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Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories from Yoga Renegades for Every Body
Courage, truth, and inspiration at the intersection of spiritual practice and social justice
Yoga Rising is a collection of personal essays meant to support your journey toward self-acceptance and self-love. This follow-up to the groundbreaking book Yoga and Body Image features 30 contributors who share stories of major turning points. Explore how body image and yoga intersect with race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, dis/ability, socioeconomic status, age, and size as part and parcel of culture and society.
Collectively, we can make space for yoga that is body positive and accessible to the full range of human diversity. With a special emphasis on how you can take action to build community and challenge destructive attitudes and structures, Yoga Rising is a resource for the continuing work of healing ourselves and our world as we move toward liberation for all.
"A must-read collection of essays ideal for anyone yearning for more self-acceptance and body peace. Read this book, and I guarantee you'll hear a story that resonates with your own experiences."—Amber Karnes, founder of Body Positive Yoga
"Yoga Rising kicks open the door for evolution through a collection of honest, diverse, and daring stories.. A refreshing dose of inspiration that has the power to transform lives."—Kathryn Budig, yoga teacher and author of Aim True
Yoga Rising is a collection of personal essays meant to support your journey toward self-acceptance and self-love. This follow-up to the groundbreaking book Yoga and Body Image features 30 contributors who share stories of major turning points. Explore how body image and yoga intersect with race and ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, dis/ability, socioeconomic status, age, and size as part and parcel of culture and society.
Collectively, we can make space for yoga that is body positive and accessible to the full range of human diversity. With a special emphasis on how you can take action to build community and challenge destructive attitudes and structures, Yoga Rising is a resource for the continuing work of healing ourselves and our world as we move toward liberation for all.
"A must-read collection of essays ideal for anyone yearning for more self-acceptance and body peace. Read this book, and I guarantee you'll hear a story that resonates with your own experiences."—Amber Karnes, founder of Body Positive Yoga
"Yoga Rising kicks open the door for evolution through a collection of honest, diverse, and daring stories.. A refreshing dose of inspiration that has the power to transform lives."—Kathryn Budig, yoga teacher and author of Aim True
338 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
17 people are currently reading
601 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
December 13, 2017
To people who haven't tried it, yoga may seem like some mysterious new age religion that is hard to understand. What I mean is that you've probably heard people describe all the benefits but you are left to wonder how will it help me in my day-to-day life? Yoga can help you deal with anxiety, depression and help you become stronger but it's hard to explain how yoga can do that. Yoga is something that has to be experienced in order to find out what it can do for you.
This being said, if you are looking to learn more about what yoga is all about it's a good idea to hear it from the experts in the field. Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories from Yoga Renegades for Every Body is edited by Melanie C Klein and describes the practice like it hasn't been done before. Included here are 30 essays from yoga teachers telling you exactly what they got out of the practice of yoga and why it is so important.
A lot of times when you read articles on yoga you hear about how it will lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself and help you focus but it doesn't tell you how you get from point A to point B. Yoga Rising gives you stories on how many of these instructors found meaning in yoga Many of them tell how they have dealt with issues like body shaming, eating disorders, race issues, anxiety and how yoga helped them to work through these issues. They also describe how yoga changed them in a way that I've never seen described before.
One of my favorite essays in this book speaks about how doing yoga got her past the negative self talk in her head. It was no magic pill, she achieved this by continuing her practice and eventually all of the self-hatred faded away. Yoga may be hard work but it leads to great results. One of the messages I saw in this book a lot was how yoga is accepting how there will be suffering but if you don't fight it and act mindful the suffering will be less intense. and lead to growth. I see this as an important lesson to learn.
Many of the writers in Yoga Rising also take a look at how the media sends the wrong message about yoga. When you see people in the media who practice yoga they are usually thin white athletic women who make regular looking people feel intimidated. That's what's beautiful about this book. A lot of the instructors in it have different shaped bodies, come from different ethical backgrounds and most of all show that they are not perfect people like the media would portray. This is one of the best books on yoga that I've read because it gives you stories you can relate too.
This being said, if you are looking to learn more about what yoga is all about it's a good idea to hear it from the experts in the field. Yoga Rising: 30 Empowering Stories from Yoga Renegades for Every Body is edited by Melanie C Klein and describes the practice like it hasn't been done before. Included here are 30 essays from yoga teachers telling you exactly what they got out of the practice of yoga and why it is so important.
A lot of times when you read articles on yoga you hear about how it will lead you to a deeper understanding of yourself and help you focus but it doesn't tell you how you get from point A to point B. Yoga Rising gives you stories on how many of these instructors found meaning in yoga Many of them tell how they have dealt with issues like body shaming, eating disorders, race issues, anxiety and how yoga helped them to work through these issues. They also describe how yoga changed them in a way that I've never seen described before.
One of my favorite essays in this book speaks about how doing yoga got her past the negative self talk in her head. It was no magic pill, she achieved this by continuing her practice and eventually all of the self-hatred faded away. Yoga may be hard work but it leads to great results. One of the messages I saw in this book a lot was how yoga is accepting how there will be suffering but if you don't fight it and act mindful the suffering will be less intense. and lead to growth. I see this as an important lesson to learn.
Many of the writers in Yoga Rising also take a look at how the media sends the wrong message about yoga. When you see people in the media who practice yoga they are usually thin white athletic women who make regular looking people feel intimidated. That's what's beautiful about this book. A lot of the instructors in it have different shaped bodies, come from different ethical backgrounds and most of all show that they are not perfect people like the media would portray. This is one of the best books on yoga that I've read because it gives you stories you can relate too.
January 4, 2018
One of the most important body image and yoga texts of the decade. This anthology draws deeply on true representation and powerful stories to inspire, move and uplift you. Showcasing the power of yoga in our lives to transcend, heal and connect with our bodies, I couldn't put it down. Sarah Harry, Founder, Fat Yoga
July 20, 2018
I won a copy of this book on goodreads in exchange for an honest review. Firstly I have never practiced or done yoga in my life. Regardless if you practice yoga or want to practice yoga and even if you are not really interested in Yoga, this is still a good book to read. This book is relatable to most people as it is primarily concerned with perception of body and self and most people regardless of body shape, economic background, ethnicity and gender have issues particular around body image.
Most of the stories are relatable regardless if you practice yoga or not. I've never really concerned yoga because of my body shape and fitness level, as I believed the myth only certain types of people can do yoga and I'm not one of them.
The stories are empowering. Anyone who suffers from negative body image and a lacking if self will find this book resonating.
Most of the stories are relatable regardless if you practice yoga or not. I've never really concerned yoga because of my body shape and fitness level, as I believed the myth only certain types of people can do yoga and I'm not one of them.
The stories are empowering. Anyone who suffers from negative body image and a lacking if self will find this book resonating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2018
I started this and was not enthralled so put it down for a bit. I'm glad I returned to it as the diversity of voices and experiences improved as the book went along.
It seems that the essays were written prior to the expansion of awareness of abuses within the ashtanga lineage, although abuses in other traditions such as satyananda and anusara have been public knowledge longer.
Body shaming, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, racism, ageism and other forms of trauma have no place in our yoga communities. These essays and the stories they share begin a process of evolution towards truly healthy practices and communities.
It seems that the essays were written prior to the expansion of awareness of abuses within the ashtanga lineage, although abuses in other traditions such as satyananda and anusara have been public knowledge longer.
Body shaming, sexual, emotional and physical abuse, racism, ageism and other forms of trauma have no place in our yoga communities. These essays and the stories they share begin a process of evolution towards truly healthy practices and communities.
July 27, 2018
This essay collection was enjoyable, but somewhat repetitive, with essays varying a lot in quality. A lot of good thoughts on how our stereotypes about fitness, wellness, and health can get in the way of well-being and growth. Too many essays were more like blog posts, where the author did not take the time, or have the writing ability, to move from personal reflection and observation to useful insights for a reader. Nevertheless, many were worth reading, and the project is a whole is worthwhile.
October 31, 2023
A good selection of personal essays about people's experiences and journey to yoga. I do wish there was more diversity within the authors as well as the stories, many were similar to one another. Some pieces were more insightful than others and at times it seemed there were conflicting ideals and messages, but that is expected as each essay is an individual voice. Overall a powerful read, but still room for improvement in diversity of experiences and backgrounds.
September 2, 2018
This is probably meant for yoga teachers, but I heard it discussed on the Yoga International podcast and decided to get it out of the library. Really beautiful, inspirational collection of short stories that discuss yoga and intersectional feminism, racism, ableism, and many other important issues today.
February 27, 2018
I enjoyed Yoga Rising 30 essays from different yoga instructors that are explaining to readers what is so important about the practice of yoga. This shows and tells reader the power in which yoga can help heal and help one find focus in their every day.
Thank you to Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley
February 11, 2019
Ehhh….just bc you are an amazing yogi, doesn't mean you know how to write abt it in an engaging way. The short format of each chapter did not lend itself to the best writing and I was left feeling rather uninspired.
November 27, 2017
So many honest, raw, and empowering stories woven together with familiar threads of body image issues, disordered eating and addiction. Really inspiring to read.
March 6, 2018
I won this book. Great book. The stories are empowering. I like that she writes from the heart.
April 8, 2018
I found these stories more personally engaging then those in the first volume.
July 13, 2019
Empowering and thoughtful book. Glad I read it.
November 15, 2017
The essays in this book are not just about yoga, but how yoga helps improve other parts of life like body image, while reducing depression and anxiety. It's a great read for someone who is thinking about starting yoga, because it shows that no one is perfect at yoga the first time they step on the mat.
January 16, 2018
I want to thank the publisher, Llewellyn Publications and Netgalley. for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
This book is an collection of essays written by individuals who have each gone through their unique yoga journey and have achieved self -acceptance and self- love and self -compassion, while overcoming personal problems such as perfectionism, self- loathing, negative body image and eating disorders, and. The common thread through these essays is the promotion of inclusiveness of all people in the practice of yoga, achieving a body positive image, and the rejection of the so called “yoga body type”.
The authors selfishly shared their private and most difficult experiences with the reader. The collection of the experiences shared, are so varied which helps the reader find a common connection with at least one of the authors. It helps us not only relate the experience, but also provides a ray of hope, that we too can overcome. The authors clearly demonstrate the power of yoga practice, of how it can help us overcome such a variety of issues.
This book is a great read for those thinking of starting a yoga practice or yoga enthusiasts. However, I think this is a great read for all, whether you are into yoga or not as the stories are so raw and honest and it can educate us about not only ourselves but also about others and see how our actions or lack of compassion can hurt others. We can use the inspiration provided in these stories to help make this world a better place.
This book is an collection of essays written by individuals who have each gone through their unique yoga journey and have achieved self -acceptance and self- love and self -compassion, while overcoming personal problems such as perfectionism, self- loathing, negative body image and eating disorders, and. The common thread through these essays is the promotion of inclusiveness of all people in the practice of yoga, achieving a body positive image, and the rejection of the so called “yoga body type”.
The authors selfishly shared their private and most difficult experiences with the reader. The collection of the experiences shared, are so varied which helps the reader find a common connection with at least one of the authors. It helps us not only relate the experience, but also provides a ray of hope, that we too can overcome. The authors clearly demonstrate the power of yoga practice, of how it can help us overcome such a variety of issues.
This book is a great read for those thinking of starting a yoga practice or yoga enthusiasts. However, I think this is a great read for all, whether you are into yoga or not as the stories are so raw and honest and it can educate us about not only ourselves but also about others and see how our actions or lack of compassion can hurt others. We can use the inspiration provided in these stories to help make this world a better place.
January 31, 2018
What a great book. Not what I expected, it was even better! A book that really taps into the way people are feeling at the moment. The need for self love in society and the antidote to body perfection, this book is a breath of fresh air. Real people discussing their yoga and self acceptance journey. Loved the lessons to be learnt and the personal stories, ones that are incredibly relatable.
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May 25, 2018Not rating with stars because I absolutely loved some of the essays and I just couldn’t connect at all with others. If you’re interested in yoga and social justice, give it a shot.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews