Richard Freeman

Richard Freeman has studied Ashtanga, Iyengar, bhakti, and traditional hatha yoga; Western and Eastern philosophy; and Sanskrit, all of which he incorporates into his Ashtanga yoga practice. Richard teaches at his studio, the Yoga Workshop, in Boulder, Colorado, as well as at studios and conferences throughout the world. He is also a frequent contributor to Yoga Journal and his video series, Yoga with Richard Freeman, inspires many people to take up yoga.

Mary Taylor

Mary Taylor is the cofounder, with Richard Freeman, of the Yoga Workshop in Boulder, Colorado, which they started in 1988. Mary travels and teaches Ashtanga yoga throughout the world, both independently and in collaboration with Richard. In addition to teaching, Mary works closely with programs focused on bringing contemplative and yoga practices into the health care system for integrative therapies and self-care, and she is active in Donna Karan’s Urban Zen Foundation.

"Feeling Happy is a luminous introduction to yogic philosophy that brings out the essence of ideas usually packaged in language and jargon that are much tougher for most of us to penetrate. It's a huge service to all of us looking for a path forward." —Anthony Back, MD, University of Washington, and founder of Vital Talk

"This deep and wondrous book is a raft that brings the reader to the shore of joy, the shore of great happiness. It is a book for our times and for all time." —Roshi Joan Halifax, author of In a Moment, in a Breath

"In Feeling Happy, Richard Freeman and Mary Taylor open the door for everyone, regardless of their beliefs, to find a profound and more durable sense of happiness. With their clear instructions for mind and body practices, they light a path for each of us to find deeper meaning and less suffering in our lives." —Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life

"Feeling Happy grounds contemporary notions of the pursuit of happiness within the solid framework of Eastern spiritual practice. Much more than a positive thinking book, readers will find a detailed analysis of the root causes of suffering and a roadmap for how to navigate one’s life towards lasting happiness. Complete with exercises that directly apply the teachings, students will feel guided in applying the tools to their lives. Practical connections that build the bridge between the individual and the social help expand the view of happiness beyond individualistic views. This book will be a wonderful tool for all spiritual seekers and everyone who seeks to bring more happiness into their lives." —Kino MacGregor, author of Accessible Ashtanga

"The quest for happiness and joy is at the heart of the human condition. Mary and Richard give us a practical guide to possibly uncover what is already at the root of our being. Feeling Happy is selfless and brave. It is derived from decades of self-study and arduous practice. Feeling Happy is a gift to anyone living in a human body!" —Colleen Saidman Yee, author of Yoga for Life

"Mary and Richard teach us foundational knowledge, such as happiness is ‘intrinsic to life...’ to practical everyday yoga meditations, postures, and breath work to access this always present treasure. Feeling Happy reminds us to dive into the infinite reservoir of joy. When we feel this essence, we awaken to it and naturally beam it into the world." —Rodney Yee, author of Moving Toward Balance