Top products from r/yoga
We found 137 product mentions on r/yoga. We ranked the 609 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
2. Light on Yoga: The Bible of Modern Yoga
Sentiment score: 4
Number of reviews: 12
With complete descriptions and illustations of all the postures and breathing techniques.
3. Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual
Sentiment score: 11
Number of reviews: 12
Ashtanga Yoga The Practice Manual
4. Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes
Sentiment score: 6
Number of reviews: 8
North Atlantic Books
5. Aurorae Yoga Non Slip Rosin Bag
Sentiment score: 3
Number of reviews: 7
Stop Slipping on your Mat Now; Increases Gripping Power; Absorbs PerspirationNo Odor, Non Sticky. Made in USAMaterials derive from Nature; Rosin formula derives from trees, plants and some rocks (calcium carbonate)Works incredibly well with our Yoga Sport Micro Fiber Towel to keep you from slipping ...
6. Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga
Sentiment score: 4
Number of reviews: 6
Anchor Books
7. Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 6
Oxford University Press USA
8. The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards
Sentiment score: 1
Number of reviews: 6
Simon & Schuster
9. The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice
Sentiment score: 4
Number of reviews: 5
Inner Traditions International
10. Light on Life: The Yoga Journey to Wholeness, Inner Peace, and Ultimate Freedom (Iyengar Yoga Books)
Sentiment score: 4
Number of reviews: 5
In Light on Life, B.K.S. Iyengar brings readers this new and more complete understanding of the yogic journey. Written with the depth of this sage's great wisdom, Light on Life is the culmination of a master's spiritual genius, a treasured companion to his seminal Light on Yoga.
12. The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice
Sentiment score: 3
Number of reviews: 5
all about the yamas and niyamas in yoga philosophy and practice
13. Yoga: The Iyengar Way: The New Definitive Illustrated Guide
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 5
192 Pages
14. Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System As a Path to the Self
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 4
Eastern Body Western Mind Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self
15. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 4
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
16. The Key Muscles of Yoga: Scientific Keys, Volume I
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 4
High Quality Lay-Flat Binding
17. Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan
Sentiment score: 4
Number of reviews: 4
18. Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 3
Overcoming Trauma Through Yoga Reclaiming Your Body
19. Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness
Sentiment score: 2
Number of reviews: 3
Discover the path to inner peace with this guidebook that combines hatha yoga and meditation strategies from world-renowned yoga master Erich Shiffmann.World-renowned yoga master Erich Schiffmann offers an easy-to-follow, exciting new techniques—the first to combine hatha yoga and meditation—to ...
Starting a home practice is a little awkward at first, and you probably won't know exactly what to do, but I guarantee you will grow into it. Just keep it consistent and learn to listen to your body. The cool thing about a home practice is that it is tailored to YOU! I love going to class and get a lot out of having an instructor guide me in alignment and offer new and exciting sequences, but my home practice has become sacred.
A few tips to start:
I hope some of this helps. Also, I just started reading this book, Yoga Sequencing by Mark Stephens for my teacher training, and it is a huge help. It explains the principles of sequencing but also provides a lot of sequences for all levels. More than worth the cost.
Starting a home practice can be scary, but I'm so grateful for my self practice. It's made me more aware of and grateful for my body. It's your time to explore. I think you'll find that mixing in a studio practice and a home practice will help you to balance and refine your own practice. The two will inspire and inform each other.
Edit: I apologize about the awful formatting. I tried really hard to get the bullet points to actually be bullet points, but I can't figure it out.
First of all don't think of it as a kick start. More of a gradual change and transition. This does not mean to lack dedication. What got me on the path of regular yoga was a firm desire to make it the priority in my non-working life. Also, finding a studio with an encouraging community is a big help. Much of yoga is an inward practice but it helps to have an environment of people radiating positive energy outward to keep you motivated.
Much luck in your journey. I practice Ashtanga. David Swenson's practice manual is great if you can't get to a studio. Try to avoid commercialized vanilla flavored practice DVD's. The help of a skilled teacher can pick out many adjustments to your practice that can save you from needless injury. It's impossible to see yourself in a pose while you are deep in it.
If you are looking for the meditative side I think you are best served in one of the styles more rooted in the heritage of yoga (Ashtanga, Iyengar and a few others). Everyone's path is different though. Try a few styles out but never mistrust your heart when it tells you that it has found a yoga home.
EDIT: http://www.amazon.com/Ashtanga-Yoga-Practice-David-Swenson/dp/1891252089/ref=tmm_other_meta_binding_title_0?ie=UTF8&qid=1332167707&sr=8-1
Kino has A LOT of great videos...this is her introducing Ashtanga http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=11C1021vKGU
it really depends on what kind of thing you're looking for (practice, philosophy, anatomy, fiction, etc), but here's a pile of ideas anyway.
The first book I ever got, read, and liked: Yoga Body, Buddha Mind. Some philosophy and a lot of practice. Has little stickman sequences in the back.
My Body Is A Temple: Yoga As a Path to Wholeness. Mostly philosophy, and I really like the author.
The Mirror of Yoga: Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind. Haven't read it, but I hear it's accessible and humorous.
How Yoga Works. Pretty much covers the yoga sutras, but in fictional story form.
Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness. Constantly declared one of the best hatha yoga books ever. I've read and enjoyed it, but it's been a while.
Yoga Beyond Belief: Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice. Really good book. Hard to explain quickly... theres a long description on the amazon page.
Jivamukti Yoga: Practices for Liberating Body and Soul. Lots of philosophy, also some sequences and poses with plenty of pictures.
There are lots of books that are considered must-reads but I think many of them can get boggy for beginners. I might suggest Light on Yoga, Light on Life, and Light on Pranayama by B.K.S. Iyengar... but they can be a little dense/overwhelming at first. However - they're dense - so they're FULL of good information.
Okay, I'm also quite new to yoga, but maybe I can give you a few pointers.
First, check out DoYogaWithMe. Super cool videos over there.
Next, consistency: you learn about your body when you listen to your body. Step on the mat, do your thing, as often as you can.
Furthermore, your boyfriend can help you by helping you correct some poses. He can see if your back is straight, for example, something which I have trouble with at times.
Lastly, I like this book. It shows form progressions, as well as beginner's variants to the poses which you can do at first.
Oh, and some encouragement: Super cool that you decided to do this. It's an amazing experience for your body. :)
I love this book for understanding the physical practice
http://www.amazon.com/The-Key-Poses-Yoga-Scientific/dp/1607432390/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1396563465&sr=8-2&keywords=yoga+pose+books
For the ethical/discipline base of yoga, this is a short, easy, and really helpful read. Non-harming, non-clinging, etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Yamas-Niyamas-Exploring-Ethical-Practice/dp/0974470643/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396563657&sr=1-1&keywords=the+yamas+and+niyamas+by+deborah+adele
For the pure philosophy, I'm a fan of this book on Tantra(where yoga came from). It's overwhelming the first time through, but there is so much powerful knowledge locked up in here
http://www.amazon.com/Tantra-Illuminated-Philosophy-Practice-Tradition/dp/0989761304
This is a great book on mindfullness with some applicable meditation techniques framed for the modern day, but it's all based on ancient teachings
http://www.amazon.com/Search-Inside-Yourself-Unexpected-Achieving/dp/0062116924/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396563508&sr=8-1&keywords=search+inside+yourself
Also, the Chakra system is fascinating and Anodea Judith offers some guided meditations. This book is really helpful and accessible
http://www.amazon.com/Wheels-Life-Chakra-System-Llewellyns/dp/0875423205
And, diet. This book helped me shift my diet in a way that's been extremely helpful
http://www.amazon.com/Eat-Taste-Heal-Ayurvedic-Cookbook-Modern-Living/dp/0976917009/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1396563932&sr=1-1&keywords=eat+taste+heal
These have been some of the most influential books in my practice. Hope they help!
I don't thin this will help in your case, but its a funny story anyway =) My Mom had a yoga book from the 70ies. (found it here http://www.amazon.com/Richard-Hittlemans-Yoga-Exercise-Plan/dp/0553277480) I was 14 and found an exercise in it called "Chest expansion" So.... being naive and 14 I did that lots hoping it would expand my 'chest'. Flipping through the pages I found lots of fun things to do like plough and cobra.
When I was 16 I was diagnosed with a lung disease. I was an avid runner, did very well at track & field and suddenly my doctor told me I couldn't run anymore. I was devastated. I explored non-aerobic forms of exercise and rediscovered yoga. I was much more dedicated to it after my diagnosis and continued until I was 28 when I decided I should be a yoga teacher. Been teaching ever since.
As for help for you... I'd go to a few classes, find a teacher you like. It can be nerve wracking to try something new in public, but the nature of yoga is to be focused intently on yourself. No one will be looking at you except for the teacher. If you are still worried, maybe try http://www.doyogawithme.com/
Ashtanga is awesome for building both strength and flexibility! You should check out David Swenson's Practice Manual: http://www.amazon.com/Ashtanga-Yoga-Practice-David-Swenson/dp/1891252089/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451489201&sr=8-1&keywords=David+Swenson
It has helped me a lot in my own practice - and he breaks it down into shorter sequences of 15, 30, 45 mins if you don't have a full 90 mins to run through the whole primary series. I hope that helps, Ashtanga is a wonderful practice. Good luck! :)
You might like the ashtanga sequence. It has a pretty good emphasis on strength and upper body compared to other styles, and it's widely popular so lots of good information is floating around. I'd recommend starting out with at least a class or two from a studio, and then you might like to check out a practice guide like Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual or The Power of Ashtanga Yoga if you prefer more or less the same thing with a woman modelling the poses. Both have lots of useful information, I refer to David Swensons book quite often for my daily practice.
Hatha yoga (yoga based on physicality; postures, kriya, mudra) isn't actually based on Patanjalic yoga. It started as reaction against that high-minded asceticism. Have you read the Hatha Yoga Pradipika? Maybe you would find more agreement with the aims stated there.
Futhermore, the modern regime that you are no doubt doing is a melange of the few sitting asansa as described in the Hathapradipika, Harmonial and Scandinavian gymnastics, British military calisthenics, and 20th century Indian body building and wrestling techniques.
In other words, yoga (as we know it now) is already a cherry-picked form of many influences, east and west, spiritual and physical. Don't worry about those sutras, they are tangential at best.
I had similar hang-ups a few years ago after 4 or so years of practice. A lot of teachers and practitioners are ignorant of the true origins of our practice and will try to cram all manner of hooey down your throat. Ignore them.
I would also recommend Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice (http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Body-Origins-Posture-Practice/dp/0195395344). Its a bit dry and academic, but I think it would be right up your alley and help you to answer some of your questions. It was certainly revelatory to me, as someone who loved the forms, discipline and breath-work, but wasn't so keen on some of the dogma.
Yes, we all pick and choose, even if we don't realize it. Enjoy your practice, its a beautiful thing!
A lot of that healing comes from the yoga philosophy. Most people are taught patanjali's 8-limb path that has philosophy as well as physical practices. Yoga ideals are not so much about the thought process, but they are about doing the actual actions. For example cleanliness is one of the 10 philosophies but it's not the idea of being clean that makes you happy it's the actual work of doing the dishes, washing your car, keeping good hygiene, and fixing your diet that makes you happy. Here is a book that everyone reads that will get you started. The first 50 pages are all about the background of yoga. I also imagine that Patanjali's sutra's will help too. And there is Buddha's 8-fold path that is very similar to what Patanjali says.
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318?ie=UTF8&keywords=a%20light%20on%20yoga&qid=1465499433&ref_=sr_1_1&sr=8-1
> Am I doing something wrong?
Might as well double check for the obvious even though you're probably not doing this. Are you using the towel to wipe your hands, and then putting your hands back on the mat? It's probably a better to put the towel on the mat, and then your hands on top of the towel.
> I have tried different towels for traction and have had no luck.
I also have sweaty hands, but literally any towel works for me. I typically use two facecloth sized towels, one for each hand, because this is what my gym has available everywhere. What do you mean that you had no luck? Are you slipping on the towel? Is the towel slipping off the mat? Is the towel wrinkling up?
I'm also interested in the answers here. I didn't know yoga gloves were a thing! There are also different things you can rub on your hands, like rosin:
www.amazon.com/Aurorae-Yoga-Rosin-Slipping-Sticky/dp/B003329SIM
I don't know if this product or brand is any good, I've just heard people talking about rosin and thought I'd mention it and attach the first link I found.
I'm curious if this is the same rosin as people put on violin bows, or if it's just a common word.
I'm glad to see that my fav yoga app has the most upvotes! Yoga Studio used to be the sole reason I owned an iPad, it's only been on Android for a few months. If you're an absolute beginner, you even have great sessions that last 15 minutes, great way to get started. Even just 15mins/day is enough to get you started into seeing benefits, making you want to go for longer sessions.
There's also the awesome book Yoga Anatomy
I use books, really.
BKS Iyengar has a section of sequencing in Light on Yoga (basically the Sanskrit listed out, in order)
And then there's this book (fairly thick too) with just images of the yoga poses.
And I like the Home Practice section on Yoga Journal!
edit: but my general skeleton of a class is something like this
In addition to Ray Long's anatomy book and blog that were also mentioned here which are really amazing and a must have as it is broken down by muscle. It's what we used in my yoga teacher training and something I look on frequently. One of my teachers were trained by Judith Lasater. I hear her her old book is a good pairing with that, although she is writing a new one that has a better editor and more years of wisdom behind it. She take a slower moving approach that is a awesome for when getting into specific regions of the body safely.
Light on Yoga has what you're looking for, and it's really great, but it shouldn't be a substitute for a well trained teacher who can help you progress into advanced poses in a safe way.
for me there's never been only one that stood out, but here's a few of the best:
by far one of the easiest to understand and best interpretations of the classic 7000 year old yoga text of Patanjali:
[The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Swami Satchidananda] (http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Sutras-Patanjali-Swami-Satchidananda/dp/1938477073/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1407625341&sr=8-1&keywords=patanjali+yoga+sutras)
The father of modern yoga and the Guruji of B.K.S. Iyengar and Patabi Jois:
Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings
Also a must read:
The Hatha Yoga Pradipika
This reminds me of this book.
It definitely helps to know what muscles I'm supposed to be working with (other than all of them) so as to reduce injury and increase awareness. My friend wanted to learn massage therapy so we started yoga together and picked up anatomy alongside. This developed a strong sense of where the muscles were and what they felt like personally. Which can definitely be beneficial to your meditations.
A little late to the party but here goes:
Getting distracted from your intention is pretty normal so don't feel badly. It is difficult and takes some practice and most of us (as you can see in the other comments) still struggle. But that's the beauty of it. The act of focusing and refocusing often in the practice is part of the exercise.
Practically though, I would sometimes set an intention as simple as "focus on foot placement today" or "make breath steady today". I found those much easier than dedications or intentions toward less tangible things, or at least things I couldn't control while inside the studio (a loved one, manifesting something in your life etc).
During a difficult time in my life I picked up How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach. The book is based on a girl teaching yoga to her captor and she teaches a new lesson each chapter or so, or at least each chapter covers a different sutra. Each day I would read one chapter and focus on applying the principle/sutra addressed in that chapter during class. Just seeing what I notice. It was just one specific thing I could focus on that day and bonus: it helped advance my practice.
Yamas & Niyamas by Deborah Adele is a pretty accessible place to start.
Light on Life by BKS Iyengar is really great with many gems upon rereading.
I'm still looking for good meditation books for my experience since i don't struggle with letting thoughts go. I don't however see pictures so visualization exercises often fall flat for me. Hopefully these books can help you out :D.
I second The Heart of Yoga, but the author is not T. Krishnamacharya (one of the greatest yogis of the modern era, who lived to be over 100 years old) but one of his sons, who is still alive.
I would also recommend the books by Ramaswami, who studied with Krishnamacharya for 30+ years:
Light On Yoga has been enormously influential for me. A wonderful resource even for non-Iyengar people.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/0805210318/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672746&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Yoga Anatomy has some of the most detailed illustrations of asanas I've ever seen and includes a huge amount of alignment information.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1450400248/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672879&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
Lastly, my personal favourite is The Power of Ashtanga Yoga. It could be argued that other books have more asanas or more detailed descriptions (see above), but this book is my favourite because it helped me figure out what it means to be a young westerner practicing an ancient tradition from India. It also helps that the author is very open about the challenges she faced in her practice, which is refreshing and encouraging when I work on mine. Highly recommended.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/1611800056/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?qid=1407672988&sr=8-1&pi=SY200_QL40
The bandha yoga books look awesome! I just spent some time looking through the Vinyasa Flow book on their website and it looks extremely helpful. I started yoga about 4 or 5 months ago and I gotten Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and though I like it and it's pretty cool, there are a lot of terms that many people might not be familiar with if they haven't taken an intro anatomy class. Those arrows on the 3D images make all the difference! I am putting this on my list of "next books to get"
There are always cheaper ways to partake in yoga, you just need to be resourceful.
I'd suggest going to a few yoga classes before relying on a dvd to follow. Once you've done that, you can definitely grab a dvd and work through the routines at home.
Personally, I use the following book, there is a section in it for 15/30/45 minute variations of the ashtanga practice. But you should definitely attend a couple of classes before trying to do ashtanga on your own.
http://www.amazon.ca/Ashtanga-Yoga-The-Practice-Manual/dp/1891252089
We're talking about Western teachers, right? I mean I haven't gone to the East to learn yoga, but I'd be surprised if they approached it in the same way we do in the West. I think the "bizarre guru cultism and Hollywood style glitz," sensationalizes yoga in unnecessary New Age glitter, which has been the primary lack of attraction I've had in paying for or even attending many classes. My brother bought me an introductory book to yoga which addressed the practice in a totally different light than it has been illuminated to me in the States. Some classes seem to ignore what I interpret as rather essential to good yoga practice.
Some teachers are great. Some are horrible. On this side of the world, I think you're more likely to find great variation in the quality and type, but perhaps it is the same over seas?
Also, I love skepticism and an outside scientific look, but it's even better if they're able to approach this from both sides; sometimes people are too much one thing.
Not sure about online references, but this book is great. It shows the muscles that are engaged and lengthened when doing most poses. It also gives you a fairly good idea of how the poses should look in their full extension.
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-The-Iyengar-Silva-Mehta/dp/0679722874/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410819855&sr=8-1&keywords=yoga+the+iyengar+way
This book contains courses that you can do at home. I realized that I'd rather do some yoga everyday rather than 2-3 1.5 hour classes per week. I'm currently doing the Beginner course (12 weeks) and each lesson takes me about 20 to 30 minutes to complete. For further example, the General Practitioner and Intermediate courses run for 18 months. In addition, the pictures and descriptions are awesome. It's a sustainable form of practice for me. I'm really happy with it!
Edit: Yikes, I just noticed you asked for videos and not book recs. I'll leave this here nonetheless in the off chance that it's helpful.
LINKS FOR CONVENIENCE
and in case you meant this too (but I don't think so)
It only does some of what you're asking, but Yoga Anatomy is pretty awesome. There's not a whole lot on chakras -- at least not in the first edition -- but the physical body stuff is there.
Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar. It should be given out to people on their first class. Honestly, just looking at the cover makes me smile. The guy is just plain rad :D good luck!
http://www.amazon.com/Light-Life-Journey-Wholeness-Ultimate/dp/1594865248
Why don't you do more of the practice? Start moving to the seated section of the primary series. There is a good book here: http://www.amazon.ca/Ashtanga-Yoga-The-Practice-Manual/dp/1891252089
Or you can look at the free online resource: http://www.ashtangayoga.info/practice/primary-series-yoga-chikitsa/
Or try a different style of yoga - see if that helps.
I read a review of someone who did it with earplugs so he could hear his breathing more. Perhaps focusing on making noise with your breath will help keep your mind concentrated on a single subject.
i'm amused at her reaction. Please have her read Mark Singleton's book yoga body and get back to you with what yoga really is. here's a link:
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Body-Origins-Posture-Practice/dp/0195395344
short answer: what we call yoga in the west, and modern hatha yoga in general is as much descended from homeless dudes doing contortions for spare change as it is from the YMCA's 19th century fitness programs as it is from the western yogis cultural imperialism.
I also find is somewhat interesting that a western yoga teacher is negatively judging a cultural tradition that she's currently engaged in ripping off.
Combining sequencing is fine as long as you do everything in an order that "makes sense." There's certain things to stay away from, like never go from an extreme back bend directly into a deep forward fold and vice versa. And then there are some things that are recommended, like you should open your hips before your do deep back bends. If you really get into it, I would recommend this book on yoga sequencing
Sure, you can research David Emerson who's involved at Kripalu, or there's Bessel van der Kolk who is a badass, you can listen to a great interview with him from the show On Being. There's also Stephen Levine.
Here's a Kripalu article that quotes van der Kolk.
And there's psychologists that talk a lot about somatic holding, or at least subconscious holding patterns. An easier read would be stuff from Daniel Siegel(I know it kinda looks like pop psych but it's actually pretty good), one of my favorite authors on trauma is Donald Kalsched, which is a bit more dense and more about work through talk psychotherapy. But often I find myself applying his concepts in yoga classes as a way to understand what's going on inside mentally/emotionally that's connected to my physical experience. Also sheds some light on how I relate to other students and the teacher.
Then there's the bodywork stuff, cranial sacral therapy or somatic body work but there's too much misinformation for me to guide you. All I can say is that I have a yoga teacher that also gives me bodywork sessions that supplement my yoga practice, and the inner growth I've experienced has been profound.
Out of all of this, if you're going to research anything I would highly suggest the van der Kolk interview, which you can download and listen to.
I really enjoyed "How Yoga Works". It is story based and focuses on Philosophy and meaning. For me it was a fun, cute story that impacted me quite a bit.
https://www.amazon.com/How-Yoga-Works-Michael-Roach/dp/0976546906
The Ashtanga System prepares the student mentally and physically for advanced postures that would be potentially harmful if done before he is ready. David Swenson's Practice Manual is an excellent reference that provides a variety of modifications to fit various skill levels and physical limitations.
I recommend this book: The Heart of Yoga By T. K. V. Desikachar
​
It covers what you're after and teaches Yoga as a spiritual practice. It also includes a copy of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, which I would say is essential if you wish to understand the purpose of Yoga.
This one is what I currently started with :) good luck!
Rodney Yee's dvds are good. I've been using Nicki Doane's Beginner Ashtanga Yoga dvd and I think it's a nice introduction.
There are also lots of recommendations in the FAQs: here, here, here, and here
You should try going to a few classes though so a teacher can check your alignment, or at least get a book that has detailed descriptions of the poses, like Yoga the Iyengar Way.
I can definitely relate! Glad you're getting so much out of the practice, yoga is an incredibly transformative tool.
You might also be interested in this book - The Science of Yoga
I teach power yoga so I use a lot of Baptiste Journey into Power. For more general hatha styles, Mark Stephens has a really good book on basic principals of sequencing, with lots of variations for beginners, intermediate, advanced, different health conditions, pregnant students, elderly students, etc. Really good resource!
The book Yoga Sequencing: Designing Transformative Yoga Classes is an amazing book with many sequences provided. It also goes over the theory of sequencing so you will be able to build your own. I think it was originally intended for teachers, but will work solo just fine. Well worth the investment.
This book is pretty great: Meditations from the Mat. Author is a recovered addict and yogi.
Sounds like a shift away from Vinyasa flow and towards traditional Hatha (or at least Hatha-like).
Mark Edwards has written a good book that you might find helpful here.
I don't really know about anything early. Patanjali never wrote about Chakras in the Yoga Sutras, as far as I can remember. Yoga (not asana practice, but the full philosophical system) and the Chakra psychological system are different ways of looking at things, but can definitely be integrated.
A great book is "Eastern Body, Western Mind" by Anodea Judith for the Chakra system. We studied it in my Yoga Teacher Training.
EDIT: I accidentally l ft out a letter.
I literally JUST received Meditations from the Mat in the mail! I suppose I shouldn't offer it as a suggestion just yet since I haven't read it, but a teacher I very much admire and enjoy taking classes with suggested it, because it offers daily reflections, so you can read a little and get "little tastes" of the spiritual side of yoga.
I tried to read the Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga but had a really difficult time getting into it. :/ I'm excited to hear others' suggestions!
It's an old but great book - I initially learned Yoga using Richard Hittleman's Yoga in 28 Days book.
Check this out on AMZN: Richard Hittleman's Yoga: 28 Day Exercise Plan http://amzn.com/0553277480
The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice is my favorite.
How Yoga Works is a pretty neat read.
This man is an inspiration. I'm reading his book, Light on Life: I highly recommend it for anyone that knows of his styles or teachings.
sure! I have the book Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga's Ethical Practice
Since all addiction is a form of medication for internal pain usually stemming from trauma of some sort i would recommend this book: http://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Trauma-through-Yoga-Reclaiming/dp/1556439695
Pranayama is really good for me to keep off pot & cigarettes. Good luck!
Iyengar's book Light on Yoga is good for giving a progression of easy to difficult poses.
I recommend the following 2 books to anyone interested in How Yoga Works: How Yoga Works and this translation of Patanjali's Yoga Sutra
Meditations from The Mat is a great book too!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0385721544/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=35077703004&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5667773347437400616&hvpone=11.15&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_5vcab3xz8u_b
The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T. K. V. Desikachar
While my manduka is starting to break in, I've been using this since I got it, and it works like a charm for keeping me steady in my practice.
[For some great philosphy and sequencing] (http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Spirit-Practice-Moving-Stillness/dp/0671534807) this would be my recommendation.
David Swenson's book (Ashtanga Practice Manual) has some suggested practices in the back of varying duration. One or two of them are about 30 mins long. The rest of the book is great, too, and goes into a lot of detail for getting in and out of postures.
Some yoga poses have chakra balancing properties. Working with those in a targeted way, and preceding your meditation with asanas, could help.
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This is the book I read when I first started exploring the chakras in connection to my yoga practice: https://smile.amazon.com/Wheels-Life-Chakra-System-Llewellyns/dp/0875423205/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1556553116&sr=8-11
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But as others have said, I might take the notion that all of yours are blocked with a grain of salt, and do some self-exploration to see if that really rings true.
I keep a Rosin Bag in my yoga mat bag. It's tiny and you can dab it on your hands and your mat before or during class. Just like a gymnast or Lebron James, you can use the rosin and it will absorb the sweat from your hands and keep them from sliding during Down Dog.
This is the one I like: http://smile.amazon.com/Aurorae-Yoga-Rosin-Slipping-Sticky/dp/B003329SIM
Good for you! Many libraries participate in Inter-Library Loans, so I hope yours can find it for you.
BTW, Amazon has it for $6-$8; plus a PDF of random pages so you could get an idea of it. https://www.amazon.com/Light-Yoga-B-K-Iyengar/dp/0805210318
Light on Life - B.K.S. Iyengar
I haven't personally read this book, but a couple of my friends swear by it.
I've found Anodea Judith's stuff to be excellent:
Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System, by Anodea Judith
Eastern Body, Western Mind: Psychology and the Chakra System as a Path to the Self, by Anodea Judith
You might also want to get her some yoga rosin while she breaks in the new mat. It's very helpful!
Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews is a fantastic resourse.
It's not the absolute best way to continue moving forward with yoga once you're doing it regularly, but this is a fantastic way to get started. Plus, if you follow this plan day by day, I noticed am immediate improvement in my balance and stretching the first week.
Amazon
This book has a pretty in depth breakdown of poses, and a philosophy section, and a bunch of sequences in the back. We used it in my college yoga class.
Yoga: The Iyengar Way: The New Definitive Illustrated Guide https://www.amazon.com/dp/0679722874/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_zwCjybMJSWGQH
Yoga Anatomy might be close to what you're looking for. I have a copy of the stretching version that is pretty insightful. I might pick up the yoga one too though.
I am rather fond of The Key Poses of Yoga! It takes a bit more scientific approach to the poses of yoga. http://www.amazon.com/Key-Muscles-Yoga-Scientific-Keys/dp/1607432382/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1425570889&sr=8-2&keywords=The+Key+Poses+of+Yoga%3A+Your+Guide+to+Functional+Anatomy+in+Yoga
I found this book to be very helpful. You may be able to find it at your library. http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Anatomy-2nd-Edition-Leslie-Kaminoff/dp/1450400248
I would suggest Meditations from the Mat (Amazon Link). It breaks down the 8 Limbed Yogic path and then goes through a daily examination of the lessons. IT was easy to digest and really hits home.
Do you mean the 8 Sutras of Patanjali? http://www.expressionsofspirit.com/yoga/eight-limbs.htm
If this is what you were thinking of I highly recommend the following book: http://amzn.com/1938477073
I found this worked well to help with my hands slipping practice.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003329SIM
Yoga Body by Mark Singleton & Sinister Yogis by David Gordon White are two books which explore this topic in greater detail
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Sutras-Patanjali-Swami-Satchidananda/dp/1938477073
This is the one I have and referred to in teacher training. I like it.
Sure, possibly -- but if you're looking for death/rebirth metaphors, how about every night when you go to sleep?
If you want a more complete discussion of the metaphors within the Hatha yoga practice, I'd start with Light On Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar. There's possibly a lot more (and a lot less) going on than you'd think.
Take a look at The Science of Yoga
The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards https://www.amazon.com/dp/1451641435/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_mq0SybFYZ437N
I bought this book for my home Ashtanga practice (no Ashtanga classes in my area). Great step-by-step guide to 1st and 2nd series: photos of each posture, detailed explanations, modifications. Shortened forms for 30, 45, 90 minutes. I dovetail this with youtube videos for specific technique. Kino MacGregor's are exceptional.
http://www.amazon.com/Ashtanga-Yoga-Practice-David-Swenson/dp/1891252089/ref=la_B001HD23HW_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1417637928&sr=1-1
Ashtanga is great to develop a steady home practice because you don't need to think about what you're going to do, its very breath focused/meditative, challenging and progressive. My general advice would be: if it hurts, don't do it. In any daily practice, bad form is going to damage your body over time and you will develop injuries. If you're getting signals from your body that something doesn't feel right, modify it or just skip it! Yoga is a slow process, don't rush things.
Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice by Mark Singleton
"Mark Singleton's Yoga Body is a cultural history of asana practice, concentrating on the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. "
Singleton, Mark. (2010) Yoga Body: The Origins of Modern Posture Practice. Oxford UK: Oxford University Press.
https://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Body-Origins-Posture-Practice/dp/0195395344/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1497985673&sr=8-1&keywords=singleton+yoga
http://www.amazon.com/Meditations-Mat-Daily-Reflections-Path/dp/0385721544
Mediation from the mat - it keeps me going and sets my mind on practice.
I read this book when I went through my first TTC. I still call upon often.
http://www.amazon.com/Yoga-Spirit-Practice-Moving-Stillness/dp/0671534807
Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar. He goes over all poses step by step and includes some philosophy in the text. My studio has a copy in every room, so people can reference it while they practice
Light on Yoga
Try a copy of Light on Yoga.
https://www.amazon.com/Yamas-Niyamas-Exploring-Ethical-Practice/dp/0974470643
http://www.swamij.com/yoga-sutras.htm
start here
I found this Yoga Anatomy https://www.amazon.es/dp/1450400248/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_137yDb2M32Q87
Yoga Anatomy
Maybe check out this book.
I bought this when I first started. http://www.amazon.ca/gp/aw/d/1450400248
A book on yoga poses
There is this book here, and I seem to recall that there is quite a list of references at the end of it. I can check when I get home and edit my post.
The topic by a science writer. https://www.amazon.com/Science-Yoga-Risks-Rewards/dp/1451641435
https://www.amazon.com/Overcoming-Trauma-through-Yoga-Reclaiming/dp/1556439695
Here is the rosin bag.
This book was recommended on a different thread a while back: http://www.amazon.com/The-Science-Yoga-Risks-Rewards/dp/1451641435
I have been reading it and from what I've gathered, it seems that yoga is not like many general exercises that cause weight loss, but has shown to actually slow down the metabolism.
My suggestion would be finding DVDs or books at the library. If you have the time, do reading on yoga sequencing or the Ashtanga Primary Series, the latter of which is very physically demanding (yet meditative) and should keep you occupied for several years. There also exists books on yoga and depression.
Good luck on your journey. I'm using yoga to treat anxiety problems and it's working wonders.
I had the same problem with my mat and flow too, but one of my instructors suggested using a rosin and that has really helped my slippage. This is the brand I use.
Maybe it steps on a few toes, depending on your inclinations, but I found Yoga Body helped me cut through a lot of overly-mystifying statements I'd come across in my practice and teacher training.