Strong Women Showing the Way          November 2009

Plus oodles of Great New Stuff!
Strong women are really leading the way in this month's offering: Shiva Rea, the queen of flow yoga, has two strengthening DVDs. Kino MacGregor, the first woman to be certified to teach Ashtanga by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, offers her third great DVD. Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa, Yogi Bhajans first female student, shares the essence of Kundalini Yoga in her seminal book. Also, below you will find Deva Premal's newest offering, Geeta Iyengar's beginners yoga manual, a definitive book on yoga for pregnancy, posters of strong, elegant yoginis and even some things from notable men, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois and Ty Burhoe and some new gear items.
Please click the image to the left of the description for details.

Creative Core Upper Body and
Creative Core Lower Body DVD
   Is that really Shiva Rea's tummy on the DVD jacket or does she use a tummy double? I'll have to ask my sister Dee who has nearly completed Shiva's 500 hour training and yes has abs of steel! These are great, short, core plus workouts guaranteed to give you a stomach like Shiva's and Dee's (with regular use) or your money back ;-)

Ashtanga Yoga Intermediate
Series DVD by Kino MacGregor
   This 2 DVD set presents the Intermediate or Second Series of Ashtanga yoga. Called Nadi Shodhana in Sanskrit, this group of postures cleanses the nervous system through a rigorous combination of back bending, twisting, hip-opening and strengthening postures. One DVD is devoted to the entire series and the other to details of how to master the hardest bits.

Yoga Mala
   For the ashtanga yoga practitioner there is no better text to help you understand the connection between your chosen style of practice and the great philosophical tradition of yoga than this foundational work by Sri K. Pattabhi Jois. He introduced this practice to the West and is truly the father of this popular form of vinyasa which deeply influences the practice of flow yoga everywhere.

Yoga in Action Preliminary Course
   This latest publication from Geeta S. Iyengar is meant as a manual for new practitioners of Iyengar Yoga and others desiring complete instructions on the basic poses. It has several graphics accompanying each posture, not only of the final classical asanas, but also the intermediary stages and the use of props. There is no better primer for those studying or teaching Iyengar Yoga.

Yoga For Pregnancy
   With simple, clear instruction and images this book is ideal for any pregnant woman wanting to enjoy the exercise, ease and serenity yoga brings and any teacher seeking a clear manual for how to create a wonderful pre-natal yoga program. With step-by-step advice adapted for each trimester and simple breathing exercises, this book shows how to prepare to give birth with minimum strain.

Kundalini Yoga by Shakti Parwha Kaur Khalsa
   This is perhaps the best introduction to Kundalini Yoga available. It is light hearted and easy to read and gives full and complete instructions on many different aspects of the practice of Kundalini Yoga. Here you will find philosophy, physical exercises, breathing techniques, mantras, kriyas, cooking tips and recipes, poetry and graphics that make it fun to dive right in.

Kundalini Yoga Poster
   Kundalini yoga teacher Jeanine Marzella demonstrates 36 key Kundalini Yoga poses in this elegant poster. The words on the bottom indicate the benefits of practice; awareness, flexibility, focus, grace and strength. It is 24" x 36" and printed on acid free poster stock.

Graceful Yoga Poster
   Siri Om demonstrates excellent form in five important yoga poses to beautiful effect. A teacher in the Kundalini tradition, her elegance, strength and grace will be a joy to see everyday. The poster is 8.5" x 36" and printed on acid free poster stock.

Chakra Flower Power Poster
   This unique chakra poster reflects the analogy of the chakras as blooming flowers. Beautifully captured and composed by yogi and photographer Reed Rahn, it is 12" x 36" and printed on acid free poster stock.

The Deva Premal and Miten in Concert CD/DVD
   This CD DVD set is perfect to relive and enjoy their performances, and lend your voice to the Sanskrit mantras. Fans of these talented performers have been asking for a live version of their favorite chants and this package has many of their most inspirational mantras and songs for meditation and celebration captured one special night.

Curandero-Aras Music CD
   "Curandero" means healer or folk doctor and "Aras" means to plow the earth / to become centered or grounded while still in flight. This unique collaboration between flamenco master Miguel Espinoza and Tabla player extraordinaire Ty Burhoe combines energy and flight with grounding connection in an at once exciting and soothing way.

Round Zafu Slipcovers
  These lively covers are made to slip over your existing zafu giving it a beautiful new look. The 100% cotton fabric is hand woven in Bali and will give you years of sitting enjoyment. The cover adjusts with a drawstring closure and is adjustable to fit any size round zafu. Easy to put on and remove, it is hand washable in cold water. Line drying is recommended

Gemstones Poster
   This lively colorful poster shows 29 of the most valuable gemstones and gives detailed information about their composition and history. Insets give information on the formation of gemstones, geographical location of deposits and the stones associated with various signs of the zodiac. All information is given in English, Spanish, French, Italian and German.The size of this poster is 27" x 39".

Circulatory Poster
   This highly detailed anatomical chart names all the parts of the venous and arterial circulatory system and includes details of the heart, the structure of veins and arteries and general overview of the circulatory system. The large size, 27" x 39", and high quality printing makes for easy reading. It is printed on acid free poster stock.

Ceramic Neti Pots - NEW colors
   This artfully crafted ceramic Neti Pot is shaped like a teapot. Its specialized spout fits snugly into the nostril so there is no unwanted spilling, yet the inside of the spout is thin enough to create a gentle flow of water. Each Neti Pot comes with printed instructions for use. This top quality Neti Pot is 100% lead free, American made and it is dishwasher and microwave safe.

Yoga Mat Slings - NEW colors
   Since its introduction just two months ago the Bheka mat sling in black has been one of our most popular items. Now this lightweight, convenient way to tote your mat just got 3 times better because besides basic black it now comes in purple, blue and pink! It fits any sized mat, even large mat blanket combinations, is made from 100% cotton, except the velcro, and dyed using AZO free dyes.

Gift Items that are $10.00 or less
   On our site we have listings of great yoga gift items that cost $20, $10 and $5 or less. Included in the $10 or less category are some wonderful books including the Bhagavad Gita and the Yoga Sutras. Also in this this category are blocks and straps, the Traveller's Neti Pot, lots of posters, cards, magnets, water blessing labels, Buddha writer pens and much more.

Yoga Class at the Gardiner Library
   On four Wednesdays in December I'll be teaching a series of fundraising yoga classes in my hometown of Gardiner, NY specifically designed to relieve stress and improve immune response. I was just over there renewing a book yesterday and saw that about ten people have already signed up, so if you are in the area please think about joining us.

   Yoga has changed a lot in the forty years I've been involved with it and it is fun for me to be a small part of it's growth. Women are playing more and more important roles and perhaps creating models for the society at large. I thank them for their wonderful work and wisdom.
I am delighted each month, as I finish working on the new pages and the emailing, that I love everything I'm offering. I'm so glad so many of you share my enthusiasm for the great items I'm lucky enough to be able to provide. Thank you for your support. Best wishes for a festive and relaxed holiday season.

Peace and Love,
Ray (Yogeshvara OM)
Owner Yoga Life Style
ray@yogalifestyle.com