From the unforgettable teacher Jessamyn Stanley comes Every Body Yoga, a book that breaks all the stereotypes. It’s a book of inspiration for beginners of all shapes and sizes: If Jessamyn could transcend these emotional and physical barriers, so can we. It’s a book for readers already doing yoga, looking to refresh their practice or find new ways to stay motivated. It’s a how-to book: Here … motivated.
It’s a how-to book: Here are easy-to-follow directions to 50 basic yoga poses and 10 sequences to practice at home, all photographed in full color.
It’s a book that challenges the larger issues of body acceptance and the meaning of beauty.
Most of all, it’s a book that changes the paradigm, showing us that yoga isn’t about how one looks, but how one feels, with yoga sequences like “I Want to Energize My Spirit,” “I Need to Release Fear,” “I Want to Love Myself.”
Jessamyn Stanley, a yogi who breaks all the stereotypes, has built a life as an internationally recognized yoga teacher and award-winning Instagram star by combining a deep understanding for yoga with a willingness to share her personal struggles in a way that touches everyone who comes to know her. Now she brings her body-positive, emotionally uplifting approach to yoga in a book that will help every reader discover the power of yoga and how to weave it seamlessly into his or her life.
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Plus and minus. I have had similar experiences to the author. It was nice not to be all alone. Minus because her view is a bit simplistic. If the right person picks up this book at the right time, it will be uplifting to them.
Jessamyn Stanley is the wake-up call everyone needs. Her message speaks loud and clear, not only to those interested in yoga, but to everyone interested in truly, boldly, genuinely, living their life. If you have ever felt held back by shame or fear, if you want to step outside your comfort zone, or if you just need to spend time with someone who gets it — and will challenge you to get it, too — then you will find a kindred spirit in Jessamyn.
A yoga body is, quite simply, a body that does yoga. In Every Body Yoga, Jessamyn makes this abundantly, imperatively, and refreshingly clear.
Jessamyn takes a practice that can intimidate some and alienate others… and makes it accessible, inclusive and extraordinary.
Every Body Yoga is an honest and empowering book that shatters paralyzing stereotypes… What a liberating call to experience yoga just as you are!
This book is about the healing properties of yoga, not just the physical benefits of asana but also about the rest of the eight-limbed path.
Okay, asana is the thing you immediately think about when you think yoga: the stretching and twisting into impossible positions while trying not to slip in your own sweat. That’s one limb of eight. The others are just as important, though, if you want to feel good (which is what this book tries to teach you: it’s not about looking good, but feeling good).
The next limb is Yamas (Restraints) which includes truthfulness – to others and yourself – and freedom from worldly desires among other things. It boils down to what your responsibilities are to others. Then there’s Niyamas (Discipline) which is about your responsibilities to yourself. Pranayama (Breath Work) goes into how important breathing is. While Pratyahara, Dharana, Dhyana and Samadhi are the other limbs that get you to a state of absolute balance of the mind, body and spirit.
The author shares pieces of her life and how the eight limbs of yoga had helped her to rise above not only her body issues (as the cover attests) but also her fear of not being accepted. She’s very open and direct about issues we all face with our bodies and how the discipline of yoga can help to create a calm inner self to counteract the storms of life.
The section on asana is helpful and detailed. The poses are shown unmodified and how to use props (modified) to help you get the most out of your exercise. There are even sequences to help you to feel strong, balanced, and other things you might need through your day.
This book is truly inspiring, not just because Jessamyn shows that anyone can do yoga but also the questions she asks of herself (which the reader then asks of herself) to become a healthy human being. I’d recommend you get it as a gift to yourself (and anyone else you’d like to spoil), ‘cause everyone has had a body issue or two in their life.
I’d add a trigger warning, though: as you read through the author’s struggles, you might be confronted by your own issues. Also, there’s quite a few f-bombs.