5 Books Every Yoga Teacher Should Read
This year, as an effort to connect more with my Yoga community and step more fully into the spiritual and intellectual aspect of the practice, I decided to start a Yoga Book Club.
For me, this was a no brainer. It was an idea I’d been brewing for a while because I love personal growth and I believe it truly interweaves seamlessly into a wholistic view of practicing Yoga. The deeper I’ve gone into asana, meditation, and breath work, the more I crave to know.
So far, the book club has been a hit and I’ve connected more deeply with fellow teachers and students at my home studio. It has sparked ideas for meditation, self-inquiry, and most of all, theming classes.
As a professional Yoga teacher, I believe it is my duty to also be a professional student; forever learning more about the practice and how it can help me and those who practice with me.
Because of this, I wanted to recommend a few must-reads for every Yoga instructor. These have been the cornerstones of my growth as a teacher and I continue to revisit them to this day.
So, I present to you, 5 Books Every Yoga Teacher Should Read:
1. The Yamas and Niyamas by Deborah Adele
This book was the first we read in my 200HR Teacher Training in 2015. At the time, I was most familiar with the physical practice of Yoga. The spiritual and lifestyle aspects were still a mystery….until I found this book.
Deborah Adele says, “The Yamas and Niyamas are Yoga’s ten ethical guidelines and are foundational to all Yogic thought. They comprise the first two limbs of Yoga’s eight-fold path and provide the toolkit you need for skillful living.”
I am forever grateful to this book because it completely opened my eyes to what Yoga looks like when we step off the mat. I was so taken by every tenant and appreciated the relatable examples the author provided; speaking about the Yamas and Niyamas in a way I could understand and apply.
This is one I will read until I can no longer read anymore. Each time I do, it reminds me of simple ideas I can share with my students to demystify the practice.
Offerings Inspired by The Yamas and Niyamas:
- Go through one guideline a week in your public classes. Weave in quotes, examples, and ways your students can apply these guidelines to their own life for personal growth.
- Use the journal prompts provided in the book to prompt your students for self-inquiry.
- Think of how the Yamas and Niyamas connect to us physically. Could there be Chakra connections here?
- Share personal reflections related to the book and its passages with your students.
- Lead a journaling workshop or Restorative/Yin offering where you weave in self-inquiry related to the Yamas and Niyamas.
2. The 4 Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take things personally, Don’t make assumptions, Always do your best. These are the 4 Agreements as told by Don Miguel Ruiz. In his easy-to-digest book, he shares the practical ways to attain freedom through the wisdom of the Toltec.
This one really sets the foundation for the journey of personal development as the ‘agreements’ are easy to remember and refer back to. I constantly find myself thinking one thing and following it up with, “but don’t take it personally.”
Somehow, Ruiz’s wisdom has permeated in such a powerful way that I’ll likely never forget his advice. When I find myself slipping into old patterns, I return back to the physical copy or audio book to reset.
One of my favorite things about these agreements is how they relate to life as well as teaching Yoga. If you’re interested in the Four Agreements of Teaching Yoga, check out my article here.
Offerings Inspired by The 4 Agreements:
- Go through one agreement a week. Just like The Yamas and Niyamas, add in quotes, life examples, and applicable ways your students can grow in their practice through this wisdom.
- Connect the agreements to the chakras. Be Impeccable With Your Word = Throat Chakra, Don’t Take Things Personally = Sacral Chakra, Don’t Make Assumptions = Solar Plexus, Always Do Your Best = Root Chakra.
- Conduct a workshop series for your students. Each week could be a new agreement connected to self-inquiry and asana practice.
3. One Simple Thing by Eddie Stern
When I read this book, my mind was absolutely blown. The way Eddie Stern connects science and Yoga is impeccable and will change your practice and the way you teach forever.
He goes through the science of our nervous system, Yogic lifestyle, breathing practices, meditation, and so so much more. If you have students who are skeptical of the actual science behind Yoga, this is a must read.
This is a book that you’ll want to take your time reading. You may even want to take notes so that you can refer back and continue to revisit the wisdom Stern shares.
For me, learning more about the science behind Yoga allows me to share with my students in a way that demystifies the practice. Instead of just saying, “it works!” I can say, “here’s why it works.”
Offerings Inspired by One Simple Thing:
- Organize a workshop on the science behind Yoga to share with your students or fellow teachers.
- Theme your classes around the ideas Stern shares: pranayama, nervous system, better sleep, vagus nerve, etc.
- Share a beginner series based around the science of Yoga for the people who need a little bit more proof.
4. How Yoga Works by Geshe Michael Roach
In this one, Michael Roach shows us the magic of transferring the ancient wisdom of the Yoga Sutras into a novel. Because of the cryptic and confusing nature of the Sutras, this was oh so refreshing for me as a budding teacher trainee.
In short, the novel follows a young Tibetan woman who uses the wisdom of the sutras to see and navigate the world differently. In this way the sutras can transform her life and yours.
Offerings Inspired by How Yoga Works:
- Choose a quote, sutra, or passage from the book to share with your students — weave in connections as you go
- Share the story of this book during a Restorative or Yin class — you could even share one part and announce that part two is coming next week… keep ’em coming back.
- Host your own Yoga book club and discuss the wisdom and self-inquiry that this one provides.
5. Yoga and the Pursuit of Happiness by Sam Chase
This is another mind blowing book that focuses on how Yoga (and its accompanying practices) can make us happier. Who doesn’t want that?
My favorite thing about this one is how the author weaves in the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gitta in easy-to-understand and applicable ways. Not only that, but he gives you several meditation practices to weave into your daily routine that promote well-being and vitality. Again, who doesn’t want that?
The case studies and facts that Sam Chase shares alone are enough to hook me in. This is another one that’s worth reading just for the little nuggets you can share with your students to make Yoga more accessible.
Offerings Inspired by Yoga and the Pursuit of Happiness:
- Theme a class around the idea of happiness. What movements and breath practices promote a sense of well-being?
- Form a workshop or series around Yoga and happiness for students and/or teachers.
- Share the meditations and prompts from this book with your students. Trust me, they’re juicy.
Wanting More?
Are you craving more personal growth? Want to know more about how to move your Yoga teaching from side-hustle to full-time?
Della Wheeler is a Yoga teacher and business coach helping teachers and studios grow their communities with confidence, authenticity, and abundance. Connect with Della on Facebook here.
