PThis is no hormone-charged game of Twister. It is celebration of the spiritual and the physical in intimacy, the "joys of elegant sexuality".

opular American media (books, movies and television) depict sex mostly as a superficial, self-gratifying act that pleases temporarily. It is very unusual to find the respect and generosity of the Song of Solomon, or the solid instruction for keeping a marriage bond strong offered in the Kama Sutra (the author points out that only 20% of the Kama Sutra is dedicated to sexual poses).

bookcoverEllen Barrett's book Sexy Yoga addresses sexuality as a healthy, creative part of being human. Sexy Yoga is designed to open up the three of the seven chakras (energy centers) that involve sexuality: root, sacral and heart. Yoga means "union" or "yoke" in Sanskrit, and it focuses on bringing the body into harmony with the mind and spirit. Yoga in its classical form is a Hindu philosophy for holistic health. It includes diet, exercise and hygiene as well as spirituality.

In the introduction, Barrett briefly presents the history of yoga and sexuality, the definition of modern Western yoga, and explains that sexy yoga is a blend of the teachings of the Kama Sutra and Hatha yoga (Ha meaning sun, and Tha meaning moon, which represents a blending of opposites). Hatha yoga blends meditation, breath control and positions to achieve holistic wellbeing.

Barrett is also quick to point out that positions in the Kama Sutra are generally designed for people who are advanced in yoga - as anyone who has seen the positions can conclude. With two of the three sections of exercises designed so they can be done clothed, she makes it clear that the goal is awareness of one's sexuality as well as deeper intimacy and sex itself.

Barrett then goes through a series of no-nonsense warnings and safety instructions - from making sure you listen to your body and know the difference between "challenge" and "pain" (where was this advice in the '80's?), to suggesting that if you and your partner plan to do these exercises naked you should turn up the temperature in the room so your muscles stay warmed up. She also instructs the reader in proper breathing during yoga.

Sexy yoga positions may or may not lead to the act itself. The positions with a partner (entitled "Divine Duets") need not lead to sex, but are a wonderful warm-up. The section called "Glowing Solo" makes it very clear that sexy yoga is about getting in touch with your own sexuality as well as your partner's. In fact I showed the book to a friend who says she has no husband, no boyfriend, and no prospects at this time. She said she would buy it immediately if she saw it in the bookstore. If she practices the exercises in "Glowing Solo" she may not be single for very long!

The exercises described in both of these sections include large black and white photographs of each position. They accompany the name of the pose, the setup (the poses in "Divine Duets" include separate setups and benefits for "him" and "her"), the duration necessary to hold the pose, the benefits of the position to the chakras, the subject of meditation, and modifications for someone who can't quite make it in (or worse, out!) of the position.

The third section entitled Sacred Sex is really about Kama Sutra positions that are do-able (for someone versed in yoga and in reasonably good shape). The photos are of nude models, but don't show much more skin than a year's subscription to a high fashion magazine. Again the name, setups and benefits of each position are listed.

In all seriousness, Sexy Yoga offers an honest, mature, and elegant way to deepen sexual self-awareness and awareness of your partner's sexuality. This is no hormone-charged game of Twister. It is celebration of the spiritual and the physical in intimacy, the "joys of elegant sexuality".

Check out the Ulysses Press web site at:
www.ulyssespress.com/fitness.htm
Paperback, 128 pages.
Ulysses Press ©2004
ISBN #1569754365