Everyday life is full of meaningful moments that shape who we are. Yoga isn't just about poses; it's a part of our daily experience, guiding us through challenges and growth. We've chosen a selection of books that offer practical insights, making them perfect companions for anyone looking to deepen their practice without all the fluff. Well, there's some fluff, it's yoga after all.
Words by Rachel Lingham | 5th April '24
Books are pretty meditative all on their own, huh
It’s often the little things in everyday life that leave the biggest impact. Whether it's a single sentence or a simple story, these ordinary moments can profoundly shape our self-awareness, empathy, and sense of purpose.
In those quiet, unassuming moments, we’re reminded that yoga isn’t confined to a mat or a studio. It’s woven into the fabric of our daily experiences, guiding us towards growth. The books listed below, each in their own unique way, have helped us connect with ourselves and embody the timeless wisdom of yoga with every turn of the page.
These books offer diverse perspectives on yoga, mindfulness, and personal growth, enriching the practice with insights from a variety of cultural backgrounds and viewpoints. With some funny stuff thrown in for good measure.
Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or just starting your journey on the mat, the right books can enhance your practice, offering wisdom, guidance, and inspiration.* And we find that the best books are also a bit well, human. So we’ve thrown in a couple of goodies that remind us that it’s ok not to be a saint – and yes, it’s ok to have a beer.
So here goes – our 10 must-read yoga books.
*You know what yoga books – or any other type of book – are also good for? Using in place of yoga blocks. So if you don’t have a yoga block in your possession, pop a couple of the bigger tomes under your knees in Baddha Konasana or under your bum for meditation…be creative!
Photography by Malva Lorensson
In this book, T.K.V. Desikachar explores the deeper dimensions of yoga beyond the physical postures. He emphasises the importance of breath, movement, and meditation, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to deepen their practice.
Yoga is way more than just physical movement; it's also about ethical living. In this book, Deborah Adele explores the yamas and niyamas, yoga's ethical guidelines, offering practical insights on how to apply them to everyday life.
For those curious about the science behind yoga, ‘The Key Muscles of Yoga’ is an invaluable resource. Ray Long breaks down the anatomy of key muscle groups involved in yoga poses, helping practitioners deepen their understanding and improve their practice.
Photography by Brenna Duncan
Yogi Bryan - yoga teacher and neuro-linguistic programmer, guides those of us who can’t sit in lotus pose for three hours into accessible approaches to meditation. Yoga people can often be a bit, um, serious, so it’s pretty refreshing to read a book that celebrates the comedy of yoga – and life – in his mission of “helping the world release 100 billion f*cks”.
Jessamyn Stanley, a yoga instructor and body positivity advocate, shares her personal journey with yoga and offers practical advice for individuals of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds.
This collection features essays by diverse authors, sharing their experiences with yoga and body image, and highlighting the importance of inclusivity and self-acceptance in the yoga community.
Whether you're seeking physical strength, mental clarity, or spiritual growth, these 10 yoga books have something to offer
“I hope this is the year you change your life…Not in the superficial way. Not in the way of moving things around on the surface and wondering why nothing feels much different underneath. Not in the way of conformity.” suggests Brianna Wiest, a bestselling author and speaker, as she kicks off her book, 'The Pivot Year.'
Wiest's daily meditations, one for each day of the year, urge us to take a closer look at our lives. She's focused on closing the gap between where we are and where we want to be, a space that we often linger in for a bit too long. Whether you follow along day by day or skip around, it's easy to fit these meditations into your life.
This classic by B.K.S. Iyengar is a comprehensive guide to yoga asanas (postures) and pranayama (breathing techniques). With detailed instructions and illustrations, it's perfect for beginners and advanced practitioners alike, and one of the most referenced books for alignment.
“Here’s the bad news: All the juicing, meditating, vegetarianism, chanting and asana practice won’t get you to heaven. The good news? Your desires, your selfishness, your narcissism, neuroses and negative thoughts will.”
Yoga teacher, Greg Marzullo, has done us all a favour and written a relatable and down-to-earth book approaching the practice. His writing style – honest, intelligent and accessible even to non-yoga people – is a breath of fresh air in a landscape full of wellness cliches and exclusive language.
Nischala Joy Devi, a renowned yoga teacher and author, offers a unique perspective on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali from a feminine standpoint. Drawing from her Indian heritage and personal experiences, Devi explores the transformative power of yoga in women's lives, offering practical insights and guided meditations.
Interested in more yoga tips? We also put together a short yoga practice to help you prepare for a surf trip, with a simple breath exercise & other resources. Read More >>
Illustration by Bess Shipside
