by Ila Sarley and Garrett Sarley
2002

Nowadays it seems there are two Yogas: Gym Yoga and Life Yoga. Gym Yoga is usually what you get when you take a class at a health club: it focuses solely on the poses with maybe a touch of spirit-speak tossed in. Life Yoga comes closer to Yoga's true meaning - a blend or union of body, mind and spirit that offers an experience that feels like no other physical activity (that's because it reaches far beyond the physical). Walking Yoga falls into the latter category. It takes Yoga off the mat and into walking - into life.

Authors Ila and Garrett Sarley were founding members of the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health (they are both now at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies). For them, Yoga is an approach to life that is rewarding emotionally, spiritually and physically. Early on, they were aware that walking has a very spiritual aspect (and if you've ever taken long walks during troubled times, you may recognize this too). Walking and Yoga really do go hand in hand, and the Sarleys have given form to a practice that involves both. It includes simple Yoga poses that are easy enough for most people to practice, breathing exercises, and a variety of walking Yogas, including Full-On Walking, Walking With Loved Ones, Walking With Gratitude and more. Walking becomes a practice in awareness, openness and union with your surroundings. It becomes an instrument for emotional healing and connection. It's an extension of your mat practice, just as your mat practice is an extension of the other aspects of your life. It can be energizing, relaxing, contemplative or cathartic. Walking and Yoga can offer you whatever you need at any given moment.

If you recognize that you are missing something significant by going through the motions of mere physical exercise, you will want to examine this book and practice what it has to offer.

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