Wild Asana

Wild Asana is inviting, imaginative, and restoring, reestablishing our ancient connection with all of life in an original, welcoming, freeing way. A great way to celebrate and honor our bodies and our world! -Sy Montgomery, author of How to Be a Good Creature With every page, I felt Wild Asana attuning me to the living connection between the yoga postures I love, the animals they honor, and the heart of humanity. In her paean to the interdependence of the human spirit and the natural world, Alison Zak flows effortlessly between science, poetry, myth, and memoir-reminding us that true yogis are both naturalists and mystics. -Anne Cushman, author of The Mama Sutra and Moving into Meditation Wild Asana uses storytelling, personal experience, and research to uncover the tapestry of animal kinship, nature, and the roots of yoga. Equal parts scientific, scholarly, and spiritual, [the book] brings us closer to both our divine and animal natures, lovingly detailing their interdependence, and the ways in which the ancient art of yoga intertwines with our humanity. -Sarah C. Beasley, award-winning author of Kindness for All Creatures Reading this book is like letting a trusted friend take your hand and walk with you. Alison Zak is a wise guide who shows us how to face our deepest questions about the self and others, and humans and animals. Wild Asana teaches us how to live and learn from and with each other in order to bring about balance both within and without. Our bodies-like the hand of a friend in our hand-will lead the way. Combining insightful stories and practical methods, this book is perfect for beginners and experienced yoginis alike. -Cassie Premo Steele, PhD, author of Earth Joy Writing Wild Asana is a song for the spirit. Alison's own story-one of interconnection and reverence for nature and other beings-is told in a way that makes yoga and deep connection accessible for all of us. The world needs this book now, and I am grateful to Alison for sharing her beautiful words and opening our hearts. -Beth Allgood, president of OneNature One definition of yoga is 'connection.' In this unique and thoughtful book, Alison Zak muses beautifully on the connections between humans, animals, and the planet-all through the lens of yoga. Readers will finish the book feeling more connected to themselves, their practice, and the world. It's a worthy addition to any thinker's library. -Sage Rountree, PhD, E-RYT 500, author of Everyday Yoga and coauthor of Teaching Yoga Beyond the Poses Yoga is an ancient mystical practice that has become a mostly indoor pursuit in the modern world. In this delightful book, Alison reminds us of hatha yoga's wild roots, in fact she 'rewilds' the practice, bringing her love of animals and the 'living earth' so that we can reclaim the primal, untamed energy that gave rise to the practice that has swept the world and become a part of everyday life. What a beautiful invitation to seek the wisdom and the power that our 'more-than-human' relatives have to share and own what is truly Yoga. -Micah Mortali, author of Rewilding As a naturalist and wildlife conservationist who's always been curious about yoga, Zak's book offered me the perfect entry point to delve into the practice through my love of animals and commitment to conservation. -David Mizejewski, naturalist and TV host, National Wildlife Federation Mix one part lore, one part science, a draught of personal essay, and a dash of yoga, then stir in a bit of mysticism. The result is Wild Asana, a delightful concoction that will help you breathe into the magic and mystery of the natural world. -Maia Toll, award-winning author of the Wild Wisdom series Wild Asana is a deeply compassionate and playful exploration of how we are still animal and connected to other species in the animal kingdom through asana and nature.... Beautifully written and thoughtfully designed, this book is a warm and bright companion on the journey back to your wild nature. -Eila Kundrie Carrico, author of The Other Side of the River With each chapter devoted to a different animal/pose, Zak elegantly weaves together personal experience and reflection and scientific research to illustrate how yoga constitutes a pathway through which we can realize our connections with other animals, or 'beyond-human beings.' At times serious, at times humorous, Zak's poetic-like prose is welcoming and thought provoking, resulting in a read to be enjoyed by all, yogi or not. -Dr. Erin P. Riley, professor of anthropology at San Diego State University