I confess I am a wannabee Yogi.  I don’t practice nearly enough.  I am a professional procrastinator which has taken a toll on my yoga goals.  Those times that I do make it to my mat to practice, my soul is revived! Yoga is like medicine for me!

When I grow up, I want to be a 20-something tan, blonde chick living in Aruba teaching yoga & rescuing animals, okay??  Seriously, doesn’t that sound fantastic? The author of this book meets all of that criteria!!

Rachel Brathen

I discovered this bad ass Yogi through her Instagram posts.  Her name is Rachel Brathen, aka – Instagram’s @yogagirl.  What I love most about her is that she is full of honesty.  Her Instagram posts can be quite emotional; therefore, they aren’t always pretty.  She has bared her soul more than a few times to her followers.  That’s what made me buy her book.  That’s what this world needs more of.  Raw, honest, emotion.  So before I climb farther on top of my soap box, let’s talk about it…

The Book

(This cover makes me want to head on over to delta.com and book a flight to Aruba ASAP!)

 

While reading Yoga Girl, Rachel gives readers a deeper glimpse into her life.  Openly sharing childhood tragedy, troubled teenage years, and her struggle with labels.   She talks intimately about her triumphs and her failures.  She shares beautiful pictures, yoga routines and even some delicious recipes!

As I stated earlier, I am a WANNABE.  This chick is the real deal!  No worries though, her book is written to ANYONE who gets, or wants to get, on a mat (in fact, she says so in her book dedication).

PHOTOS:  Just like the book cover, the photos included within these pages are breathtaking!  There are candid shots, yoga poses, and the most beautiful natural scenery!  They are truly a feast for the eyes and add even more impact to the message of the book.

YOGA ROUTINES:  The yoga sequences are written so that anyone can master them.  They are beautifully depicted and underneath each movement is a description that when read aloud sounds just like your typical day in yoga class.  “Inhale to lengthen the spine…” “Exhale to step back one foot at a time…” “Come to a standing position…”  Seriously, you can just have someone read these to you while you do them and save your $15 drop-in yoga class fee for the day!

RECIPES:  Rachel includes step by step instructions on how to make some of her favorites dishes!  I have already tried a couple!  The carrot ginger soup is YUMMO!!!!  Her holistic approach to food gives you permission to enjoy eating while at the same time fueling your body with healthy nutrients!

KEEPIN’ IT REAL:  I love that Rachel talks about real issues that everyone faces.  Body image.  Expectation. Disappointment.  She is open to the fact that we are all human.  We will never be perfect.  We may never live up to someone else’s expectations, but she also lets the reader know, that is okay.  We are all here for a purpose.  We are here to live our lives in a way that produces health and happiness.  We don’t have to settle for anything less.

Rachel encourages readers to shed the weights that have been holding you back.  She encourages living!  True living!  This book is truly inspiring!!! I have read it at least three times, and each time I discover another truth to carry with me as I journey through life.

If you need a boost, a pick me up, a smile.  If you are looking for direction in life.  If you are searching for peace, but aren’t quite sure how to find it.  This book is for you!!!!

After you check out the book, head over and check out Rachel’s website oneoeight.com.  It is an amazing tool with yoga videos, guided meditations, advice, recipes and so much more!!