Poems, prayers and stores from beloved spiritual teachers, perfect for ending a yoga class or for personal inspiration

The long-awaited, complete guide to the popular, vigorous American method of yoga that is deeply rooted in ancient wisdom and scriptures “In this day and age of health and fitness trends, it is assuring to know that Sharon and David encourage their students to draw inspiration from the classical texts of Yoga and timeless scriptural sources. ”—Sri Swami Satchidananda Creators of the extremely popular Jivamukti Yoga method and cofounders of the New York City studios where it is taught, Sharon Gannon and David Life present their unique style of yoga for the first time in book form. As they explain their intensely physical and spiritual system of flowing postures, they provide inspiring expert instruction to guide you in your practice. Unlike many books about yoga, Jivamukti Yoga focuses not only on the physical postures but also on how they evolved—the origins of the practices in yoga’s ancient sacred texts and five-thousand-year-old traditions—the psychotherapeutic benefits that accrue with a steady practice, and the spiritual power that is set free when energy flows throughout the mind and body. Jivamukti Yoga, which means “soul liberation,” guides your body and soul into spiritual freedom, physical strength, peace of mind, better health, and Self-realization–the ultimate goal of any practice. Gannon and Life help you understand each of the practices that comprise the yoga path to enlightenment: AHIMSA–The Way of Compassion: choosing nonviolence, respecting all life, practicing vegetarianism, living free of prejudice ASANA–The Way of Connection to the Earth: postures and sequences, breathing, transforming energy, understanding the bandhas KARMA–The Way of Action: creating good karma, giving thanks NADAM–The Way of Sacred Music: appreciating the sacred sounds of yoga MEDITATION–The Way of the Witness: how to sit still and move inward BHAKTI–The Way of Devotion to God: living with love, grace, and peace Whatever yoga you practice, Jivamukti Yoga will help you to strengthen and deepen that practice and lead you onto a path of spiritual clarity and self-discovery. “If there is only one book you read about the practice of Yoga, this should be the one. . . . This book is for anyone who wishes to find transformation through Yoga. I’m grateful for their work and teaching.”—Stephan Rechtschaffen, MD, Co-founder & CEO, Omega Institute

"Yoga Healing Love: Poem Blessings for a Peaceful Mind and Happy Heart" is a book of poem affirmations, prose and stories inspired by the ancient system of yoga's quest for harmony with the universal and sublime forces of life. The perfect companion for new and experienced yoga practitioners, this book is also - and especially - for anyone looking to deepen their loving relationship with themselves. We all want to be happy and at peace, and in this sense, we are all yogis: we are all walking this path together. "Yoga Healing Love" contains 7 poems to enrich the experience of each of the body's main energy centers; 108 poem affirmations that can be read in any order; 3 meditations; and 3 short stories lovingly crafted for children (and our dear children within!). These are ideal poems and reflections to read aloud in a yoga class or use in a wellness course or workshop, and will find a cozy home on your bedside table, offering words of inspiration before bed or at the beginning of a beautiful new day.