support your practice with my top reads and favorite gear to feel nourished, grounded and at home in your body, mind & soul
BEST LITERATURE TO EXPLORE THE SUBTLE SIDE OF YOGA
The Wisdom of No Escape: And the Path of Loving-Kindness
BY PEMA CHODRON
Pema is a remarkable, wise teacher. I have studied with her annually since 1998 at Omega. I recommend all of her books, DVDs and any recordings you can find. Some of my favorite books of hers also include: When Things Fall Apart, in which Pema offers exceptional insight to working with the flow between comfort and discomfort. Start Where You Are is another great one--especially if your new to the path.
The Spirit and Practice of Moving Into Stillness
BY ERICH SCHIFFMAN
Erich has had a huge influence on my attitude towards yoga. In his book, he offers amazing ideas about how yoga transforms your body and your life, and what to do when you start to feel this “change” happen.
Faith: Trusting Your Own Deepest Experience
BY SHARON SALZBERG
I love Sharon’s work and have studied with her many times. This book offers discerning wisdom on understanding faith as a healing quality. All her books are filled with beautiful inspiration. Also try, Heart As Wide As The World.
Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation
BY DANIEL J. SIEGEL
I am a neuroscience junkie! And Dan Siegel is a favorite of mine. Mindsight is a brilliant read about the practice of “mindsight,” the potent skill that is the basis for both emotional and social intelligence.
An Open Heart: Practicing Compassion in Everyday Life
BY THE DALAI LAMA AND NICHOLAS VREELAND
Of course the Dalai Lama is an inspiration to us all! And this book is an easy to read highly impactful example of his teachings. His Holiness the Dalai Lama writes simply and powerfully about the everyday Buddhist practice of compassion, offering a clear, practical, inspiring introduction to the Buddhist path to enlightenment.
The Slow Down Diet: Eating for Pleasure, Energy & Weight Loss
BY MARC DAVID
In a culture of "fast food", it's easy to forget to slow down and eat for the right reasons. Marc David's book reminds us that eating to enjoy ourselves can be critical to improving our metabolism, weight loss and overall well being.
The 3 Season Diet--Eat the Way Nature Intended: Lose Weight, Beat Food Cravings, and Get Fit
BY JOHN DOUILLARD
Love this book and the philosophy of seasonal eating. Truly I credit Ayurveda for all my healing and health. This book uses Ayurvedic principles to work along with the body's natural response to the changing seasons, feeding it what it craves and can best utilize at all times. Following the foods that nature provides seasonally creates the best diet for balancing weight, mood, and energy for anyone living anywhere on earth.
Being Peace
BY THICH NHAT HANH
I often refer to the inspiration and teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh in my classes. He is on of the greatest teachers of simplicity and presence. This is an ideal starting-point for those interested in Buddhism, Being Peace contains Thich Nhat Hanh's teachings on peace and meditation. Using real examples from his own life, as well as poems and fables, Nhat Hanh explains his key practices for living "right in the moment we are alive."
First There Is A Mountain: A Yoga Romance
BY ELIZABETH KADETSKY
This is a super read! She takes you on a trip to India to study with Iyengar as well as through the history of yoga in India. You get a lot of insight into modern yoga lineages… It is FUN and a good thought provoker.
Life Prayers: From Around the World: 365 Prayers, Blessings, and Affirmations to Celebrate the Human Journey
EDITED BY ELIZABETH J. ROBERTS, ELIAS AMIDON.
I like prayer, contemplation, and ritual. This book has inspired many of my own personal pauses…
If The Buddha Married
BY CHARLOTTE KASL
A good read when you are looking for insight in your personal relationships. Combining key teachings of Buddhism with elements of psychology, Kasl inspires creating fulfilling and vibrant relationships through a commitment to awareness and truth. (She also wrote If the Buddha Dated)
Hope for the Flowers
BY TRINA PUALUS
Since my child was four years old, we have an annual tradition of caring for caterpillar eggs and nurturing them until they hatch into butterflies. Our first caterpillar eggs where given to us by this author! It’s an inspiring read and has been in print since 1973! She is an amazing woman.
Yoga and the Quest for the True Self
BY STEPHEN COPE
I really enjoyed this book years ago for the way yoga can bring you deep into your daily life’s path and lead you to change.
Yoga of Heart
BY MARK WHITWELL
Mark is a dear teacher who treats all his students and those he meets as friends. He is deeply authentic and passionate. You get an easy hit of him reading his books.
Eastern Body, Western Mind
BY ANODEA JUDITH
This is an intense book and you need some background to yoga. But if you have the time it is pretty amazing! It helps bring you deeper into the chakra system and matches the chakras with a Western framework of Jungian psychology, somatic therapy, childhood developmental theory, and metaphysics. Very thought provoking.
top yoga gear — best mat, leggings & restorative blanket
Deluxe Mexican Yoga Blanket
FROM YOGADIRECT
Handcrafted in Mexico, these bright and colorful Deluxe Mexican Yoga Blankets will add color, style, warmth and comfort to your yoga classrooms. Our blankets are machine washable for easy care. Available in a variety colors.
Women's Essential Leggings
FROM BEYOND YOGA
The mid-calf length has a new fit. Triangle gusset allows for greater movement during workouts & prevents the front from riding up. Perfected waistband ensures a flawless fit.
Sol-Dry Grip Mat
FROM GAIAM
Gaiam Sol's Dry-Grip Yoga Mat ensures you stay secure and slip-free. The amazing top coat wicks away moisture and actually provides better grip the hotter you get. Constructed from a “closed-cell” material, this mat seals out germs, odor, and bacteria, and is ideal for those with latex sensitivities. And with 5mm of cushioning, it’s also soft on your joints.
