Turning Inward - by Ross Rayburn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A yoga and meditation instructor offers a new take on mindfulness through the practice of introversion--a way to find your authentic self to balance life in our hectic, extroverted world. Lead Instructor of Yoga and Meditation for Peloton Ross Rayburn offers a new and accessible take on mindfulness and the art of meditation through the practice of introversion, which is a method of self-exploration for finding authenticity, joy, and calm in our hectic, extroverted world.​ With the easy and enjoyable techniques in this book, and a surprisingly simple and straightforward way of thinking and seeing, you can begin introverting with more intention and with more structure and regularity, for even greater benefits. You'll learn how to handle life's difficulties with less anxiety and greater perspective, and you'll have the tools to remember who you really are, especially during those times it's easiest to forget. Through these practical exercises, guided visualizations, opportunities for contemplation, breathing techniques, and more, you will discover that everything you need to be is already who you are. It's inside you. All you have to do is turn inward to find it." --

Book Synopsis

"Ross shows us that meditation doesn't have to mean sitting still. You can turn within to find inspiration and guidance, even when you are dancing."--Misty Copeland, principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, New York Times bestselling author

Lead Instructor of Yoga and Meditation for Peloton Ross Rayburn offers a new and accessible take on mindfulness and the art of meditation through the practice of introversion, which is a method of self-exploration for finding authenticity, joy, and calm in our hectic, extroverted world.​ As New York Times bestselling author Robin Arzon says, "Turning Inward provides the tools to befriend yourself. In sharing his mindfulness TIPs, Ross provides a path for even the most novice meditator. Herein lies many entry points back to oneself."

Building off his popular Peloton meditation and yoga classes and his years of teaching and spiritual study, Ross Rayburn offers a new way to look at meditation. Rather than a purely esoteric practice, meditation is, Ross argues, simply "turning in," which anyone can learn how to do through the practice of introversion. Billy Porter, award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright, commented, "Ross Rayburn is one of those rare people who understands how to help us access our inner depths. I'm proud to call him both my teacher and my friend."
Because we spend most of our time "turned outward" in order to function in society, introversion offers both a respite and a source of insight. The practice of introversion leads to a happier, calmer life and a truer sense of yourself and your path--something many crave in our chaotic and often polarized world.

With the easy and enjoyable techniques in this book, and a surprisingly simple and straightforward way of thinking and seeing, you can begin introverting with more intention and with more structure and regularity, for even greater benefits. You'll learn how to handle life's difficulties with less anxiety and greater perspective, and you'll have the tools to remember who you really are, especially during those times it's easiest to forget.

Through these practical exercises, guided visualizations, opportunities for contemplation, breathing techniques, and more, you will discover that everything you need to be is already who you are. It's inside you. All you have to do is turn inward to find it.

Review Quotes

"Ross shows us that meditation doesn't have to mean sitting still. You can turn within to find inspiration and guidance, even when you are dancing."

--Misty Copeland, principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, New York Times bestselling author

"Turning Inward is an invitation to seek the transformative courage found in the practice of meditation and introversion. You will go on a journey to learn more about yourself and your infinite possibilities; you'll emerge more connected to yourself and others."

--Maisha T. Winn, Chancellor's Leadership Professor, Co-Founder & Co-Director, Transformative Justice in Education (TJE) Center, University of California, Davis

"Our bodies and minds are incredibly complex, wise, and informative, and we can receive that information only if we pay rapt attention. That is the crux of this book--to learn how to pause and turn away from the busy distracting world, towards ourselves and our deepest knowing."

--New York Times bestselling author, Sara Gottfried

"Turning Inward is a wonderful invitation to engage more profoundly with our inner self, and it's a path to developing a meditation practice that can lead to contentment, creativity, joy and a higher consciousness. It is reminder that being in conversation with oneself can be a gift in these chaotic times."--Lynn Nottage, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright

"Turning Inward provides the tools to befriend yourself. In sharing his mindfulness TIPs, Ross provides a path for even the most novice meditator. Herein lies many entry points back to oneself."
--Robin Arzon, New York Times bestselling author

"I have worked in the wellness world for over 30 years and what I love so much about Ross's approach is that he lives, eats and breathes what he talks about in Turning Inward. His primary objective is to help people, to guide people with so much positivity and just to put good into the world. And he does that here, helping you to open yourself to slowing down and turning inward."
--Bob Harper, New York Times bestselling author

"Ross takes you beyond meditation. He has an intuitive sensitivity to what you need and he knows how to help you go deep enough to find your own truth."
--Tunde Oyeneyin, New York Times bestselling author

"Ross Rayburn is one of those rare people who understands how to help us access our inner depths. I'm proud to call him both my teacher and my friend."--Billy Porter, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony Award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright

"Whether it's a morning yoga flow or an evening meditation, Ross' teachings ground me and help me honor the mind/body connection."--Wilson Cruz, award-winning actor, producer, and activist

"Witnessing his evolution from young yoga teacher to compelling spiritual guide, I know firsthand Ross' commitment to making these valuable teachings accessible. This book is a blend of intuitive wisdom, bravery and sincerity. The only direction is inward, and Ross is the perfect person to light the way for us." --Elena Brower, bestselling author and host of the Practice You Podcast

In Turning Inward Ross Rayburn offers a practical but profound approach to understanding the potential that exists within each of us and lays out an effective map to help draw us deeper into ourselves, where true limitlessness awaits. Identifying pitfalls and moving through resistance are tasks made simpler in Ross' clear and actionable guide through the process of quieting the mind--Zachary Quinto, actor and producer

About the Author

Ross Rayburn is Peloton's Lead Instructor, Yoga and Meditation. During his long career as an in-demand internationally travelling yoga teacher and in his many popular yoga and meditation classes available in person in New York City and on the Peloton app, Ross has worked with countless high-profile people, including professional athletes, actors, politicians, CEOs, newscasters, and journalists. He has taught over 50 therapeutic trainings to hundreds of teachers and students, including physical therapists and medical doctors. Known for his empathetic, inclusive, creative, and lighthearted approach to spirituality, Ross has many devoted students and fans who have had transformative experiences in his classes. Ross lives in New York City with his husband, the choreographer Christopher Wheeldon.

Eve Adamson is an eleven-time New York Times bestselling collaborator and multiple award-winning writer.