Review: The Eight Limbs of Yoga: For the American Yogi by Jack Utermoehl

"The Eight Limbs of Yoga: For the American Yogi" by Jack Utermoehl is a thoughtful, accessible, and to-the-point guide that distills ancient yogic wisdom into practical advice for modern readers. As an E-RYT 200 and YACEP-certified yoga teacher, Jack brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive background in the yoga sutras of Patanjali and the practices of Raja yoga and Kriya yoga.

A Modern Approach to Ancient Wisdom

The book lays out the benefits of integrating the Eight Limbs of Yoga into daily practice, highlighting improved peace of mind, healthier relationships, a fit body, and greater awareness. Utermoehl’s ability to convey these principles in a way that resonates with Western audiences makes this book a valuable resource for both experienced practitioners and those just beginning their yoga journey.

Clear and Practical Insights

Utermoehl explains each limb with clarity, providing Western minds with practices and ideas to deepen their understanding of the yoga sutras of Patanjali. Ahiṁsā (non-violence) is emphasized as the foundation of yoga, and Utermoehl effectively relates this concept to daily life as well as all the other limbs.

His metaphor of putting on your own oxygen mask before helping others is a vivid illustration of how we must care for ourselves before we can be of service to others.

Engaging and Digestible

One of the book's greatest strengths is its accessible language, making abstract concepts relatable. Readers consistently praise Utermoehl's ability to distill complex philosophies into practical, easy-to-understand teachings:

“I am so excited to have this book on my phone as a tool in my life to draw me closer to this path of yoga. To have it on the kindle app means that I will have the book wherever I go. So far, I love how simply this book is explained for readers to fully be able to digest the golden nuggets of wisdom. Truly grateful for this book.”

- Melissa

"I have always wanted to understand the philosophy behind my Monday morning Yoga classes. This book is it! Jack Utermoehl beautifully, and simply, explains what the 8 limbs are. Its written to be easily digestible, especially for American/Western minds. I would highly recommend this for anyone curious about the roots of Yoga.”

- Dmarshall

"Thank you, Jack, for writing an eBook on the Eight Limbs of Yoga. You provided great examples of some abstract concepts. The eBook is well organized with exercises to help in further understanding the principles of yoga. It is a book that I will often reference.”

- Grace

"I wanted to explore deeper into yoga and The Eight Limbs of Yoga was a great way to start. It clearly explains how our actions affect everything around us. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone wanting a deeper understanding of yoga.”

- Judy

Final Thoughts

"The Eight Limbs of Yoga: For the American Yogi" is a must-read for anyone looking to integrate the deeper principles of yoga into their daily life. With its clear explanations, practical exercises, and accessible format, it's a guidebook that will inspire and inform anyone on the path of yoga.

Whether you're a beginner, a student, or an experienced practitioner, this book is a valuable addition to your yoga library.

You can find the ebook on Amazon Here.