Literary References
Books That Inspire Our Reflection
At the Maurice Daubard Institute, we believe that practical experience and reflection complement one another.
The authors presented here explore, each in their own way, themes that are important to us: breathing, adaptation, mental preparation, our relationship with nature, humility, as well as trust, presence, and the ability to remain faithful to one’s deepest aspirations.
The books featured on this page are neither practical manuals nor presentations of the teachings offered by the Institute. They are, above all, sources of inspiration and reflection.
JAMES NESTOR
BREATH
American journalist and author James Nestor has spent many years exploring the interactions between human beings and their environment. His work has led him to investigate subjects as diverse as freediving, physiology, breathing, and a number of often-overlooked human capacities.
As part of his research, James Nestor met Maurice Daubard and took an interest in both his personal journey and his approach to cold adaptation. He refers to this encounter in his book Breath.
Why this reference?
Because it highlights the importance of breathing for our well-being and our ability to adapt. Through extensive research, James Nestor invites readers to take a fresh look at a fundamental human function that is often taken for granted.
→ Discover the book : Breath by James Nestor
GUILLAUME NERY
À PLEIN SOUFFLE
World champion freediver and underwater explorer Guillaume Néry shares in this book a profound reflection on breathing, relaxation, trust, and our relationship with the environment.
Drawing on his experience in deep freediving, he shows that lasting progress is not based on struggle or domination, but on the ability to adapt to circumstances and cultivate a state of attentive presence.
His testimony illustrates, with simplicity and depth, the importance of relaxation, humility, trust, and respect for natural balances.
Why this reference?
Because it perfectly illustrates how attention, presence, and adaptability can sometimes be more effective than force or the desire to control.
→ Discover the book (French edition only) : À Plein Souffle de Guillaume Néry
ORIANNE AYMARD
AU CŒUR DE L’EVEREST
Writer, researcher, and mountaineer Orianne Aymard recounts in this book her journey toward Mount Everest. Far beyond the story of a climb, it explores the human, mental, and inner dimensions of a major undertaking.
Among the significant stages of her preparation was her participation in a cold yoga retreat organized by the Maurice Daubard Institute in Italy’s Aosta Valley. She describes with sensitivity her experience of cold exposure, meditation, breathing practices, group life, and connection with nature.
Throughout the book emerge themes that are especially meaningful to us: adaptation rather than resistance, presence in the moment, trust, the strength of the collective, our relationship with the natural elements, and the importance of remaining faithful to our deepest aspirations despite doubt or external criticism.
Why this reference?
Because it shows that the most ambitious challenges are not prepared for through physical training or technical skills alone. They also invite us to cultivate attention, humility, trust, and the ability to adapt to circumstances.
→ Discover the book (French edition only) : Au Coeur de l´Everest de Orianne Aymard
An Ongoing Dialogue
This library is intended to grow over time.
We warmly thank the authors who, each in their own way, contribute to a broader reflection on human adaptation, our relationship with nature, our relationship with others, and the values that help us face the challenges of our time with clarity, humility, and confidence.
