book review

Every month, our team (mostly Savitri, our favorite sweet book worm) will work on putting together reviews of new and current books offered at the Rama Lotus boutique.  Come check this page regularly for updates.  If there is a specific book that we have in stock that you would like featured on this page, please send us your request at info@ottawayoga.com.

Judith, Anodea. The Wheels of Life: A User's Guide to the Chakra System .

The Wheels of Life A User's Guide to the Chakra System is one of the most extensive studies of the chakras in print. Whether you've just begun to have an interest in the energy centers of the body or you have been studying them for years, Judith's book proves to be a valuable resource again and again. Coming from a variety of spiritual traditions, such as Kundalini as taught by Yogi Bhajan and classical Hatha yoga, Judith follows a traditional interpretation of the chakras throughout the book. Organized with chapters devoted to each of the chakras, including guided meditations and exercises, The Wheels of Life need not be read from cover to cover. Instead, readers can either focus on a specific chakra of interest or browse through the pages to develop a general overview of the subject. A wonderful source for anyone interested in exploring their sacred architecture!

Iyengar, B.K.S. Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health

Written by one of the world's leading yoga instructors, Yoga: The Path to Holisitic Health , is an in-depth study of yoga and all of its aspects. A hard cover book filled with full-colour photos, Iyengar's book is suitable for beginners as well as those looking to fine-tune their practice. The strength of this book lies in its discussion and illustration of postures (asanas) and its suggestions for modifications. Each asana is pictured from every angle, providing the reader with invaluable visual queues to performing the postures correctly. Yoga: The Path to Holisitc Health also illustrates the use of props and how they can be used to experience the full benefit of each of the postures. In addition to discussing the postures individually, Iyengar also provides a number of yoga flows that address specific concerns such as stress relief and balancing the emotions. A valuable addition to any yogic library, Iyengar's Yoga: The Path to Holistic Health , is a book you will refer back to again and again.

Gurmukh. Bountiful , Blissful, Beautiful: Experience the Natural Power of Pregnancy

Gurmukh gorgeous new book focuses on pregnancy and childbirth as an experience of love. Divided into Five sections (the three trimesters, then birth…and beyond) with topics ranging from easing queasiness to connecting with baby and easing back and hip discomfort, Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful succeeds at creating a sense of a prenatal community and alleviating the anxieties of expectant mothers. Each section offers Kundalini yoga and meditation as taught by Yogi Bhajan specific to each period of the birthing process. In her introduction Gurmukh explains to expectant mothers that, “This book is not a manual.” Instead, Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful , is “meant to lead you back to what you already know inside you.” Empowering and inspirational, Bountiful, Beautiful, Blissful is a welcome resource for anyone in their birthing years.