Edited by Melanie Klein and Anna Guest-Jelley
Llewellyn Publications
Some people assume that yoga is not for them, based on their perception of themselves or the portrayal of yoga in the West. It’s not until they find themselves on a yoga mat when they can truly understand the power and multiple benefits of a dedicated yoga practice.
Yoga and Body Image serves as a much-needed conversation starter about body image in the yoga community. A collection of 25 personal essays, with voices spanning the spectrum of the human experience, this book discusses not only shape and size, but also explores how ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, class, and physical ability can affect the formation of one’s body image.
The diverse and compelling stories from individuals including Alanis Morissette, Seane Corn, Brian Kest, Rolf Gates, and more, are broken into five sections with a variety of themes including making choices, feeling like an outsider, media, gender, and parenting. These narratives offer an eye-opening insight into the challenges and obstacles some people face on their way to a yoga mat and the positive outcomes despite their initial doubts.
In the end, this collection of stories is a celebration of humanity in all its glorious diversity. The essays explore beauty, bravery, growth, and vulnerability in the journey of learning to love your body.
Reviewed by Brigitte Kouba, aka Gigi Yogini, a writer, yoga teacher and positive body image advocate. gigiyogini.com
