Soul to Soul (2015) is promoted as Poems, Prayers, and Stories to End a Yoga Class. It is more than that. The collection of readings are a great way to plan a yoga class’s intention. They are also fabulous as a source for daily meditation.

Soul to Soul is a second edition collection of 150 inspiring perfect-length readings and quotes that can be used as meditations for ending a yoga class. Honoring many spiritual traditions, it’s a great gift idea for yoga teachers and practitioners, or for anyone seeking uplifting messages.

Writings are featured a wide selection of teachers such as Swami Kripalu, Thich Nhat Hahn, Deepak Chopra, Hafiz, H.H. the Dalai Lama, Eckhart Tolle, Shakti Gawain, Don Miguel Ruiz , Mother Teresa, Oriah Mountain Dreamer, David Frawley. the Buddha, Black Elk, Swami Rama, as well as selections from the Bhagavad Gita and his own 28 original works.

This wonderfully eclectic collection was compiled by experienced yoga teacher John Mundahl. He has been a yoga teacher and practitioner for 36 years including a residency at the original Kripalu Yoga Ashram in Sumneytown, Pennsylvania from 1977-1981, when Swami Kripalu’s resided in the United States. He has authored 12 books and many short stories and poems.

I find that this book can be used for much more than just the special end of class when everyone is in savasanna. Yes the readings can be used as a contemplative source at the end of a class. However, most readings have an associated quote at the bottom to reinforce the message. I can see for example that while conducting opening class breathing that the quote is read as teaser for intention and the reading at the end for deeper contemplation and integration.

On a bigger scale, the combined readings and quotes can be inspiration for planning a yoga session as a teacher. Based on the intentions set within, a yoga sequence can be devised to explore the intention. Even as a practitioner, you can personally use them as inspiration for your private sessions at home. Or they can just be used as material for meditation without a yoga session.

At the end of every class I offer a blessing. Mr Mundahl quotes Swami Kripalu: “Don’t think that only saints can give blessings. Anyone can give a blessing. A blessing comes from the heart and thus from God.” in Soul to Soul, each reading is a blessing.