It may come as a surprise, and indeed it may not be the best admission for me to make, but the title “Reluctant Yogi” is one that I can identify with. As much as I enjoy my yoga sometimes it seems to be a hard route to betterment.
The same sense comes across in this book – you know you ought to, but sometimes it feels harder than it should.
The author has clearly been sold on the benefits of yoga, but finds it perhaps a little hard to engage fully – something, some days, I can relate to. Her solution: research and understanding – again something I can relate to.
This book is a romp through yoga for those who are curious or exploring, for those wanting to understand a little more about the theory of the practice. It’s not an in depth treatise, but it fleshes out understanding in places. A popular guide to yoga behind the scenes.
Chapters cover philosophy, asana, breathing, injury, meditation, diet, gurus, religion, men on mats, and yoga business all providing a light on aspects of yoga that many don’t see.
Coming at things from the background of teacher training and lots of additional study I found a few places where the authors knowledge was patchy or, by conventional understanding wrong, but that misses the point of this book which is aimed fairly and squarely at the enthusiast rather than the professional (arguably two words, neither of which have a place in yoga, but humour me).
On one level then I would say I didn’t learn a lot from this book, on another level not learning a lot but seeing the practice from the edge inwards was perhaps the most helpful lesson it could provide.
A useful little book then for yoga students wanting to learn a bit more about the wider picture, and for teachers wanting to see yoga how otheers see it.
It can be purchased on Amazon, and if you use this link, Yinspire earns a small commission.
