Yoga Book Tag

Other than zumba, yoga is the only type of exercise I can stand.

I love the opportunity to tune into my body and center myself.

Also, added bonus: I get to wear cute outfits. Praise be.

Though I saw a yoga tag on BookTube, I haven’t seen many yoga pose book tags on the blogs.

So I made my own.

The following are some of my favorite poses.

 

Tadasana

A book that empowered you

New Erotica for Feminists was a joy.

Why do these reasonable scenarios feel SO OUT OF REACH???

The book’s multiple authors listed ways to support the feminist cause.

I am glad for direction and encouragement.

 

Sukhasana

A book that centered you

Croquette and Empanada: A Love Story provided some relief from the heavy, twisty books I usually buy.

I liked reading about the day-to-day of coupledom.

It felt really nice.

Obvious highlights: city walking and mop dog.

 

Utkatasana

A book that made you uncomfortable

My mom is a nurse and former HIV/AIDS educator.

She taught me about puberty, birth, and STIs without it being a “thing.”

I thought of myself as “super chill” about sex for way too long.

Cut to my brain exploding the first time I met a polyamorous person.

COOL. TURNS OUT SEX MAKES ME UNCOMFORTABLE.

Here I’d been begging my churches to have frank sexual conversations.

Sex, God, and the Conservative Church did just that and I couldn’t handle it.

I didn’t finish the book. I wasn’t ready.

 

Garudasana

A book that opened your mind

I DID NOT LIKE THE WAY I FELT READING SCIENCE MIKE’S BOOK!

Mike’s spiritual experiences don’t fit most reconversion narratives. His conclusions aren’t definitive. He doesn’t even call himself a Christian anymore.

I thought, “If loving Jesus can look like this, what does that mean for me!?!?”

Much later, I experienced a faith crisis much like Mike’s.

I feel like I should have prepared more.

My faith is still nebulous, but Mike’s story helps.

He gave me permission to let go of the details.

I appreciate that.

 

Savasana

A book you gave up on

I thought about reading Christine Lynn Herman’s Devouring Gray (bi protagonist), but I decided I wasn’t in the mood for magical woods.

I felt burned out on magical forests and couldn’t figure out why…

 

Vajrasana

A book that required your full attention

Once I got into Stay Sexy and Don’t Get Murdered, I had difficulty concentrating on anything else.

My thoughts swam with murder and mental health.

(That…doesn’t sound great.)

This book is funny and VERY WELL-WRITTEN. Karen Kilgariff and Georgia Hardstark deserve recognition for their top-knotch, vulnerable prose.

 

Balasana

A book you needed a break from

Eating Animals is, at times, gross.

Foer uses graphic details to sway omnivores.

The list of common bycatch made me ill.

It took me more than a month to finish this book. Short bursts were all my stomach could handle.

Also, I made sure to send screenshots of the most horrifying passages to my girlfriend.

Partner of the year right here.

 

Vriksasana

A book that balanced genres, plot threads, or perspectives

Mark A. Yarhouse’s book Understanding Gender Dysphoria represents where my politics and theology were not too long ago.

Yarhouse offers several different views on gender dysphoria in his book, including biblical, cultural, and scientific perspectives. While he shows compassion for struggling family members, he remains firmly on the side of his trans and nonbinary clients.

His passage on church culture and accommodation is some of the best ally commentary I’ve ever read.

Note: I gathered from the text that Yarhouse is likely not LGBTQ+-affirming.

I include this book anyway because his advice amounts to:

1. Love and support your trans and nonbinary friends and relatives.
2. Make space for them in community.
3. Don’t try to change them.

This is a good book for seekers who aren’t yet ready to become allies.

 

Chaturanga Dandasana

A book you are determined to finish

I was really feeling The Half-Witch when I saw it at Elliott Bay Books.

So thrilled. Beyond stoked.

Then I checked out some brand new books, received a $25 gift card for books, bought a long-desired comedy tome with an Elliott Bay punchcard, and discovered a bevy of wonderful recently-published graphic novels.

And, like…it’s Pride Month. I’ve been prioritizing other things.

In essence, I got distracted and now I only have four days to finish The Half-Witch before the library comes calling.

I will get it done before then.

Or…not.

 

I’m counting this book tag as my yoga for the week.

It COUNTS.

Confession: I HATE tagging people, but I would love for anyone who wants to to participate.

Seriously, anyone.

You have been tagged.

Do it.

You’ll feel great afterward.

And it’ll give you an excuse to wear a cute, comfy outfit!

DO IIIIIIT.