Yoga Journeys: Stores from the Mat

When Rick Blacklaws, the book's photographer, sets his mat down to practice yoga, he usually positions himself in the back row, a serene place with walls for support. From that vantage, he became mesmerized by the beauty of the human form flowing in and out of yoga poses. Seeing bending bodies of all shapes and sizes flooded with light, triggered an interest in capturing a yoga practice's beauty, grace and mental engagement. 

Rick approached our ever-vibrant Live Yoga instructor, Katarina, to see if she was interested in being photographed. The photos exceeded their expectations, thus encouraging them to expand the vision to photograph the Live Yoga community and other practitioners in the White Rock and Surrey British Columbia area.

Why people are drawn to their mat again and again to benefit from this ancient practice became the author's, Carol Blacklaws', goal. At a time when stress abounds, what draws people to set up their mats and surrender to this practice? The memoir reflections and vivid imagery opened a window into today's need for yoga that is surprising and well worth the read.

We approached publishers, but the insistence on a need to fill a stadium with social media followers worked against the authenticity of producing a high-quality, low-technology publication. 

Our goal is to share what many of us know, yoga can heal and enhance. By sharing personal growth and transformation stories, we can inspire others to embark on their yoga journeys by telling their stories from their mats.

Available at Live Yoga - 15186 Buena Vista Ave, White Rock, BC V4B 1Y3, Canada