"Yoga and Identity" is a groundbreaking book written by Ashley, a renowned yoga practitioner and scholar, that explores the complex relationship between yoga and identity. Drawing on her extensive experience both as a practitioner and an academic, Ashley challenges common assumptions about yoga as a purely physical practice and demonstrates how it is deeply intertwined with issues of identity, culture, and social justice.
The book is divided into three parts, each focusing on a different aspect of the relationship between yoga and identity. Part One explores the historical and cultural roots of yoga, tracing its development from ancient India to its current global popularity. Ashley highlights the ways in which yoga has been shaped by its various contexts and argues that a deeper understanding of its historical and cultural roots can help practitioners cultivate a more authentic and meaningful practice.
In Part Two, Ashley turns her attention to the ways in which yoga intersects with issues of identity, including race, gender, sexuality, and disability. Drawing on personal anecdotes and scholarly research, she explores how yoga can both reinforce and challenge dominant cultural narratives around identity, and offers practical suggestions for practitioners seeking to create more inclusive and welcoming yoga spaces.
Finally, in Part Three, Ashley examines the role of yoga in social justice movements, arguing that yoga can be a powerful tool for activism and social change. Drawing on examples from around the world, she demonstrates how yoga can be used to build community, promote healing, and inspire social and political action.
Throughout the book, Ashley brings together her personal experiences as a yoga practitioner with her deep knowledge of the history and culture of yoga, weaving together a compelling narrative that is both accessible and thought-provoking. "Yoga and Identity" is a must-read for anyone interested in the transformative power of yoga, and its potential to create positive change in the world.
