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The Yogi Assignment: A 30-Day Program for Bringing Yoga Practice and Wisdom to Your Everyday Life
A high-profile Ashtanga Yoga teacher introduces an inspirational 30-day program that will “completely overhaul your attitude . . . eliminate negativity . . . while also allowing yoga to transform your body” ( PopSugar )
“The brave heart of a yogi is defined by actions that make the world a better place.”
Live with authenticity. Practice patience. Let go of negativity. These are some of the core tenets of a yoga lifestyle, on and off the mat. Yoga is about much more than twisting yourself into shapes—the heart of this ancient practice is an inner journey, one of reflection, spiritual awakening, and ultimately a calm, clear mind.
The Yogi Assignment is a 30-day introduction to these life-affirming and simple—yet revolutionary—principles. Led by master Ashtanga yoga teacher Kino MacGregor, this journey will challenge and uplift your body, mind, and spirit. Each day offers a practice and meditation that will help you confront your emotional, physical, and mental limitations and inspire real change in your life. MacGregor is a fierce, loving guide who encourages you to look deeply within to find your wellspring of inner strength and courage.
“The brave heart of a yogi is defined by actions that make the world a better place.”
Live with authenticity. Practice patience. Let go of negativity. These are some of the core tenets of a yoga lifestyle, on and off the mat. Yoga is about much more than twisting yourself into shapes—the heart of this ancient practice is an inner journey, one of reflection, spiritual awakening, and ultimately a calm, clear mind.
The Yogi Assignment is a 30-day introduction to these life-affirming and simple—yet revolutionary—principles. Led by master Ashtanga yoga teacher Kino MacGregor, this journey will challenge and uplift your body, mind, and spirit. Each day offers a practice and meditation that will help you confront your emotional, physical, and mental limitations and inspire real change in your life. MacGregor is a fierce, loving guide who encourages you to look deeply within to find your wellspring of inner strength and courage.
- GenresNonfiction
228 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2017
60 people are currently reading
550 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 10, 2017
This book made me realize why so many yogis admire Kino. She is is raw, real and funny. She admitted personal things in this book that I had no idea about and made me respect her more as a person. Loved this book so much that I started reading a few days at a time or more. Will refer back to it and happy it has a pose chart in the back. Looking forward to reading her Ashtanga books and looking to her for inspiration. I had tried a 28 day book before and it was lacking and uninspiring the complete opposite of this book which kept me hooked and obviously wanting more each day because I skipped ahead to finish. Glad I did. Thanks!
May 23, 2018
I went into this expecting it to be for beginners but the poses are quite difficult and more advanced than what I had expected. However, the teachings for each day were quite valuable and I learned more about the traditional teachings of yoga and how it can be applied to a modern practice.
September 10, 2018
Solid for advanced students, motivational for beginners.
Every good library collection needs a range of how-to books that matches the various skill levels of the reading audience. MacGregor's 30-day program is an excellent one for advanced students, who often get short shrift in the collection, which is super frustrating to that person (and you've met that person, I'm sure) who reads your collection to rags in a subject area, but still wants/needs more.
Although they are advanced asanas, asana isn't exactly the focus of this practice. Each day is dedicated to a particular yoga concept embodied by a Sanskrit word. There's a short essay for you to read and reflect on, a few suggestions for practice, and then two or three asanas that embody the concept. MacGregor assumes familiarity with the Ashtanga method, but just in case you're clueless -- or need a refresher -- the series is illustrated in order in a handy reference guide at the end. MacGregor stresses over and over that while physical posture is important, it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to yoga. This is important to know because if your patron primarily wants asanas and not spiritual guidance, this is not the book for them - book talk accordingly.
All that being said, MacGregor is very sincere about her spiritual practice, and is not one of the "love and light" cult. Though she is overall positive and hopeful, she is candid about the struggles yogis face. The only essay that hit a sour note was the one where she felt insulted by someone calling her privileged (among other things), and it's somewhat concerning that someone so dedicated to her spiritual practice doesn't understand this word in the context of racial justice. You have to pick your battles at work, though, and you know your patrons, so, go forward armed with knowledge and do the best you can (face it - we're a long way from a publishing industry, much less a non-fiction collection, that's going to understand these concepts).
Tl;dr: this is a solid pick for large collections that need more materials for advanced yoga folks. This will probably play best in a white, middle-class neighborhood.
Every good library collection needs a range of how-to books that matches the various skill levels of the reading audience. MacGregor's 30-day program is an excellent one for advanced students, who often get short shrift in the collection, which is super frustrating to that person (and you've met that person, I'm sure) who reads your collection to rags in a subject area, but still wants/needs more.
Although they are advanced asanas, asana isn't exactly the focus of this practice. Each day is dedicated to a particular yoga concept embodied by a Sanskrit word. There's a short essay for you to read and reflect on, a few suggestions for practice, and then two or three asanas that embody the concept. MacGregor assumes familiarity with the Ashtanga method, but just in case you're clueless -- or need a refresher -- the series is illustrated in order in a handy reference guide at the end. MacGregor stresses over and over that while physical posture is important, it's only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to yoga. This is important to know because if your patron primarily wants asanas and not spiritual guidance, this is not the book for them - book talk accordingly.
All that being said, MacGregor is very sincere about her spiritual practice, and is not one of the "love and light" cult. Though she is overall positive and hopeful, she is candid about the struggles yogis face. The only essay that hit a sour note was the one where she felt insulted by someone calling her privileged (among other things), and it's somewhat concerning that someone so dedicated to her spiritual practice doesn't understand this word in the context of racial justice. You have to pick your battles at work, though, and you know your patrons, so, go forward armed with knowledge and do the best you can (face it - we're a long way from a publishing industry, much less a non-fiction collection, that's going to understand these concepts).
Tl;dr: this is a solid pick for large collections that need more materials for advanced yoga folks. This will probably play best in a white, middle-class neighborhood.
December 29, 2021
This book is great but the asanas are pretty extreme and she doesn’t give alternatives. Which is a little annoying and I can imagine would put many off. But it’s inspirational. I enjoyed the way she elaborated on how to weave yoga into your life, particularly with forming each day around a Sanskrit word. She is very lighthearted and brings it to life, her passion is contagious.
The way it is structured (like a course) was accessible and great for gradually building knowledge. I didn’t stick to it strictly at all, I dipped in and out.
The way it is structured (like a course) was accessible and great for gradually building knowledge. I didn’t stick to it strictly at all, I dipped in and out.
April 30, 2018
I won this book as part of a Goodreads giveaway. I am a beginner yoga participant and found this book somewhat daunting. I enjoyed the background in yoga principles, but encourage newbies to consider it a 30 week program rather than a 30 day guide. I liked the assignments given but appreciated when a beginner's view was shared (which was not always the case). This is a good yoga reference book for the dedicated practitioner's library.
November 28, 2018
Kino has lost me over the past year or so, and this book didn't help! I actually find the book a little egotistical, the postures and sequences are far too advanced and offer limited variations. Whilst I understand that to move your way through the Ashtanga series' you need to have little body fat, but a reference to weight here almost makes one feel that you need to be skinny to practice - which is not the case!
March 14, 2025
I cannot relate to everything written in this book - but I am not a daily practitioner of yoga, nor have I done a full ahstanga practice regularly. That in no way negates the inspiration I found within these pages. So many of the poses in this book are not yet accessible to me, but maybe one day. More importantly, for most of the advanced poses, suggestions for modifications are provided. Love this book!
February 9, 2018
I didn't connect w her as a yogini, after she talked about she wasn't skinny like a yogini would be and I saw photos. Lots of basic info, good for someone who doesnt really know yoga well. Also, what were those poses and sequences?
February 10, 2018
Coyer Winter Switch
This was a fun journeywith really great tips for deeping your yoga practice. I di wish there were more options for easier poses. This is not very beginner friendly. Still lots of great info
This was a fun journeywith really great tips for deeping your yoga practice. I di wish there were more options for easier poses. This is not very beginner friendly. Still lots of great info
August 12, 2020
The lessons and wisdoms that Kino offers give you an opportunity to reflect and think what the concepts discussed really mean to you. The selection of possess is certainly not for beginners but for an intermediate practitioner the cues and alignment points are useful
February 23, 2022
This is a great book for somewhat experienced yogis -- probably not great for beginners with all the Sanskrit and some advanced postures! I'm a huge fan of Kino and I love her authenticity and perpetual encouragement to anyone and everyone on the journey of yoga.
May 1, 2018
So bright, authentic, inspiring, and wise.
August 29, 2019
This book was everything I needed, not only to spark inspiration in my practice again but also to start examining myself more deeply.
October 15, 2020
I enjoyed this 30 day program. I definitely feel the difference in my body and in my attitude.
December 7, 2025
Three and a half is more accurate.
October 2, 2025
This was my second time reading this. I love this book so much. I have not been able to find another that has this much relevancy, poignancy, as well written or with as accessible and relatable an author. This book is full of truths I want to return to over and over! This book helped me unlock a new mindset that works with myself rather than against.
July 27, 2020
I loved this book! Would start my day early enjoying morning tea and reading a message of the day. Would recommend as an inspiration to setting up daily practice of inquiry, medication, asana practice... beautifully illustrated and inspirational.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews