey. Rolf Gates shares a lot about his own life and his personal yoga journey. I would recommend this to yoga teachers and to anyone who would like to deepen their existing yoga practice. I would encourage readers who are experiencing yoga for the very first time to seek additional resources. The philosophy and some of the descriptions of asana may be limiting to the uninitiated. The narration performance by Kevin Kenerly greatly enhances, supports, and expands the material.

[Allie Jo Arendell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Former Airborne US Army Ranger, social worker and present day yogi, speaker and writer, Rolf Gates includes 365 of his meditations, essays, thoughts, and passages of the evolution of thought through his own practice on and off the yoga mat.

Rolf Gates is a tremendous Thinker, and writes from the best of human experiences; his own. Recommended to me by my friend and outdoor yoga teacher, Daniel, this book is a nice companion to daily life and thought and can be read one passage at a time, or two at a time like I chose to do...

Enjoy!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today I sat down, knowing that this would be my last reading from this marvellous book. I have been blessed by so many phrases and quotes that Rolf Gates has shared through this last year. When my husband was airlifted due to a sudden illness and I was packing a bag, I knew this had to go with me. Through days of challenges, his words have helped me to find my breath and focus. I also found his explanation of the eight limbs of yoga and how to live them very enlightening. A book to be read and shared!

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has been a daily read for me since early in the year when I rediscovered it on my bookshelf. I thoroughly enjoyed the daily journey with Rolf Gates. He breaks down the structure of yoga and applies it to everyday life. As someone who wants to ... but hasn't yet committed to ... daily yoga practice, I found it encouraging, inspiring, and forgiving. Each day's entry begins with a quotation and the author then reflects on the quotation and on some aspect of yoga. I would often read several entries a night ... not his intention, but I enjoyed it that much. A treasure!

[Katharine · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got to page 388 of this book. I really really enjoyed the first 1/3-1/2 of this book, and it was nice to read it every morning before gentle yoga practice. The beginning has a lot of stories that let you get to know the author and a lot of comforting, meaningful messages about yoga philosophy. But about halfway thru I found the entries very watered down, and just not hitting the mark for me anymore. Some were belaboring the point and some were just not poignant connections. Still really glad I read it tho!

[Monica C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I give this book a 10! It was a beautiful and truly inspirational read. A joy! I plan on flipping it back to the first page and starting over again, one day / vignette at a time. Highly recommend to those interested in philosophy of yoga, it's well structured and beautifully presented. The metaphors that he's using paint a mesmerizing and hopeful pictures, loved every word of it! Amazing book.

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is a book that I return to again and again: both for my own studies and in preparations to yoga classes. The book follows and reflects upon the 8th limbs of yoga and gives a reader a choice to either take it one day at a time or read it from the start to the end. Wonderfully accessible but certainly not dumbed down. No matter how many times I leaf through it, I find something new to concentrate on or simply muse on.

[Jeremiah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has a a few short paragraphs gor every day of the year and proceeds through each of the 8 limbs of yoga. I appreciated the distinctive sections for each of the restraints and observances.

Sometimes there were sections written by the second author which kind of made it out of sync.

The main author rolf gates is very personal...boston based, us army, alcoholism, return to boston.

It gets a little preachy. A great book for the bookshelf and as a reference for dharma talks.