We are spoiled when it comes to the choice of yoga books! The power of the written word goes beyond the text font or size. For centuries, people would verbally pass down history, from one elder to the next. Teaching and guiding those around them. Then the written word was introduced and books were born.
While I clearly paraphrased and left out a large chunk of history, books have for centuries been the place to learn, grow and develop the mind – well before the world wide web was invented.
In Yoga, you learn from the teacher/guide on your personal yoga journey. But as it is YOUR personal journey, the need to form your own perspective and learn how best to move your body, develop your mind and guide your soul on your personal quest.
While there are many Yoga books that show you how to do yoga asanas, the pose is only one part of your Yoga practice. In order to cultivate a personal practice, books can be really helpful in guiding you and giving in-depth information you sometimes cannot get from a class.
As a personal development junkie, I wanted to learn more about yoga philosophy, dive deeper into my practice and allow myself the journey of exploring and learning.
Here are my top 5 yoga books for beginners, in no particular order!
*PS: I encourage you to purchase these books from your local small business bookstore, check them out at your library or borrow them from a friend. But, if that isn't an option, I have linked them from an online source for you below.
Beyond the Mat - Julie Rosenberg
This book is a great place to start if you have any interest in how yoga, meditation, or eastern philosophies might benefit you. Like many westerners, we have taken the approach of Yoga and made it merely about the poses. Rosenberg makes it clear in her book as to why this way of thinking is missing the point of Yoga and how connecting with all accepts of yoga can reap the benefits in all aspects of your life. She shows you how to bring yoga out of the studio and into your personal and professional life. Much like I teach in my on-and-off-the-mat lessons in class. She shares how yoga is more than just poses with a clear explanation of the underlying principles, real-life examples, and anecdotes from her own life and professional career. Yoga's philosophical principles extend far beyond the mat and form a framework to support your overall well-being, achieve success, and become a more effective leader.
Buy it here: Beyond the Mat - Julie Rosenberg
The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
I have read and re-read this book a few times. Every time I do, I get something new out of it. Some days, when I need some inspiration, I take the book, hold it to my heart, close down my eyes, ask the Universe for guidance and then open the book to a page. I point and read that paragraph or sentence. Without fail, Tolle’s words speak to me!
There is a point in our lives when we say enough is enough. This is what this book is about. Eckhart Tolle teaches us the real meaning of spirituality. He teaches us the importance of the present moment. Through the recognition of the ego, he makes us aware of how it destroys our lives. This is a great read for anyone that is looking to go deeper and really learn themselves.
Buy it here: The Power of Now - Eckhart Tolle
Chakras Made Easy - Andrea Judith
It's no surprise that I love all things Chakra!
Anodea Judith is the Queen of Chakra learning and when you're on a quest to learn more about the 7 chakras system and you come across a book called "Chakras Made Easy", the obvious choice is to start reading it. This book is for absolutely everyone who wants to learn about chakras and doesn't know where to start. Judith's writing is clearly explained, beautifully written, and she offers examples that help you relate to each Chakra. Offering exercises for each chakra so you can deepen the practice if that's something you wish to do.
Anodea Judith makes learning about the Chakras easy, and that is why I recommend this book to anyone that is interested in learning the basics of Chakra healing and the energy body.
Buy it here: Chakras Made Easy - Andrea Judith
The Yamas & Niyamas - Deborah Adele
The path of yoga is much more than the physical practice, the asana. Within the Yogic lifestyle, there are guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought and action.
This book opens up doors when we open up ourselves. The Yamas and Niyamas are guides to help us discover our own authenticity. At the most mundane level, this is a book about emotional management. At the most profound level, this is a book about not confusing reality with our emotions, thoughts or other things that we can create. It's not so much that we can create reality, but that a too rigid sense of self can force us to think that our emotions/thoughts/concepts are reality. This book is written in a simple and direct way, with a strength that is refreshing.
But it here: The Yamas & Niyamas - Deborah Adele
Perfectly Imperfect - Baron Baptiste
While this book may be small, it is mighty!
Like an inhale, this book will fill you with insights into life and yoga.
At first glance, it seems to be a simple book on some basic points of yoga, but it doesn't take long before you realize that through that simplicity, it presents some of the most profound and personally challenging questions. Baptiste writes about life and interweaves yoga philosophy into his teachings. With lessons of on-and-off-the-mat teachings, he opens up a new perspective of how to approach your personal practice.
This little book spoke to me far beyond my expectations and has helped me in my personal yoga practice on another level.
But it here: Perfectly Imperfect - Baron Baptiste
I hope you find some great reads among these 5 books. Continue to expand your knowledge, as learning yourself is what Yoga is about!
Yoga is YOUR practice, YOUR time, YOUR journey. Let it be what YOU need it to be. Step on your mat and Let it all Go.
Love & Light,
Tal
*Disclaimer: This Disclaimer forms a binding agreement between you and Chantal Croucher also known as Yogatation, a Sole Proprietorship operating out of Ontario, Canada. In continuing to watch this video and practicing yoga with me, you release me from any liability related to any injuries or issues which may arise from the risks of practicing yoga through this video. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR OWN ACTIONS IN PARTICIPATING IN THIS YOGA CLASS. These videos are posted for educational and informational purposes only and not tailored to you specifically in any way. Please ensure you are practicing in a safe space and consult a medical professional before your practice. Lastly, please note that the techniques and approaches to yoga contained in these videos are simply my teachings and I make no representations about their efficacy nor do I promise any results.
Namaste and enjoy the practice.
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