My Current Resources

[Angel]

I would like any feedback you have on any of the resources listed below. If you are familiar with any of them, what do you think of them? They are all similar but they all are unique in some way. Do you have any suggestions of books or DVDs that I might draw from in the future that you like?

Since I am getting older, I am increasingly concerned about my health and am always looking for the best ways to take care of myself, inside and out. I want to head off inevitabilities, like menopause, as well as maintain a balance in my life. Yoga is part of my effort to do this.

Books
I have read and drawn from pieces of each of these texts to find ways to combine the different techniques in a way that will stabilize my mind and soul as well as correct internal issues (like digestion and pain). I have had fewer (but still some) digestion and pain issues since I began practicing meditation and Yoga. That's why I want to learn more and make my practice most effective. The ones with asterisks are the ones I've used the most.

*Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff
Yoga Mind and Body by Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre
Yoga, Power, and Spirit by Alberto Villoldo, Ph.D.
Chakra Meditation by Swami Saradananda
The Book of Ayurveda by Judith H. Morrison
*The Power of Breath by Swami Saradananda
The Biology of Belief by Bruce H. Lipton, Ph.D.
*Meditation as Medicine by Dharma Singh Khalsa, M.D. and Cameron Stauth
Train your Mind Change Your Brain by Sharon Begley

Wow, I didn't realize just how much of a nerd I am until I made that list!

DVDs
I am still trying to figure out what my unique routine should be so these instructional DVDs show me a variety. Are there any DVDs that you would recommend, perhaps with a guide that you found useful?

A.M. Yoga with Rodney Yee
Yoga & Pilates with Louise Solomon
Power Zone with Denise Austin (mix of Yoga & Pilates)
Power Yoga Plus with Denise Austin (another blend of Yoga & Pilates)
Yoga Body Burn with Denise Austin

Obviously, I have trusted Denise Austin as a guide. But her focus is mostly on fitness and I want more than that.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can give me.

[Angel]

Carrie - Thanks for the feedback. I began with Denise Austin because I was originally trying to just get in shape and lose weight. But as my focus changes, so must my guides. Thanks for the tips and advice. You are right, the book is too deep for my level, but it has taught me some things. Its well illustrated. I just want to make sure I'm getting good information.

aura - Thanks for the insight and tip. I certainly don't want to hurt myself as I learn. That is one thing I can say about the Yoga Anatomy book is that it tells you what muscles are affected with each pose and how. It tells you exactly how most experienced practitioners can still hurt themselves. But I won't try anything I'm unsure about without asking about it first.

Thanks again, both of you.

[aura]

yes, yoga journal is a good one. i also get the magazine and i love their articles! i started with a video many years back, but couldn't tell you the woman's name, but enjoyed the routine and just built upon it over time. she had such a wonderful energy, though. one could really feel that she surely lives yoga. it is a way of life, rather than just a "popular trend". i also agree on the avoiding bikram. something about it just doesn't sit right with me and there are hazards, from what i've read.

[Carrie B!]

Good list...stay away from Denise Austin...she's an "exercise expert." no real yoga experience and I know she's not on any spiritual level. "meditation as medicine" is awesome as is "Am/PM" . I would also suggest the DVD for beginner yoga from Yoga Journal with Patricia Walden. Yoga Anatomy is pretty DEEP for a beginner. Stick with videos from people that dedicate their lives to yoga. If you need more names, I can supply. Sivananda's CDs are good but the difficulty level is not for beginners even though it's still good if you want to watch for awhile then try! "jivamukti" by Sharon Gannon & David Life is also a good read and DVD. That should get you going. Need more requested look at my list of favorites from Amazon. I'll add more as needed or just ask!!