By Jaclyn Bauer
In her newest book, “Sit With Less Pain: Gentle Yoga for Meditators and Everybody Else,”Buddhist yogiJean Erlbaum discusses the physical practice of yoga from a standpoint somewhat untraditional to the Buddhist culture. Erlbaum explains that historically, asana (physical yoga practice) was not associated with meditation, especially Buddhist meditation. In fact, most Buddhists found (and often still do) that asana was (or is) a distraction from meditation. Erlbaum, though, argues that “the postural practice is not separate from meditation – it becomes the practice.”
Erlbaum not only understands asana to be a moving meditation of sorts, but she also asserts that lengthy seated meditation demands supplemental movement in order to keep the body healthy as well. She anatomically lay out sets of sequences for many common ailments that arise with prolonged periods of sitting. From the hips to the shoulders, neck and jaw, individual postures are detailed with clear descriptions and step-by-step visuals, then linked together in unique sequences. Erlbaum even offers options for nearly every posture and sequence to be done while seated in a chair!
As a yoga teacher, I found myself planning my classes as I was reading, incorporating the innovative, and often uncommon, movements that Erlbaum suggests. Whether you are a frequent meditator, have a 9-to-5 desk job or are a yoga teacher yourself, the series of movements in this book are a godsend, and Erlbaum’s fresh and inclusive viewpoint is invaluable.
Sit With Less Pain: Gentle Yoga for Meditators and Everybody Else
By Jean Erlbaum
200 pages. Wisdom Publications, June 2014. $19.95.
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