I'm often asked for recommendations for further reading to deepen your knowledge of yoga. Well done! Self-study is an essential element of success in your yoga journey.
I can highly recommend the following books:
· Asana, Pranayama, Mudra and Bandha by Saraswati Satyananda Swami.
This was my first yoga book. It’s like a bible. When I was new to yoga I found it helpful to establish a home practice. Yoga has moved on in many ways since, but it’s still useful.
· Yoga Sutras of Patañjali by Edwin F. Bryant.
An accessible version of a classic yoga philosophy text.
· Intelligent Yoga by Peter Blackaby.
Pete is one of my teachers. If you like practising yoga with me, you’ll love this book. Again it would be good, and more relevant, to help establish a home practice.
· Structural Yoga Therapy: Adapting to the Individual by Mukunda Stiles.
The late Mukunda was a pioneering yoga therapist and this is his work.
· Awakening the Spine by Vanda Scaravelli.
The yoga we practice is inspired by Vanda Scaravelli. This is her story. It’s not a 'how to' but more of an inspirational history.
· The Breathing Book by Donna Farhi.
The best book on how to improve your breathing ever written. Get these fundamentals right before you even consider formal pranayama, if you even need it.
· Yoga for Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond by Francoise Barbira Freedman.
Francoise is one of my teachers and a world expert on Women's health.
· The Yoga tradition; it’s history, literature, philosophy and practice by George Feurerstein.
A comprehensive and rational history of yoga.
· Mindfulness for Health by Vidyamala Burch.
A lifesaving book for anyone dealing with chronic pain, stress or ill health.
- Fighting Fatigue by Sue Pemberton.
A practical guide to managing fatigue.
-The long COVID recovery handbook by Gez Mendinger and Professor Danny Altman.
A pragmatic handbook for navigating long COVID.
Oh and a picture of me with a Llama - just to make you smile and to remind you to not take things too seriously!
