Yoga: Breathing & Relaxation; Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Meditation

Okay, ready? Lie on your back, extend your legs and lift them back toward your head, grasp your toes and sniff your kneecaps. There's an official name for this pose--Supta Hasta Padangusthasana--but I call it the impossible por moi pose. Of course, I consider many of the poses presented by Richard Freeman in Yoga: Breathing & Relaxation to be a tad difficult, but that's because I can't kiss the ground I walk on while standing, and--let's face it--writing is not the best stretching and limbering up exercise known to man or woman. Still, for those who find inner peace from being able to drape their leg casually over the back of their necks, Freeman's guide to Ashtanga Yoga has much hamstring screaming enjoyment to offer. Nearly two dozen poses and breathing exercises are presented in a sequential workout which easily fulfills Freeman's fourth guideline: "be prepared to sweat." Not as comprehensive as Ashtanga Yoga: "The Practice" (VL-9/96), this is still a good introduction for yoga enthusiasts. Aud: P.The latest entry in Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice series, Meditation features instructor Rodney Yee (see Yoga Journal's Yoga Practice for Energy in VL-7/96) guiding viewers through five outdoor meditation sessions (as in literally stopping and smelling the flowers). Combining sitting and standing poses with instruction on proper breathing techniques and posture, "Mountain," "Garden", "Tree," "Wind," and "Sky" offer excellent 8-12 minute relaxation/meditation exercises which would be a great alternative to telling your supervisor that none of his or her children will ever be Mensa material. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)