In a departure from the norm, which is to say, a departure from waiting until I have completed reading a book or collection before announcing that I have done so or reviewing it, I am announcing that I have begun reading Everyday Yoga by Sage Rountree. The book was published last year (it seems so weird to refer to 2015 as "last year") by velopress, Boulder, Colorado. The pages are sturdy--almost like heavy construction paper--and the book is spiral bound, allowing for it to lie flat and stay opened, handy when one needs to refer to an illustration or description when learning a new pose.The book is organized in four parts. Part one, "Getting Started," is an prelude of about twenty pages which introduces the reader to broad yoga concepts such as balance, breathing, and the 6-4-2 principle. It also emphasizes how, unlike other exercise methods or sports, yoga should NEVER cause pain--in fact, performed properly, it prevents it. I finished reading part one today.
Part two, "Find a Routine," introduces various yoga poses. An analogy to cooking is made, in that individual poses may be made "spicier" or more physically challenging, "sweeter" or more relaxing and restorative, or may have added "seasoning" to introduce a neutral variation. I learned the first four introductory poses today. Pictured is a shot of me in "Standing Cat," or, in my case, "standing fat" pose.Part three, "Practice," is devoted to linking poses learned in part two to form various routines. Routines may be long or short, and concentrate on strength, balance, flexibility, and/or focus.
Part four provides balanced sample schedules for everyday yoga at home. There is, as one might expect, schedules for doing yoga seven days a week, but there are also schedules for every-other-day and even twice-a-week. Every-other-day is suggested for athletes to do on their "off" or "easy" days. Twice-a-week is for those too busy to do more, but Rountree emphasizes that twice-a-weekers will still benefit from the practice.
I look forward to continuing with yoga this year and will periodically make a post about my progress accompanied by a stunning pose picture. I suspect that many a poem will be inspired by the experience as well.
