exercise and fitness

As a committed beginning yoga student--6+ months practicing--this is exactly what I have been looking for. In the West few yoga teachers are willing to make the spiritual and ehthical connections that are an essential part of yoga--union--mind and body, world and spirit. Perhaps they feel that American students are only looking for a "workout." But as the body bends and becomes more flexible, so can the mind. The energy that makes you physically strong also can liberate your spirit from the many weights that drag it down. Birch's writing is not only clear and helpful, but very moving. Reading this book, and starting to integrate the practices into one's whole life, will open up a lot of unexplored places in your life. She interprets the yoga philosophy in terms that speak directly to the student. I think she is especially helpful to women practitioners, since so much of the traditional yoga culture has been male. Wonderful--very highly recommended!

I heartily agree with the previous reviews that praise Beryl Bender Birch's newest book. After reading Power Yoga I felt extremely inspired to start and continue practice of asana postures...but this book surpasses the postures described in detail in Power Yoga. Beyond Power Yoga: 8 Levels of Practice for Body and Soul, is truly the continuation of the Astanga practice for those yogi's who wish to improve their health physically and mentally. BBB reviews the postures described in Power Yoga and continues into an in depth description of the connections between the physical practice and the movement of prana through the chakras. She also discusses the history and progression of yoga in a direct and interesting manner. I highly recommend this book to both beginners and advanced yoga practicers because the author makes sure to cover all levels of Astanga yoga in a challenging but reassuring manner. This book provides pure motivation for the Yoga enthusiast!

Birch once again gives us more information about herself than is needed. Check out Donna Farhi's "Yoga: Mind, Body and Spirit" for a more thorough examination of the subject matter without all of the self-important jibber-jabber.