A friend suggested that I review this book, as she knows I am both a practicing Christian and yogini. I read quickly through the first chapter and was hooked and purchased my own copy! After years of practicing yoga as a spiritual discipline, I had yet to find a book that bridged Christian practice and yoga in a way that didn’t lessen the ancient wisdom found in yoga or its powerful practices or that didn’t trivialize Christianity as being irrelevant to true spiritual practice in a post-modern context. Again and again throughout the book, Monette explains that one need not compartmentalize yoga separately from their religious practice of choice and comfort. From connecting the eight limbs of yoga to other ancient faiths to explaining the ancient and divine practice of chants/mantras and malas/prayer beads, the author displays many years of insight and work in a highly accessible format. I am reading each chapter eagerly, excited to make new connections between my faith tradition and the spiritual practice of yoga.

Yes, finally….a Christian perspective on yoga. Monette de-mystifies yoga so that Christians can understand how yoga can be a beneficial, embodied mode of seeking God. Too often I have heard Christians claim that “yoga is un-Christian” but yet my heart, soul, and body benefitted greatly from my yoga practice. As a seminarian preparing for ordained ministry, this will be on my reading list I share with others…as well as my gift list!!