About the Book:
Gateway
to Mindfulness
Virtual Book Signing with Letty, May 22nd 2020
Watch Video!
Gateway to Mindfulness
Tayná – Who is our avatar?
Tayná brings our story to life in the form of a beautiful young Brazilian woman who takes a journey to the tropical waterfalls of Brazil. Tayná is an indiginous name that means “Morning Star.” Legends tell the story of a Brazilian Goddess who transforms her being from a bright star in the sky into a young woman who walks the earth among us.
Scientific studies
What is unique and innovative about this book? Have you ever read a book that both tells a beautiful story of legend while simultaneously sharing valuable scientific research that can be applied to giving you and your loved ones great health, happiness, and well-being? This book is a unique innovation in this regard. The story is original and its marriage with science is pioneering as it unites the polar opposite crafts of literary fiction and empirical research.
Avatar Tayná
Why did we choose the avatar of Tayna? We chose Tayná because our author, Letty, was born in Brazil. It resonates with her Brazilian roots. She grew up learning and hearing Brazilian myths and legends like this one. These oral traditions and stories were told and shared as learning tools. As Letty learned to relate to the characters in these childhood stories, she now helps us relate to Tayná. We can see and feel what is happening to Tayna during her journey. She gets excited! She gets stressed, hot, and sweaty. She then finds cool and shade. She finds shelter, rest, relaxation and recovery. Does she find peace?
Science Studies and Our Avatar Tayná
Tayná’s journey is set deep in the Brazilian heartland savana called the “cerrado.” This biome is rich with thousands of crystal clear waterfalls, tropical flora and fauna such as toucans and ancient centurian trees. Letty spent many years hiking and exploring these trails while embracing the sights and sounds of mother earth under the blue skies of central Brazil.
Her story is brought to life with beautiful watercolor illustrations painted by Bárbara Carneiro. These artistic paintings highlight the yoga postures, the book’s key points, and the scientific data behind them.
The author weaves together a decade of research, practice and observations of exactly what happens to our anatomy, genetics, and the nervous system while in savanna yoga posture and why it is the gateway to mindfulness. It is the culmination of Letty’s decade of collaboration with prominent yoga masters, scientists, educators, and medical researchers.
Embrace the decade of knowledge and love that we have condensed into this book. Embark upon your journey with Tayna. You are already on your way to wellness and great health!
5 Star Reviews
5/5
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“Yoga with Letty is very soothing. While she does challenge us, she makes everyone, no matter the skill level, comfortable. I look forward to each session. There’s really nothing I don’t like. I’d prefer it if we could be in the same space, but obviously our Zoom sessions are a necessary substitute in this time of lockdown. No suggestions for any changes that I can think of.
I want to thank you (too) Letty! Although I haven’t been able to attend for the past few weeks, our sessions were highlights of the year for me!”
J.S. Kessler
“My favorite part about Yoga with Letty is Letty’s kind and open attitude. There is no pressure to perform yoga but instead to do what is happening and accessible for your body during the practice each day and to breathe in poses and really connect with your mind and body. It is such a peaceful practice and I am so thankful to be a part of it. I also adore the savasana each day. It is really a large part of class and that is so relaxing and brings my day to a nice pause.
I can’t think of anything I don’t like. I really appreciate Letty coming to school to offer this class and miss the in person nature of yoga but there’s not much to be done about that right now :).
Given the diversity of levels this is tough, but sometimes I do crave a good vinyasa flow class but I know that’s not for everyone.
Thank you so much for your positivity and light and for bringing us all together. We are so thankful!”
K. Hulse
What I love about Letty’s classes: “Letty is patient, kind and caring. Compassionate.
What I do not like is “Zoom 
. Nothing I dislike about our practice together, at all.
I love that we spent time building trust so that we are in a place of mindful engagement without fear of making errors or, simply put, judgement. Tiny thing is the sound quality on the zoom is not perfect so there can echo. Truly, I can think of nothing else – our practice helps me in different ways, always varied, thoughtful and compassionate ♥️
♥️♥️”
A. Corcoran
“Letty, I truly love everything about the class. I love that you often focus on hips and upper back opening. Those are the two spots that I always need to focus on. I love your pacing. It truly is yoga magic!🙏 “
S. Swedlund
5 STAR REVIEWS
JP BAREA, JIU-JÍTSU AND PE COACH
GATEWAY TO MINDFULNESS
GATEWAY TO MINDFULNESS
Yoga and meditation have enjoyed a popular resurgence in today’s world, yet these practices are ancient. In her new book “Gateway to Mindfulness: Follow Tayná on Her Journey and the Science of Letting Go in Savasana”, Dr. Leticia Nelson masterfully delves into why these age-old practices have withstood the test of time. At once entertaining and intellectual, this work marries science and yoga through descriptive and imaginative analogies that cross a wide breadth of knowledge. The personified avatar Tayná takes the reader on a fascinating journey to include a discussion of epigenetics, DNA methylation, and the hard biology behind the effects of yoga on mind and body. The author examines why the relaxing savasana pose concludes yoga sessions everywhere, dismantling the societal stigma traditionally held against any form of restorative rest in an otherwise bustling world. The book adroitly presents all of the reasons why everyone – including the reader – needs to engage in this enduring age-old practice. Best of all, you can begin today: this book includes a guided savasana practice led by the author, a certified yoga teacher who also holds a PhD in biology.
Letty Joy&Yoga 