Wednesday, June 29, 2011

The Subtle Body - Stefanie Syman


Now in paperback, The Subtle Body, is a must read for people interested in how yoga came to be what it is in America today. From the Omnipotent Oom to Bikram Choudhury, the book traces the personalities that made yoga an accepted part of the American life style. The Subtle Body explains how yoga turned from a spiritual pursuit in America with the landing of Vivekananda to a trendy fitness routine aimed at women championed by Indra Devi. Though stopping just short of the break out moment of the current yoga boom (who could have predicted Wanderlust and yogi agents just a few years ago) there is enough history here to keep the curious yogis digging through the footnotes and researching further. Well worth the read and an important book to add to your collection.

Stefanie talking about her book and yoga