The Fear Project What Our Most Primal Emotion Taught Me About Survival, Success, Surfing . . . and Love

by Yogis, Jaimal

• ISBN13: 9781609611750
• ISBN10: 1609611756
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2013-01-08
• Publisher: Rodale Books

Summary

This provocative, entertaining, often laugh-out-loud story follows Yogis as he attempts to surf bigger and more difficult waves, culminating in northern California's Maverickshuge, crushing (and sometimes deadly) waves in the dead of winter. In The Fear Project, surfing serves as a metaphor for fears of all sorts: fear of loss, fear of not being good enough, fear of being alone, fear of being trapped in the wrong job, fear of not being able to realize your dreams, fear of pain, and ultimately, fear of death. Yogis takes readers on a memorable journey beyond the surf and shows them how, by identifying and understandingtheir fears, they can shift their perspective and live a more rewarding life. The Fear Projectis a captivating look at the age-old teaching that by recognizing our fears and turning into theminstead of running awaywe can harness fear's powerful energy to find true happiness and fulfillment.

Author Biography

Jaimal Yogis is an award-winning journalist who has written for ESPN The Magazine, The Washington Post, The Surfer’s Journal, The Chicago Tribune, AFAR, San Francisco Magazine and many others. His critically acclaimed first book, Saltwater Buddha, is currently being adapted into a film. Jaimal is an avid surfer and lives in San Francisco with his wife and son.

Table of Contents

"There is a hell of a lot of fun packed between these two covers. Wonderfully reported, unflinchingly honest and definitely big-balled. If Jaimal Yogis’ deep dive into fear doesn’t make you want to go out and push your limits—well, you’re probably already dead." --Steven Kotler, author of West of Jesus

"Nothing holds us back more in life than fear. Jaimal Yogis explores this primal emotion in depth from an evolutionary, neuropsychological, and philosophical perspective, all wrapped up in a highly engaging personal narrative. The Fear Project offers the keys to overcoming excuses and anxiety, and stepping into the life you've always dreamed of having."--MeiMei Fox, co-author of the New York Times bestseller, Fortytude

"The Fear Project is an enchanting autobiographical journey. Yogis deftly explores our current scientific, religious and philosophical views on our most fundamental emotion, and the reward is as significant as it is palpable. I absolutely loved this book and will share it with everyone—in particular, high performance athletes."--Michael Lardon, author of Finding Your Zone

"Jaimal Yogis weaves together neuroscience, dramatic true stories, and practical wisdom in a fascinating, important book that moves with the page-turning verve of a thriller." --Rick Hanson, author of The Buddha’s Brain

"Like a mammoth wave moving across the ocean, The Fear Project takes us on a wild ride into the heart of our deepest primordial fears and onto the shores of light."--Stuart Coleman, author of Eddie Would Go and Fierce Heart

"From the first chapter about his swimming in the dark, shark-infested waters surrounding Alcatraz to stories of surfing 80-foot waves at Mavericks, this book is alive and pumping with adrenaline! It brings you to the edge of fear over and over again with a lasting lesson on confronting fear in ways that are healthy and powerful."--David Romanelli, author of Yeah Dave’s Guide to Livin’ the Moment

"This book is worth the price of admission for the Maverick’s chapter alone: the first and, as far as I know, only literary first-person account of riding one of the greatest big-wave breaks on Earth. Yogis is a man on an authentic mission—to face down his deepest fears and interrogate the deepest sources of meaning in every aspect of human life. From his Alcatraz swim to surfing Maverick’s to that biggest challenge of all—fatherhood—Yogis writes with confidence, clarity, and brio. This is a heartfelt, hard-won, and utterly worthwhile book."--Dan Duane, author of How to Cook Like a Man

"Jaimal Yogis combines harrowing personal experiences with cutting edge science to bring us remarkable insight into fear. The Fear Project will transform how you approach this primal emotion -- and your life." -- David Agus, MD, author of the New York Times best-seller, The End of Illness

"The Fear Project not only tells the riveting story of the science of fear, but helps us understand how we can deal with fear when it stands in our way. Effortlessly weaving together science and everyday life, this book gives you insight into your own fears such that you can face them head-on and perform at your best.--Sian Beilock, Ph.D., author of Choke