Hey, lovelies! It’s summertime, the skies are blue, my younger kiddos are home, the bigger (adult) kiddos are popping by for family BBQs and I’m happy. Usually, my husband, Nathan, and I take some time for a vacation. What do I do on vacations during my downtime? Read. I’ll read on the beach, I’ll read on the plane and I’ll read in a comfy spot in the hotel or Airbnb that we’ve rented. In the spirit of giving, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite yoga books for you to reach on during your summer treks.
Great Yoga Books for Yoga Teachers to Read in Their Downtime
You can take the yoga teacher trainer from the ranch but you can’t take the yoga teacher out of me*wink*. Let’s talk about a few of my favorite books for yoga teachers (or anyone interested in yoga) to read! I’ve pulled a few from the list of 10 my partner YTT partner Kim and I recommend in our free Yoga Teacher Toolkit. Disclaimer: These books are NOT listed in any participle order. Also, each book title is clickable and will take you to Amazon.
The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele
I wh
oleheartedly recommend this book, especially if you’re just beginning your journey in yoga.
Summary
“The first two limbs of the eight-fold path of yoga sutras—the basic text for classical yoga—are examined in this spiritual guide to the practice of yoga. Foundational to all yogic thought, they are considered to be the guidelines to the yoga way of living that free individuals to take ownership of their lives, direct them toward the fulfillment they seek, and gain the skills to choose attitude, thought, and action. The first five guidelines are referred to as the yamas—a Sanskrit word that translates to “restraints”—and encompass nonviolence, truthfulness, not stealing, nonexcess, and non-possessiveness. The last five are referred to as the niyamas, or observances—purity, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender. A self-study section at the end of each chapter may also be used by instructors for group discussion.”
Go In and In: Poems From the Heart of Yoga by Danna Faulds
For my poetry lovers, this book is from you! This collection of poems beautifully offers a conscious discussion about yoga.
Summary:
Here are poems that put words to the ineffable experiences that yoga practitioners have all the time, those moments when separation drops away, and body, mind, and spirit become one. Inspired by the experiences of yoga and meditation, the natural world, and the challenges of life itself, these poems capture both the struggle and the delight of the author’s attempt to live consciously. They speak in a voice that is both encouraging and uplifting, yet they are simple and accessible.
The Inspired Yoga Teacher: The Essential Guide to Creating Transformational Classes Your Students Will Love (The Language of Yin) by Gabrielle Harris
What got me about this book, was how well it captured the experience of a yoga teacher as they work to truly create a beautiful space for their students. It’s a light-hearted by very profound read.
Summary:
From the creator of the best-selling, The Language of Yin comes the yang—The Inspired Yoga Teacher. If you are a new or experienced yoga teacher of any discipline and find yourself asking what to teach today, The Inspired Yoga Teacher will answer that question. Brimming with themes, ideas, scripts, sequences, philosophy, poetry, and quotes, The Inspired Yoga Teacher is a toolbox that will uplift your teaching and breathe new life into your classes. On days when you are busy, the book serves as a shot of inspiration and can be used as a basis for deeper inquiry and planning during times of exploration.
Great Books that Enrich Yogis and Yoga Teachers’ Souls
Ok, let’s shift gears for a bit. As yoga teachers, we walk a path of enrichment, enrichment for our students and the spaces that we occupy. But, as the adage goes, ‘We cannot pour from an empty cup’. Here are two books that focus more on building a better you for you. It all starts on the inside.
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom (A Toltec Wisdom Book) by Don Miguel Ruiz
This book is a staple for everyone who is interested in transforming and enlightening their life. I’m sure quite a few of you have already read it, but if not, now is the perfect time to cross it off the list (or even reread it!).
Summary:
In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown
We can always do more to love ourselves. We can always do more to remind ourselves, and others that our stories matter; this book will help you get there.
Summary:
What transforms this book from words on a page to effective daily practices are the ten guideposts to wholehearted living. The guideposts not only help us understand the practices that will allow us to change our lives and families, they also walk us through the unattainable and sabotaging expectations that get in the way.
Bonus Book: Surrender: A Journey Towards A Fulfilled Life by Shannon Jamail
Shameless plug, but still from what I’ve heard a wonderful read. I wrote this book in 2018 using my life experience as a guide to help others. I wanted others to avoid the same pitfalls and find a kindred spirit that will reaffirm that you will and can get through ‘it’. Heads up, I get deeply personal and raw, using quite a bit of sass and humor.
Summary:
After clambering into success, Shannon realized that her life was full of material wealth, but empty of truth and real purpose. Shifting gears, Jamail dedicated her life to holistic wellness, mental health, and diving deep into the exploration of the shadow side of the self. This book chronicles her adventures in moving from darkness to light – with a few detours along the way.
Surrender is a motivational self help empowerment book with a side of sass. Written in a fresh, funny, authentic voice, Surrender reminds the reader that even in the dark moments of life, we are not alone nor helpless. Author and therapist turned coach, Shannon Jamail weaves hilarious, relatable anecdotes of fall-on-your-face spiritual shortcoming moments with practical and relevant tools for changing your habits, building self-confidence, changing thoughts, and enhancing life – one somewhat clumsy, sometimes hysterical step at a time, to obtain the fulfillment we all are truly seeking.
Well, there you have it! A few books that will make for great reads no matter where the summer takes you. Tell me in the comments below which books you’ve already read and highly recommend. Also share with our community books that you recommend that we check out!
XOXO Shannon
