Yoga on Disc and on the Page

Reviews of recently released yoga products.

Power of Presence: Be Calm, Clear, Confident
Yoga Meditations CD by Julie Lusk
Drawn from Julie’s book, Yoga Meditations: Timeless Mind-Body Practices for Awakening, this CD offers three meditation experiences that can be practiced at any time (except when driving, of course). The first track, Sinking Into Sensation, explores physical sensation as Julie takes listeners on a journey of awareness throughout the body. Energy Breathing cultivates awareness of breath, with gentle exercises that continually bring the attention back to the breath. Cultivate the Positive—based on Patanjali’s sutra “When disturbed by negative thoughts and feelings, cultivate the positive”—is an invitation to use intention and affirmation to nurture beneficial qualities and feelings. Music, including a bonus track, Everyone Is Here, is by Tom Laskey. Order at www.wholesomeresources.com.

Moontides: Yoga, Chanting, and Meditation, All Levels
with Megha
The posture sequence we know as the Moon Salutation was created in 1984 by four women living at Kripalu Center, and has since spread to yoga classes and practitioners around the world. Megha was one of those four women, and her latest CD offers a guided practice of the harmonious and powerful Moon Salutation (chandra namaskar), including both the classical version and her own gentle version. The CD also includes chanting of the Student/Teacher mantra; a pratapana sequence; and a slow-motion prana or “healing hand” meditation that incorporates ujjayi breath, slow hand movements, and energy awareness. Throughout the experience, Megha’s guidance and language are clear and elegant. Musical accompaniment comes from Mark Kelso and Todd Norian. Order at www.letyouryogadance.org.

Imagery In You: Mining For Treasure in Your Inner World
by Jenny Garrison, R.N.
“Your inner world holds the rhythms of your psyche, the seeds of your destiny, and the flavor and fragrance of your unique self,” Jenny writes in this guide to accessing that inner world through deep imagery. A Kripalu Yoga teacher, registered nurse, and Deep Imagery Guide, Jenny shares her recipe for using the imagination to access the “vast reservoir of wisdom and knowledge” within each of us, and addresses challenges such as reluctance, fear, and mistrust. Through intriguing stories of real-life imagery practitioners, she explores the various manifestations of imagery—including special places, soul gardens, inner friends, heart journeys, and animals—and their potential to create psychological and physical healing as well as clarity around life issues. Order at www.imageryinyou.com.

Sasha and Mishoo: Little Yoga Warriors
written by Jeffrey Mix; illustrations by Katherine Homes
The first in a projected series of eco-conscious yoga books for children, this picture book is printed on 100% recycled paper, using a wind-powered printer and soy-based, chlorine-free ink. And the story is environmentally friendly, too. Meant to instill knowledge and awareness of the environment at a young age, Sasha and Mishoo introduces two Indian siblings who head off in search of their missing cat and encounter a myriad of natural wonders. The bright, lively pictures depict the children in the midst of vibrant landscapes filled with flora and fauna, including prowling hyenas, a helpful cobra, and a nearsighted camel. As they travel, they practice yoga postures to help them out of sticky situations, and readers are encouraged to try the poses too; directions are in the back of the book. Order at www.littleyogawarriors.com.