The Power of Ashtanga Yoga: Developing a Practice That Will Bring You Strength, Flexibility, and Inner Peace--Includes the complete Primary Series

I have been exploring a yoga practice since I was 17 and stumbled across my mom's VHS copy of Raquel Welch doing what I later learned is the Bikram series (sans heat, which I strongly recommend). Almost 30 years later, I am still exploring and yoga never ceases to amaze me. My fascination with the practice, and desire to experience many different "forms" led me to take Kundalini yoga teacher training and to this day I rotate between that, Ashtanga (and the wonderful variation on that theme which is presented by Bryan Kest) and Bikram (practiced at home). Part of me admires people who can choose one path and walk it with utter devotion without meandering off to explore other areas because I am not that gal. My body loves to experience so many different things and each type of yoga I have embraced has brought with it some unique and beautiful lessons and healing.Like most yoga-nuts, I am familiar with Kino and have watched her videos on Youtube, which offer quick and powerful tips on various postures, many of which changed my entire approach and experience of something I had been doing for decades, so I already know what a remarkable teacher she is. What surprises and delights me in this book is what a lovely writer she is as well. Her deep love and abiding passion for the practice comes through loud and clear, dripping from every well-chosen word.This book is a gorgeous companion to ANY yoga practice, regardless of sequence or form. It is inspiring, informative and offers physical modifications and perspective which will benefit any style of practice. She offers up her own story, which gives us a glimpse into her connection to yoga and what it means, as well as invaluable information for even an advanced beginner or intermediate yogi (like breathing cues and drishtis).While the sneak peek inside of the book on amazon doesn't show this, there are tons of beautiful photos as well, making it very clear and helpful for someone exploring the Primary Series for the first time (or maybe someone who's rusty, ahem, or just loves the insight you receive when you open to a lot of teachers instead of just one or two). The book is so beautiful I wish they offered a hardcover edition with color photos inside, but even as-is I honestly feel that this book stands alongside "Light on Yoga", "Yoga Mala" and David Swenson's indispensable book in terms of content. Yes, it is that good.And I can tell you this...my practice has been FAR from consistent lately but reading this reminds me of just what my life and body are missing by skipping mat time and has compelled me to reconnect. I don't know of higher praise than that for a book about yoga.

I'd like to start my review by saying that I am not a begginer and have read many Ashtanga Yoga manuals written by extraordinary teachers like David Swenson, Gregor Maehle and Lino Miele to name just a few. When Kino MacGregors book was released I was curious to see how she would present the practice and more importantly if the content of her book would provide any new insights to this transformative practice. After reading the book I am impressed by the composition of the information. I really enjoyed how she presented the history and philosophy of the lineage before presenting the asana's. Although some eager practitioners will skip ahead and bypass these fundamental sections, I found her delivery of often dogmatic and confusing philosophical content to be easy to understand and to the point. These sections build up the foundation of the practice, especially for new students, in an easy to digest format allowing for interest to build organically for individuals. The portion on practice is beautifully presented with visual cues along with the written explanation for each posture in the Primary Series. MacGregor also took the time to give the distinct health benefits for each asana as well as "krama's" or short/modified versions so begginers can slowly and safely work up to the full version of each position.The last sections after the practice portion focus on the development of "flying" by giving tips and techniques to develop strength and ability for jump back's/throughs. I especially like the final section which gives the opening/closing chant (with its respective translation) and the correct vinyasa count, in sanskrit, for each asana which is what's I believe is what truly completes this guide. In my opinion, Kino MacGregor did an exceptional job. She packages the information that took her years of study to assimilate and wrappes it up nicely making it easy and enjoyable for all who have the opportunity to read this book. Every Ashtanga Yoga practitioner should have this one on thier night stand. Along with a qualified teacher, this book will enrich the yoga experience for anyone on the path to life transformation.