by Kara-Leah Grant I've been following J. Brown for a few years now, inspired and impressed by the consistent and constant magnifying glass he applies to the yoga world. J. has no qualms about challenging the accepted flow with his articles, calling into question elements of yoga teaching and practice that he finds problematic. But then, J. Brown is an upstart who has always gone against the grain right from the beginning of his career, deliberately taking a different approach from the … [Read more...]
No More Dancers Doing Yoga on Youtube
In celebration of the launch of The No-More-Excuses Guide to Yoga, I’ve invited some friends and colleagues to write articles relating to the theme of the book’s subtitle: Because yoga is for every body. It’s one way of helping to smash the image and idea that you need to be thin, flexible, young and female to practice yoga - or that yoga has to involve advanced postures. Unfortunately, much of what we see in the media reflects this idea about yoga - something J.Brown discusses in this … [Read more...]
‘Gentle is the New Advanced’ A Review of J. Brown’s Yoga DVD
by Seka Ojdrovic-Phillips, Spirit Fire Yoga Life hurts. This helps. So goes J Brown’s slogan on his simple DVD cover. Much like his cover, J’s teaching transcends hollow mantras and trite maxims to get to the heart of the practice. Though initially skeptical upon learning that Yogi J hails from Williamsburg, Brooklyn (AKA the hipster incubation tank), his sincerity is undeniable. The timing of this DVD release coincides with a time in my personal practice when I’m over the “brand” of … [Read more...]
Do Perfect Yoga Videos Do the Practice a Disservice?
by J. Brown, Yogi Brown Editor's Note: This article was originally published as The Unbearable Sweetness of Yoga on Yogi Brown. I wanted to share it here because it's an important message about the deeper nature of yoga, beyond glossy perfect media images. Most people who practice yoga with any consistency over time begin to recognize that the benefits extend well beyond having a strong and flexible body. But unlocking the keys to the real power of yoga often requires a fearless embrace … [Read more...]