Yoke

My Yoga of Self-Acceptance

By: Jessamyn Stanley

Narrated by: Jessamyn Stanley

Length: 4 hrs and 29 mins

Publisher's summary

Finding self-acceptance both on and off the mat.

In Sanskrit, yoga means to “yoke.” To yoke mind and body, movement and breath, light and dark, the good and the bad. This larger idea of “yoke” is what Jessamyn Stanley calls the yoga of the everyday—a yoga that is not just about perfecting your downward dog but about applying the hard lessons learned on the mat to the even harder daily project of living.

In a series of deeply honest, funny autobiographical essays, Jessamyn explores everything from imposter syndrome to cannabis to why it’s a full-time job loving yourself, all through the lens of yoke. She calls out an American yoga complex that prefers debating the merits of cotton versus polyblend leggings rather than owning up to its overwhelming Whiteness. She questions why the Western take on yoga so often misses—or misuses—the tradition’s spiritual dimension. And reveals what she calls her own “whole-ass problematic”: growing up Baháí, loving astrology, learning to meditate, finding prana in music.

And in the end, Jessamyn invites every listener to find the authentic spirit of yoke—linking that good and that bad, that light and that dark.

©2021 Jessamyn Stanley (P)2022 Workman Publishing Company

Critic reviews

“Through a series of charming and thoughtful autobiographical essays, Yoke ultimately explains why Stanley practices yoga in the first place.”–Marie Claire

"This is a book for all readers, as a practical manual for embodied spiritual activism, a guide to decoloniz​ing wellness, a tool for recognizing privilege, and a reminder that yoga isn’t the corporate fantasy businesses make it out to be. Essential reading." —Library Journal Starred Review

"Readers who have dealt with struggles of impostor syndrome, self-doubt, and the difficulty of fitting into a space where no one looks like them will relate strongly. Abstract, funny, heartfelt, and inspiring, Yoke is a fundamental book for those learning to feel present in their emotions and to take up space for themselves, both on the yoga mat and off. –Booklist Starred Review

Her self acceptance journey was amazing

Her self acceptance journey was enlightening. I enjoyed every word because it came from her soul. I learned about more about meditation. I feel like I can cross the abyss in meditation now.

So inspiring!

Jessamyn is a modern-day guru in every sense of the word. Her willingness to unapologetically be herself is infectious and inspiring. I’m going to be interviewing her on my podcast and can’t wait to dive deeper into her backstory. Awesome book indeed.

Inspirational !!!

Thank you for following your inner teacher and for having the courage to share your yoga journey. Your story is encouragement for those of us who don't fit the stereotypical mold of yoga practitioner & teacher. We too have our own stories inside of us. I am a 71 year old Black yoga teacher who stepped onto a yoga mat for the first time after retiring 12 years ago after following my inner teacher. You are an inspiration to all who read this book, not just yogis. Thank you. @YogaWithEdna

Awesome glad it was read by the author. Unabridge

Awesome glad it was read by the author! Unabridged like listening to your BFF. Thought provoking and true.

Raw, Vulnerable Strength

The author is so real in the way she writes. She shares her life’s experiences and wisdom in the most authentic and relatable way. I truly enjoyed this book and didn’t want it to end. Thank you Jessamyn for pouring it all out into this book.

loved listening!

I loved this books so much. it made me think, opend my eyes and gave me the courage to just be me.

You probably need this book in your life

I absolutely loved listening to Jessamun Stnley's and I'm so glad she also read the audio book. I honestly got more of an education than I thought I was going to.

Real and vulnerable a different lens on yoga

Jessamines voice is pleasant on the ears. Her story is unapologetic and vulnerable and provides a look at an experience of yoga with a particular life lens. Fat Black Female Lesbian I’m grateful to have expanded my experience of yoga through here eyes and emotions.

Outstanding book

A very enjoyable listen with an author that knows how to speak with authority and from the heart. I related to her frankness, vulnerability, and path to self-love in an inspiring and emotional way. I keep re-listening to the book every time I need a refresh on how I want to improve on the way I interact with my body. Thank for making this book available! I wish there were more audible listens from you.

Loved my first Non-fiction Audible!

As Jessamyn spoke her truth about her journey to self acceptance within Yoga I felt inspired to seek that acceptance within myself as it pertained not only to my new interest in Yoga, but in my career as well. I only wish her first book was on Audible too!