Some people confuse the practice of yoga for religion, or that it is somehow at odds with their own religion. I have never found a book more eloquent yet practical in illustrating the beauty and peace of yoga as a life philosophy. The book is entitled Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living (Harper, 2005) by Donna Farhi, a western practitioner of yoga for more than 30 years. Farhi is one of the most well-respected and loved teachers of the western yoga community.
Through practical application, Farhi helps us to understand the basic tenets of yoga philosophy. Whether you are a eager beginner or an experienced practitioner, this book will help you navigate the ups and downs of life as well as enrich your daily yoga practice with your teacher or your own solo practice.
Farhi also helps clarify another misconception about yoga. Yoga is not about how perfect you do the poses. What is most important is that you are simply present and attentive to your body and breath. It goes back to what any good teacher says: Just do your best. And in striving to do your best, you can naturally improve your yoga practice without being a negative critic.
I was surprised at how much Farhi’s reflections inspired my own daily living off the yoga mat. I have marked and underlined and put so many exclamation points throughout the pages. I savored the words and would read this book again.
If you are looking for more help with your yoga practice, Farhi has written two excellent books: Yoga Mind, Body and Spirit and The Breathing Book.
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