Yin Yang Yogini (Advance Review Copy)

When a neurotic boomer mom meets a svelte young yoga teacher someone has to transform, and you can bet it won't be the foxy yogini with the starburst on her sacrum. Yin Yang Yogini is Eat Pray Love for moms who can't (or won't) jump on an airplane and fly to Bali, for women who are grounded (at least temporarily) in and by motherhood, for women (and men) who must find their spiritual enlightenment in their own backyard. Yin Yang Yogini is a memoir that will speak to women; to those who are dealing with anxiety issues and disorders (eighteen percent of the US population, and twice as many women as men), to those who have children, to boomers (70 million) to women diagnosed with breast cancer (one in eight) and to those who practice yoga (20 million Americans and the number is growing). This is a memoir about a transformational two years of Kathryn's life, a time in which she learned to trust herself and the universe, even while facing such issues as the death of her parents, her children leaving home for college, panic and anxiety issues, and breast cancer. Although breast cancer and yoga may seem to be unlikely partners, studies have shown that yoga improves the well being of women treated for early stage breast cancer, and yoga is increasingly recognized for its effects on various ailments ranging from depression to heart disease and autoimmune diseases. Yin Yang Yogini is a memoir about transformation through yoga, with yoga as the backdrop for change, a story of how one can evolve in mid-life and in mid-stride, of how one can learn to let go of the past, let go of fear, and live with trust in the present moment. Kathryn's story is heartfelt, humorous (Kathryn was a yoga skeptic so this is not simply an ode to yoga), and timely. Yoga is spreading like wildflowers these days-but not everyone realizes that this ancient practice holds the key to balance, strength, and inner peace in our contemporary world. Kathryn's journey of self-discovery, awakening, and healing will speak to women (and especially to mothers) everywhere. It will also so speak to anyone who has faced anxiety issues or a serious disease, such as cancer. Yin Yang Yogini is about finding courage, strength, and happiness within.