Tolland Author Writes of Her Spiritual Journey Through Yoga and Buddhism

We all want to be happy, but sometimes we just don’t know how to find
happiness because we think it is on the outside, but it is just a heartbeat away,” explained Sharon Cormier. She continued, “…it is always right inside us, waiting for us to see with clear eyes, mind and heart.” This is the central theme of a new book, “Where the Lotus Blooms,” by Cormier, who is a Tolland resident and yoga instructor.

When hearing a yoga practitioner speak about attaining perfect spiritual insight and tranquility or about various disciplines and chakras, many newbies to this meditative exercise form may shy away or feel a bit intimidated by the exotic-sounding jargon. Cormier’s book, however, aims to bring the wisdom of yoga, as well as Buddhism, to everyone in clear, concise language.

“Buddhism and yoga are both a philosophy and discipline that encourages us to live as a wise person would wish to live,” said Cormier.

“I am 68 and have been practicing yoga since the 1970s when the teachings of yoga included the postures as well as some of the philosophy,” said Cormier. “I was intrigued by the way yoga made me feel and began a lifelong spiritual seeking that eventually led me to Buddhism. She noted, "Buddha was a Yogi whose practice brought him to the realization of the Four Noble Truths: 1. Life is suffering; 2. There is a reason for this suffering; 3. There is a way to stop this suffering; 4. Follow the Eight-Fold Path.”

Using examples of how she has applied the principles of yoga and Buddhism to her own life experiences, Cormier wrote this book to, “shine some light and perhaps provide a shortcut for fellow companions on their spiritual pathway.”

“Yoga makes you slow down and pay attention. Yoga asks you to be aware of all that is going on in your day-to-day life. It shows you how to be more compassionate and kind, first to yourself, and then that compassion and kindness will naturally extend to others,” said Cormier, who believes yoga and Buddhism go hand in hand.

“Buddhism makes sense to me. They both believe in the basic goodness of human beings and offer ways for each of us to find the best path to our own inner source of strength and peace.”

Cormier began writing “Where the Lotus Blooms” years ago, in bits and pieces, and said she never knew if it would ever come together, or even if it was supposed to. However, last year while teaching yoga, mindfulness and meditation at a retreat for people in recovery, she noticed that many of the participants came with a variety of preconceptions of difficulty.

“They were delighted to find that they could do the simple stretches and poses offered, that the meditation classes made them feel relaxed and positive about who they were and what they were accomplishing in the process of recovery and that becoming mindful helped them deal with their anxiety and depression,” she explained. “It was so gratifying to see the practice of yoga making such an impact that when I got home I began the process of putting it all together. That part took about one year, but the learning and seeking took all my life,” Cormier said.

Ultimately, Cormier hopes her book will help people find information on how to create their own inner peace. “For we are all spiritual seekers whether we know it or not!”

Sharon Cormier is a registered yoga instructor (with the designation of 500 RYT, which means she has taken over 500 hours of instruction in the physical postures as well as in philosophy and yoga therapy) at Breathe …more and is a member of the International Association of Yoga Therapists. She is also an Advanced Reiki Practitioner, poet and meditation teacher.

“Where the Lotus Blooms” is available on Amazon.com, at Barnes and Noble and other booksellers. If you would like to meet Cormier in person, she will have a .