Demystifying Yoga - by Donna Noble (Paperback)

About the Book

Recognising the limiting effect of misconceptions and stereotypes around yoga, this book offers yoga teachers and practitioners the tools needed to remove barriers to practice and create inclusive and accessible spaces. With real-life examples and community insights, this book helps to shift the focus to the transformative aspects of yoga.

Book Synopsis

Misconceptions have led many people to believe that yoga is an exclusive practice only for slim, young, able-bodied and privileged people. Shifting the focus away from limiting stereotypes and myths, Donna Noble carves out a vital space for a more inclusive vision of yoga within these pages.

Examining issues such as body image, cultural appropriation and accessibility, chapters break down the barriers to yoga practice, exploring the origins of yoga stereotypes and how they have shaped perceptions. Drawing on real-life examples, interviews with practitioners, and community insights, this book spotlights the voices that are too often missing from yoga spaces and offers practical tools for making yoga culture welcoming and inclusive for everybody.

Whether you are yoga teacher or simply looking to find yourself reflected in yoga, this book is the perfect place to be reminded that yoga really is for everyBODY regardless of age, size, ethnicity, ability or gender.

Review Quotes

Donna Noble's "Demystifying Yoga" bravely asks the question, "Who is missing from yoga spaces, and why?" Drilling down through layers of history, culture, and oppression, Noble brilliantly unearths essential truths about yoga: These teachings are for all people for all time. No one is excluded from yoga's eternal embrace.--Jivana Heyman "Founder and Director of Accessible Yoga"

Yoga is for every body. That has always been true, but it has not always been practised. Donna has written the book yoga has needed for a long time. This is required reading for anyone who teaches, practises or simply loves yoga. You won't be disappointed.--Hannah Barrett "Author, yoga teacher and founder of Yoga Happy"

What I most love about Donna Noble is that she walks her talk. This book contains valuable knowledge, shared in a clear way so that you can both see how yoga has excluded different groups and how various groups are now claiming yoga and reaping the benefits. Donna has been instrumental in bringing yoga to many of these groups and it is not only well worth reading her book. I would highly recommend attending one of her classes.--Julia Davis "Co-Author "Circle Holding: A Practical Guide to Facilitating Talking Circles"

A must read! Demystifying Yoga is Donna's story, my story, and the story of all practitioners who came to yoga from their longing to find their true self. It's the universal experience of empowerment, transformation, happiness and real fulfillment. Highly recommended!--Kirti Khalsa "CEO, Alzheimer's Research and Prevention Foundation"

Demystifying Yoga is an in depth and unique Yoga FAQ. As you read it, it is as if you are having an actual conversation with Donna; informative, engaging, light and funny at times, but still disruptive...We get to connect with Donna through her openly sharing how yoga was a major part of her healing journey from Bell's palsy, personal insights about how microagressions within the yoga space affected both her and her students. It was also good to read of Donna's lived experience of the 8 Limbs of Yoga.--Yvonne O'Garro "Restorative Yoga Teacher"

About the Author

Donna Noble is a Yoga and Wellbeing Specialist, Educator and founder of CurvesomeYoga. She is known for her dedication to making yoga and wellbeing more accessible and inclusive. She is a social justice and diversity and inclusion advocate. As an original co-creator of the UK's first Black wellbeing and fitness festival, Donna is also a writer and her work has been featured across print and digital media including HuffPost, Thrive Global, Stylist Magazine, Metro, OM Yoga & Lifestyle Magazine, and on BBC and Channel 4. Donna is the author of Teaching Body Positive Yoga (Singing Dragon) and a contributor to the anthology Forgiveness isThe Hardest Thing (Leschenault Press). She lives in London.