Summer has officially arrived: Happy Summer Solstice! To celebrate here’s my summer reading list. I’m daydreaming of laying out on a beach, catching some sun, listening to the ocean and delving into one of these great books…
By Michael A. Singer
A gift from my teacher Lara for my birthday back in February, I’ve been enjoying slowing reading this fantastic book for the past few months. Michael Singer uses yogic philosophy to allow us to imagine, practice and experience a mind free from metal chatter, and a self focused solely on openness. Though the subject is deep, his writing is accessible and open to all.
By Sharath Jois
Sharath Jois, director of the KPJAYI and grandson of Pattabhi Jois, has released his first book. It’s a practical, no frills explanation of the Ashtanga Yoga method including the eight limbs, primary series asanas and vinyasas, and even a few supplemental postures and breathing techniques. I use this book almost every week (along with Yoga Mala) to consult about vinyasas, breaths or just to feel close to my teacher in India. It’s a must have!
By Kino MacGreggor
This book is more of a detailed practice manual than a sit down read, but in it Certified Ashtanga Yoga teacher and YouTube CelebriYogi Kino MacGreggor, gives her heart and soul. It is an amazing resource for teachers or students without access to a qualified teacher. She offers lovely insight, clear information, and a passionate voice.
Edited by Eddie Stern and Guy Donahaye
This is simply one of my favorite books. Ever. Released in 2010, I’ve read it cover to cover three times…and it’s over 400 pages long. When I began practicing Ashtanga Yoga seriously in May 2009 my teachers told me all about Guruji. I felt secretly excited and blessed at the possibility that he might be my guru too! Sadly, he passed away a few short days later and ever since then I’ve felt a small longing for this teacher I never met. Reading Guruji has given me the sensation of meeting him, and I highly recommend taking the journey through the eyes of all those interviewed in this fantastic book.
By Khaled Hosseini
I still haven’t started this one yet, a new title from one of my favorite authors, Khaled Hosseini. I absolutely loved the poetic sadness and glimmers of joy of his classics, The Kite Runner and A Thousand Splendid Suns. This man was made to write books, and reading his stories is an honor and a pleasure. Can’t wait to see what this book has in store!
Any summer reads lined up, yogis?
And the Mountains Echoed will be in your hands soon : )
I plan to check it out at my local library.