We're All Doing Time: A Guide to Getting Free

This book is incredibly inspiring. Bo Lozoff goes into one of the toughest environments there is--prison--and by teaching about meditation and yoga and spiritual truths completely transforms the lives of many people. More importantly he doesn't preach or pretend to know all the answers. He draws from the teachings of Christianity, Hinduism and Buddhism to teach spirituality that is relevant to everybody. In the section of letters to and from prisoners he shows a lot of wisdom in his answers.You don't have to be in prison to benefit from the teachings in this book. It is straight forward and practical spirituality for everyone.

.... and I mean that. This is no cheesy, ego-fondling "self-help" book. Whether you have been incarcerated or not, you're sure to benefit somewhat from this book. After an illuminating introduction, Bo begins with a chapter called 'The Big View', which in itself is one of the most direct, honest yet simple introductions to starting a more spiritual & disciplined life I've ever had the pleasure to encounter. Then, we have a chapter (Getting free) which outlines loads of spiritual practices, each one quite good. There's stuff from Hindu, Buddhist, Christian and Islamic contemplative traditions. Each instruction is easy to understand, and makes you want to do it. Along with that there's stuff on Hatha yoga, prayer, Karma yoga (helping people as a spiritual practice), and even how to eat spiritually. Just those 2 chapters as a book would have been awesome, but to top it all off, the following half of the book is letters from convicts to Bo himself. This may not seem so spectacular, but it is. It's very inspiring. As an added bonus, the whole book is peppered with funny cartoons, pictures, quotes and Bo's funny comments. Everything he writes just sings honesty & compassion. Plus, it's only 8 bucks! Think of all the crap books you buy for 20 or so.

Reading the correspondence from prisoners working to pursue meditation and yoga in their search for peace just knocked me out. We think in our ordinary (free) lives that we struggle with our spiritual paths, and in theory it might be the same work, but the inspiration from these stories puts a whole new perspective on the seeking. An excellent, touching, sincere and fascinating book.

This books has served as a reference, but more than that a reminder of where I am, how far I have to go and the tools to get there. Bo has produced a book taking the best of Yoga, self discipline, pragmatism and compassion and produced a ruthless guide to self-growth.

Bo is a breath of fresh air. He is selfless - there's no ego here. This is a very trustworthy man with deeply important things to say. While "Pop Philosophers" are busy making bumber stickers Bo passes on real wisdom. He doesn't want a name for himself...he just wants to help.