Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey

Novice filmmaker Suzanne Bryant's “transformational journey” began with the death of her mother, a traumatic event that impelled her to leave New York for San Francisco, where she sought a more profound understanding of her yoga practice—and, by extension, herself. As anyone who has taken more than a few classes can attest, doing yoga is “more than exercise.” While the physical poses, or asanas, may certainly lead to a strong body and other advantages (greater flexibility and strength, lower blood pressure, and a general reduction of stress are just some of the benefits this reviewer, who has practiced yoga for 30 years and taught for over 20, has experienced), it is the search for “mental and spiritual power” and overall “connection with yourself” that inspired Bryant to deepen her own practice, including a trip to India. Over the course of this film, we also hear from many prominent yoga teachers (Ana Forrest, Erich Schiffmann, Baron Baptiste, Shiva Rea, Seane Corn, and others will be familiar to those in the yoga community), as well as a few celebrity types (such as Def Jam founder Russell Simmons and model Christy Turlington Burns). Needless to say, all of them rhapsodize about the wonders of yoga, and rightly so. But talking about yoga is, to borrow a phrase, somewhat akin to dancing about architecture. Those interested in learning about yoga would be better off finding a good instructional video—or, better yet, attending a real class. An optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (S. Graham)