YogiTunes Documentary Film Review: Yoga Is

Yoga Is from Suzanne bryant-cunha on Vimeo.

Yoga Is: A Film About The Transformational Power of Yoga

Yoga Is, is an inspiring, quick, 60-minute documentary on what yoga is all about. The filmmaker, Suzanne Bryant, found herself lost after losing her mother to breast cancer so she set out to explore and learn more about the ancient practice of yoga. Along her journey, both East & West, she met with some of the most prominent Western Yoga Gurus, teachers, and celebrity devotees such as Russell Simmons, Christy Turlington Burns, Michael Franti, Sharon Gannon, David Life, Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Alan Finger, Ana Forrest, Baron Baptiste, Cyndi Lee, Sri Dharma Mittra, Eddie Modestini, Elise Browning Miller, Erich Schiffmann, Gurmukh, Krishna Das, Nicki Doane, Robert Thurman, Saul David Raye, Shyam Das. Through her journeying, she attained much enlightenment (as one could imagine conversing with such great teachers, in such spiritual places!).

What I loved most about this film was how much emphasis was put on yoga being SO much more than just a physical practice on a mat. I found myself jotting down memorable quotes that were so uplifting and true. When we step onto our mats to stretch our bodies, calm our minds, and deepen our breath, we are connecting ourselves to a higher power whether we realize it or not. We're connecting with the earth, grounding, and recharging ourselves. When we do this, we become clear. Yoga fulfills us from within, and shows us that we don't need external things to make us happy (as we're conditioned to believe through the media).

Of course, I loved how much footage was shown in India, the motherland of yoga. Any shots of India reminds me of my trips there and how simple yet beautiful their way of life is. Love and beauty is literally gushing out of every smile there. Simplifying and letting go is a huge part of yoga. India helped me understand this concept, allowing me to return home and practice it.

Music-wise, the tunes were right on. There was a continuous flow of awesome tracks from beginning to end and each made a perfect back drop to all that was being discussed. Check here for the complete list of songs.

A refreshing documentary on yoga for beginners, intermediate or advanced yogis to be inspired by. I give it a solid thumbs up, check it out!

Lauren is a guest blogger for YogiTunes, an organization that is committed to using the power of music to support positive social change.