The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

Bessel van der Kolk, M.D., explores how traumatic experiences affect both mind and body, offering insights into innovative treatments that utilize the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to heal.

The Yamas and Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice

Deborah Adele delves into yoga’s ethical guidelines, providing practical exercises and reflections to integrate these principles into daily life.

Living in the Light: Yoga for Self-Realization

Deepak Chopra and Sarah Platt-Finger present a guide to achieving one’s highest potential through the philosophy and practice of Royal Yoga, an all-encompassing path to personal transformation.

The Truth of Yoga: A Comprehensive Guide to Yoga’s History, Texts, Philosophy, and Practices

Daniel Simpson offers a concise overview of yoga’s evolution, clarifying common misconceptions and connecting ancient teachings to modern practices.

From the Vedas to Vinyasa: An Introduction to the History and Philosophy of Yoga

Amy Vaughn provides an engaging narrative tracing yoga’s journey from its origins to contemporary forms, making complex topics approachable for readers.

Science of Yoga: Understand the Anatomy and Physiology to Perfect Your Practice

Ann Swanson provides a visual guide that delves into the scientific aspects of yoga, explaining how various poses affect the body’s systems, including the nervous system.

One Simple Thing: A New Look at the Science of Yoga and How It Can Transform Your Life

Eddie Stern explores the physiological and neurological effects of yoga, presenting scientific research in an accessible manner, discussing how yoga practices can lead to overall well-being.

Overcoming Trauma through Yoga: Reclaiming Your Body

by David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD. This book serves as an accessible introduction to trauma-sensitive yoga, making it suitable for trauma survivors, yoga instructors, and clinicians. It offers practical exercises and insights to help individuals reconnect with their bodies and manage trauma symptoms.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga in Therapy: Bringing the Body into Treatment by David Emerson

Geared more towards clinicians and therapists, this guide delves into incorporating trauma-sensitive yoga into therapeutic settings. It emphasizes the importance of body-oriented therapies in trauma treatment and provides detailed instructions for professionals. This book is particularly valuable for those looking to integrate yoga practices into clinical therapy.

Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Deck for Kids: 50 Practices to Help Children Grow in Confidence and Emotion Regulation

This deck by David Emerson offers 50 yoga practices designed specifically for children to help them build confidence and regulate emotions. It’s a valuable resource for therapists, caregivers, and yoga teachers working with children who have experienced trauma.

The following are not “yogic” but have been very important books in my life and I have referred these to more people than I can count.

Awareness: The Perils and Opportunities of Reality

by Anthony De Mello is a powerful guide to waking up from the illusions that shape our lives. Blending spirituality, psychology, and humor, De Mello challenges readers to break free from automatic thinking, embrace the present moment, and cultivate true self-awareness. The book offers practical insights on letting go of attachments, overcoming suffering, and finding authentic joy — making it a timeless resource for anyone seeking deeper clarity and inner peace.

Practicing Peace

by Pema Chödrön is a concise yet powerful exploration of how we can cultivate peace within ourselves and extend it to the world around us. Through gentle wisdom and practical guidance, Chödrön encourages readers to break the cycle of aggression by staying present, opening their hearts, and embracing difficult emotions with compassion.