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            Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey 2012 DVDRipFilm Website: http://www.yogais.com/Directed By Suzanne BryantAbout http://www.yogais.com/about-2/Thirty million Americans and countless millions worldwide have taken up a practice that is transforming their lives. Follow filmmaker Suzanne Bryant as she meets with the most prominent Yoga Gurus and teachers in the west and travels to India to explore the power of this ancient practice. Along the way she discovers what YOGA IS.This is the story of a woman who thought she had it all …until she lost her beloved mother to cancer. Trying to process and understand her profound grief, Suzanne embarked on a journey and turned to a deeper practice of yoga.Suzanne’s journey led her to India on a spiritual quest to learn more about this powerful ancient practice. She studied yoga and Ayurveda in Kerala, Ashtanga Yoga with Pattabhis Jois and his daughter Saraswati, met with Guru Neem Karoli Baba’s son in Vrindavan to learn about Bhakti yoga and came face to face with a near death experience herself. While in India, something had shifted within her, the light had returned.Inspired by her experience in India, she returned back to the U.S. to explore what yoga means to the West and how it can transform lives. Suzanne met with the most prominent western Yoga Gurus and teachers as well as celebrity yoga devotees Russell Simmons, Christy Turlington, musician Michael Franti and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman in search for the answers that unite us all.  Answers to questions such as Love, Truth, Happiness, Purpose, The Now, our Dark and Light , Empowerment, Karma, Enlightenment, Transformation and so much more. What she found was something wonderful: a path that can enable anyone to transform suffering and experience daily peace and happiness.BioSuzanne Bryant is a former journalist from NYC. She attended NYU for journalism and worked for Producer George Crile at 60 Minutes II. While living in NYC she took up a daily yoga practice to deal with her anxiety a bi product or so she thought of living amongst metropolis.This daily practice of yoga would be the beginning of a journey. Although she had been practicing yoga, taking her first class in 1991, it was her daily experience of yoga in 1998 that would be the beginning of a transformation.After noticing the powerful effects of calming her mind, clarity about her life began to reveal itself. She enrolled in a 500 hour teacher training with Alan Finger of Ishta Yoga in NYC in 2000 while still working in journalism. A phone call would change her life. She learned of her mother’s breast cancer diagnosis. She left NY to come back to San Francisco to be with her mother, believing she would return at some point. The illness became terminal and the one thing Suzanne found strength to deal with the reality of her dying mother was yoga.Yoga had been a blessing in her life in NYC, but now she had to find a way of staying present and being supportive in a reality she did not want to be facing. Yoga became like a best friend, that no mater what she faced in the day, would make her feel stronger and peaceful after the practice. It was like magic.After her mothers passing she decided to explore more deeply this mysterious ancient practice of yoga. She embarked on a journey looking for answers. This journey led her to India the birthplace of yoga where she studied Ashtanga Yoga with Pattabhis Jois and his daughter Saraswati, Bhakti Yoga and the teachings of Guru Neem Karoli Baba with scholar Syham Das in Vrindavan, India as well as Yoga and Ayurveda in the South of India, Kerala with Shiva Rea.After a near death experience in India, she was further determined explore this practice and set out to interview many of the most prominent yoga Teachers in the west as well as some high profile celebrities Russell Simmons and Christy Turlington Burns, musician Michael Franti and Buddhist scholar Robert Thurman in search of what YOGA IS.Suzanne is forever grateful for the profound transformation she has experienced in how yoga has revealed her truth and given her a sense of purpose and immense happiness. She shares what she has learned by teaching yoga, making conscious films and also went back to school for a Masters in Spiritual Psychology and Nutrition. She has a private wellness practice with clients in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles working in many modalities to transform lives and help people connect to their health and happiness. With her passion and knowledge of  yoga Suzanne also teaches yoga privately and to groups and is excited to launch yoga and wellness retreats worldwide, helping one soul at a time to tranforrm the world into a more happy place.  www.suzannebryant.comFEATURING: 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 DasTitle:          Yoga Is – A Transformational JourneyGenre:          DocumentaryIMDB Link:      http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2504876/File size:      1.18 GBDuration:       1:04:21Format:         AVIvideo codec:    H264video bitrate:  2180 Kbpsframerate:      23.976 fpsResolution:     720*402 (16:9)Audio codec:    AC3Audio bitrate:  448 Kbps CBR, 48.0 Hz, 6 channels, Front: L C R, Side: L R, LFE, 16 bitsLanguage:       EnglishExtras:         Additional Interviews; Trailer 1, Trailer 2 (1.35 GB, 01:23:05)Cinema release: N/A                          DVD release:    2012/09/25Film Review: “Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey”By: Ariana HendrixThis documentary from 2012 follows filmmaker Suzanne Bryant as she seeks healing and transformation of spirit through the practice of yoga. Bryant, a successful young journalist living in New York City, has her world turned upside down when her beloved mother dies of breast cancer. Unsure how to cope with sadness and loss, Bryant delves more deeply into yoga, taking her on the journey of spirituality and discovery of self that became this film’s message.However, the movie is not really about Bryant at all. While her story serves as a catalyst for an exploration of what “yoga is,” and her voice-over occasionally interjects to relate her journey to the discussion being had by others, her story fails to actually exhibit her transformation; she merely tells us about it. What makes Yoga Is worth watching is its cast of some of the wisest, most practiced and intelligent minds in contemporary yoga.Notable yoga instructors featured in the film include Alan Finger, Sri Dharma Mittra, and Shiva Rae; Robert Thurman, professor of Buddhist studies at Columbia University, adds an academic’s perspective, and celebrity yogis Michael Franti, Russell Simmons, and Christy Turlington Burns also contribute to the film’s star power.In a step-by-step approach, the movie addresses many different elements of yoga philosophy, with these famous yogis weighing in. This format offers an introduction to the basics of what yogic spirituality can mean, while also dipping into moments of existentialist thought that could prove to be enlightening even to the yoga skeptic.But while the interviews with yoga instructors and practitioners were interwoven as supplementary material to Bryant’s story, she became so overshadowed by their wisdom and charisma that her story—the “plot” of the film—seems almost unnecessary. When she does interject, she often comes off as privileged and somewhat shallow. Bryant oversimplifies and glosses over what yoga means to her, and during her time in India, tends to make generalizations about Eastern culture.The filmmaker’s shallowness, however, is somewhat redeemed by a surprising moment of honesty from yoga instructor Sean Corne. Amidst the discussion of “Purpose,” Corne explicitly tells the audience what she tells her students: “Find your wound, and you’ll find your purpose.” Step into the environment of your wound, she advises, and help those whose wounds you can understand. Corne’s call to action steps outside the often rose-tinted glasses of yoga culture and is a refreshing approach to teaching how yoga can positively affect lives in a concrete way.Bryant’s filmmaking abilities are strongest in terms of the actual experience of watching the film, which is quite meditative and calming. The soundtrack, muted colors, and slow-moving images make for a hypnotic feeling, which not only captures the mood of the film’s topic, but also helps the viewer to connect more deeply with its messages.Ultimately, the film is a great introduction to the spirituality of yoga, and is recommended to those who are either beginners or those who practice for the physical benefits, but are unsure of how yoga can affect their lives outside of the studio. Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey tells us what yoga is, but also tells us that yoga is ultimately whatever we need it to be, and that, in the end, it will always mean something unique to everyone.Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey is being shown at select screenings. It can also be streamed on Netflix and Amazon.com, and the DVD is available for purchase on the film’s website, yogais.com.From Amazon.com: Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey (DVD)Dealing with profound grief after her mother’s death, Suzanne turned to yoga. Her journey led her to India to study various disciplines of yoga and meet with respected gurus. Inspired, she returned to the U.S. to explore how yoga can transform lives.Starring:    Michael Franti, Russell Simmons Special Features:    Additional interviews with Ana Forrest, Christy Turlington Burns, Dharma Mittra, Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Sharon Gannon/David Life, Michael Franti, Krsihna Das, MC Yogi, Russell Simmons, & Gurmukh    Film TrailersProduct Details:    Actors: Russell Simmons, Christy Turlington-Burns, Michael Franti, Sharon Gannon, David Life    Directors: Suzanne Bryant    Language: English        Studio: Magnolia Home Entertainment    DVD Release Date: September 25, 2012AMAZON CUSTOMER REVIEWS:Mere Tourism but Good InterviewsBy Weiwei Torreson March 5, 2015I tried so hard to like this movie, but I just couldn’t get past the nauseating reality that I was a privileged spectator in the spiritual exhibitionism of a hyper privileged woman whose worst sorrow in life was that she could afford a year long vacation after her mum passed.I find any discussion or notion of some trust fund boogaboo traipsing down to one of the poorest, most unfortunate, and class divided nations on earth, for a heady dose of spiritual tourism pretty repugnant, so I honestly don’t know if anything could make this movie more palatable to me or others with even a modicum of a social conscience. The only nod to the rampant poverty seems to be ‘oh, they are so happy! these poor people covered in sores and with no way to get food, who are suffering physicall, emotionally and intellectually in ways my manicured little finger will never experience, are so bloody happy! THis is the secret of life then, I will move down here and be poor then” – only when I see her there covered with scabs, missing a few teeth and holding out a begging bowl will I be able to respect any aspect of this movie.Yeah, yeah, I know, that’s not what it’s about. It’s about karma and yoga and the spirit and not giving into despair or real world problems or whatnot. But to me the whole setup is ignorant and anticompassionate by refusing to even acknowledge the very negative effects that the global dominant first world culture she represents is wreaking on the planet. Want to speak re. the globe and universal love? Acknowledge your failings and the role you occupy in perpetuating sub-standard conditions for people from your precious India – and make the hell sure you understand the karma you are perpetuating, because it is a doozy.The only reason I give it 3 stars is because I actually respect the tenets of meditation and yoga and I found many of the interviews worth the time – and some of them really seem to point to the view that a compassionate regard for all creatures in all circumstances was congruent with real concrete service in the real world. But the lady, and the narrative construct really killed it for me.I recommend anyone who is getting way too much out of a film like this to look for the book KARMA COLA http://www.amazon.com/Karma-Cola-Marketing-Mystic-East/dp/0679754334 – for the contrast, if nothing elseMore for the Spiritual.By Cavin Urquharton April 20, 2014I’ve been doing yoga for a while and this week I have had free time to watch some yoga documentaries. This one had great reviews so I decided to rent it.To start with positive, Suzanne does a great job narrating and pulling emotion into the documentary. She has many well-known yogis in the film that offer differing perspectives of yoga that all somehow lead to a center on enlightenment or God.What I don’t like is how slow this felt. A lot of times, Suzanne would narrate over a scene with her talking to a yogi. I’d rather have listened to the raw discussion. There were times (near the end) where we would see a lot of visual elements that were computer-driven while she was talking about events that had happened. Perhaps she couldn’t bring the camera into those events, but I felt a little deprived of seeing the scene.To end on a positive, I feel more aware of the mental side of yoga and its benefits. Although I do not seek a connection with any god through yoga, I can appreciate those who are able to do so.White Woman Loses Parent, Goes To India To Record Aging Hippie Cliches In Front Of Old BackdropsBy JohnSmarton November 1, 2014The interviews are interesting, though often cliche ridden..(do hippies ever get past the same six bromides? ) Sadly, hooking the film on the “journey” of one annoying, insipid, self involved Gen Xer who has the entirely universal and expected experience of losing a parent nearly destroys the entire project. What it is about upper middle class creative class types that makes them become so precious about all their most basic life experiences?There are 3 movies this documentarian ought to make: 1. A yoga movie consisting of interviews with yogis like the ones in this but no Me Generation central character ruining things with navel gazing banalities.2. A film about women who lose their mothers who DO NOT have the means to dilly dally around India “to process” grief, but must go to work, or raise kids or both while grieving. THAT might be a worthy and interesting project.3. Follow Russell Simmons around for a week. Though not on screen much he is, by far, the most compelling person in this movie.2 comments to this one:1. Nora 11 months agoThis guy is an angry person clearly. Suzanne shared in Q and A she did this project with her own money to help people.Talk about someone living in anger. Sad to see someone taking out their anger with themselves though a review on amazon. I loved this film, it changed my life.2. JohnSmart 7 months agoSorry I just need to say something about “Nora’s” idiotic remarks about me in her comment on this review. 1. She has no idea what’s she’s talking about. I reviewed a film, which i saw, this lady reviewed me with no knowledge of me whatsoever. I am not more or less angry than any other person with a bit of self awareness…some thing I suspect “Nora” needs more of. . 2. She spouts classic Boomer control freak hippie nonsense that if a person slams an overtly self indulgent “First world problems” hippie b.s. project like this “film” about yoga that person must, by default, be angry. I suppose I am angry about how unconsciously degrading and vulgar people like Nora and the film maker are. They flit about life “processing” and acting as if their experience is in some way interesting or exceptional while others with less privilege must, in fact, somehow get through the basics of life – like losing a parent – without the benefit of being able to ooze cliches into a film camera. What makes me angry is most of these people actually think they are “progressive” in some way. And if this film changed your life you really need to get out more often. Finally, with or without my anger, this film is just bad. There is such a thing as a bad documentary. This is one.Watch it!By Just the facts, Maamon April 20, 2014A great movie about a transformation experience. If you like Yoga, I recommend it and if you aren’t so much into Yoga, I still recommend it as it takes you through a personal journey of a young woman who faces a personal loss in her life and how she deals with it. I am fascinated by people who make great changes out of crisis and challenges.nice overview of the practice – one woman’s journeyBy Courtney H.on February 19, 2014Gets a new practitioner excited about practicing – renews a seasoned practitioner’s interest.Short and sweet. Hear personal interpretation from a few of yoga’s greats.I’ve “rented” this 4 times lol. Guess it’s time to buy it .By DiveBoracay!on February 6, 2014This is a generally positive, light movie. I am pretty easy to please with movies though. I rented it the first time while I had a mountain of laundry to fold lol, and was happy with it. Never expected to rent it again, but I found myself as weeks went by, wanting to remember what a certain yogi had said in the film, so I rented it again. Then the same thing happened again, and again lol. For me, the greatest value of this movie is most definitely all the insightful interviews with a variety of yoga experts. I really appreciated all of their comments. For me, Suzanne’s personal story is simply a means to weaving all those in, and I’m grateful for it. I have recently started practicing and learning more about yoga and was interested in watching something more on the “spiritual” side of yoga at the time. I read some of the negative reviews on this and I can see where most of them are coming from, but those same things, even though I recognized them, just didn’t bother me so I guess it’s going to be up to each individual as to whether they are irritated by small things in the film or just pleased by the overall positive. I personally am very glad she made the film . I enjoyed it.bought this to show my yoga classBy Machineon January 21, 2014I like about half of it, the part I don’t like is her personal jouney commentary, most people can not relate to trying to use yoga as an escape from the loss of a loved one. But all the interviews of yoga teachers are valuable too bad its all mixed together. Worth for personal watching, not good to show a high school yoga classYoga and the journey…By Light Sourceon September 10, 2013Great Movie!…and an inspiring story of someone who simplyopened herself up and allowed yoga to become a part whoshe is…accepting the journey to it’s fullest potential.Interesting DocumentaryBy Janee Waneron August 25, 2013A nice glimpse on a perspective on Yoga and what it can mean to those who get involved.The scenes and images from India are authentic and revealing.I enjoyed the information.Yoga is…By Augusto V. Saladinon August 23, 2013An amazing experience sharing all the different points of view of thee whole world about YOGA, all the masters all the best it is awesome!!!Loved this movie!By cielaon August 17, 2013This movie is amazing, if you are into yoga you must watch it.It shows teachings and teachers from different styles and masters, and makes you understandthat regardless where the teachings come from, we are all one and every style of yoga has the same purpose.Beautifully done!Feeling InspiredBy Amazon Customeron August 15, 2013After watching this you will gain a new appreciate for yoga and meditation. If you are looking for a way to clear your mind and find peace I highly recommend watching this.Surprisingly enjoyable first exposure to YogaBy Ray Grayon June 29, 2013I have no personal experience with or knowledge of Yoga other than having heard the word. What caught my eye was the tagline “A Transformational Journey,” a path of self-exploration I have been experiencing and enjoying for decades. “Yoga Is: A Transformational Journey” was informative, insightful, and filled with familiar but fresh perspectives that will occupy my mind during both quiet and noisy moments. The film had a feel like a reality version of “Eat, Pray, Love” but with more substance and encouragement. Now I’m curious about Yoga and want to share the film with my wife. If like me you have no exposure to Yoga but you enjoy films like “What The Bleep Do We Know,” you’ll enjoy this film too.Great movie that works on many levelsBy Jonathan D. Freemanon May 25, 2013It is well filmed, compulsively watchable and very entertaining. It serves as a good introduction to the many forms of yoga. And also on a deeper level for those that have been praticing for years.(By the way, I am watching it again today. Just love this movie and I wish it was longer…)Feel good and uplifting!By addtocarton May 17, 2013I ended up watching this twice there was so much “good” in it. No matter what religion you are or what beliefs you have, I believe most people will come away from this very heartwarming dvd with an appreciation for what really matters in life, a deeper understanding of what yoga is and where it comes from. It really makes you think about living a simpler=happier life………I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it.Eye opening, mind opening, Direction givingBy Cheryl R. Granton May 10, 2013I can’t say enough good about this movie. I want to learn more about what Yoga Is and this told me, what Yoga Is. We are all yogis. You don’t have to go to India, you find out on your mat. Meet your mat daily. Even when you don’t think it has anything for you that time, it does. Just go there. Listen, be intuned to your body. I’d still love to go to India just to have my feet on the soil, walk around in sandals and not think about the next alarm to be someplace doing nothing important. Become a yogi. practice mindful meditation. It’s not about poses or who can hold themselves upside down or to the side. It’s an enlightening journey will be on and there is no turning back. Trust Yoga. It will lead you. Watch this film and get your direction. It gave some to me.A transformational journey indeed!By Parison April 23, 2013I found this DVD to be very eye opening to some of the mysteries of yoga. This DVD introduced me to the concepts of creating inner space, surrender, and my intricate connection to All. One cannot practice yoga without inner and outer transformation, since the practice itself harnesses integration of mind, body and spirit resulting in a harmonious state Oneness of Being and a rapidly expanding awareness of ones intricate connection to all other beings. You cannot approach life the same, or repeat making the same bad decisions after this Divine Awakening begins, nor can you stop it. Since watching Yoga Is, my understanding of the practice has been tremendously enhanced. I now practice with the intention of shining the “light” of awareness into those dark and fearful places I’ve subconsciously feared to explore in the past with non-judgement and compassion. One secret of yoga recently unvelied to me during my practice is that light and darkness cannot simultaneously co-exist in the same space. Light inevitably illuminates the perceived darkness we create in our worlds through the false egoic-self. Once awakened to this false sense of dualities or separation within ousrselves, the “Light” of awareness illuminates the greatest mystery of all, our God-Realized-Self.Heart in the right placeBy La Croixon March 29, 2013The interviews with various yogis were well done and insightful. However, the lead character on her personal journey traveling to various countries for the interviews, comes off as shallow, conceited, and and certainly not worthy of such access to the gurus. You get the feeling she had to pay them a decent sum to entertain her for awhile. It could have been much better with a less selfish and simple minded interviewer.3 comments to this one:1. wordsmatter 2 years agoI got the same feeling about the filmmaker. Just one example: she was perfectly coiffed and had freshly applied lipgloss in every frame (even when she is actively practicing asanas), while her narration is about the depth of her grief. It reminded me of a commercial for Lululemon workout “gear”….really silly.2. Nora 2 years agoWow…this review is quite strange…I have met Suzanne at various events and she is the most humble and kind person. I think this is not a spiritual or happy person to say such ” shallow” things.3. Pugh 1 year agoI was going to write a similar review, but you said it. This is a documentary BY self-centered pseudospiritual privileged ladies who lunch FOR self-centered pseudospiritual privileged ladies who lunch. The history and review of styles was sort of interesting, but every time she talked I just cringed. I’m sure she’s a nice person in real life, but that doesn’t make her a great filmmaker. Criticizing her work honestly is not shallow. Defending a bad piece of work because she was nice at a party would be.Inspirational & BeautifulBy Sheron A. Fosteron March 14, 2013I found Suzanne Bryant’s film to be very inspirational. Everyone comes to yoga for different reasons, but there are those that go deeper than others, and Suzanne is definitely one of these folks. Her story, her journey and her transformation are beautifully captured in this film and selflessly displayed for all, with the loving intent to help others along in their own journey, regardless of where they are in their own practice. Even after 20+ years of practice and teaching, this film showed me where I could go deeper, and where I could find compassion for myself. I truly loved it!A great look at how yoga-as-exercise can turn into yoga-as-life!By A. Simmonson March 7, 2013I have only taken a few yoga classes so I am no expert on yoga. I have known people on both ends of the spectrum–those who use yoga for exercise and flexibility, and those who practice the physical poses as a path to spirituality. I never understood how all of that worked. I’ve always had so many questions about why its so important to so many people.Obviously yoga is great for your physical body (strength and flexibility), but who gets the spiritual benefit from it? When do those benefits present themselves? Do you have to see yourself as a spiritual person to begin with in order to experience that aspect of yoga?This video answered my questions and many more. While the basic answer is yoga is what you want it to be for you in your life (no pressure), with an open mind and dedication to frequent practice, yoga can open up doors you didn’t realize existed.I hope to someday experience that blissful, peaceful feeling so many practitioners experience. This movie made it so much easier to understand the connection between the physical and mental practices of yoga. Both standpoints provide tremendous healh benefits in their own right, but being able to appreciate both is my goal for my practice.This documentary was easy to follow even for someone not completely familiar with yoga culture. The producer/director included interviews with a great variety of yogis/practitioners (both in the US and in India), each with their own variations of yoga practice. It was clear to see that even though their poses and movements may differ, they all were seeking/experiencing the same personal spiritual satisfaction.Thank you so much Suzanne for answering so many questions I’ve had about yoga! I feel so much more motivated to show patience and believe that continued practice of yoga will lead me to the best relationship I’ll ever have–the one with myself….Not what I expectedBy Rensonon February 10, 2013If your into the spritual mumbo gumbo of Yoga then this is your film. I do yoga for the exercise benefit and thought this film might have some good information but dealt with the spiritual aspect and nothing with yoga as an exercise.2 comments to this one:1. Ben 2 years agoSpiritual mumbo gumbo. Hmmm. That sounds like one of the greatest meals I’ve yet to have, but Yoga means union, and not with your stew.Westerners love taking the New Orleans soup out of eastern philosophy and replacing it with exercise.2. Tiny Yogini 2 years agoUm, you do realize that Yoga is a spiritual practice, right? The exercise part that you’re referring to is called asana (physical postures). They’re meant to prepare the body to sit in meditation comfortably. How do people not know this in 2013? Geesh.BTW, it’s spelled “jumbo”, not “gumbo”. Gumbo is a stew from New Orleans.Makes you pause !By bansalon February 4, 2013Its Very nice ! The documentary makes you take a pause from the mad rat race and pushes you to think about difficult questions of life…Thank you very much.Inspiring movie that de-mystifies yogaBy Helenaon January 29, 2013My local yoga studio had a fundrising event and part of it was viewing of “Yoga Is” film documentary. It is a story told by as woman who experiences a profound grief after death of her mother to cancer. It shows transformation of a successful professional journalist who lives in NYC, has great relationship with the man she loves, only to turn it all away and return to San Francisco so she can spend last days with her mother. Grief is overwhelming and this woman turns to yoga as means of easing emotional pain but also finding a peace of mind and some sort of consolation over her loss. Before long, she finds herself in India in search of a guru who can teach her how to overcome grief, sadness and find her new purpose in life.It is absolutely beautiful movie that talks about love, purpose, truth and other spiritual and moral questions without being highbrow or patronizing. It is also an inspiring story about a woman who finds her way back to life and new her new purpose, career (psychology, nutrition) and passion for practice of yoga and meditation that puts her in touch with herself. It is absolutely inspirational and transformational movie and regardless if one practices yoga or not, if one is interested in matters of spirituality and personal growth, this is one of the most wonderful films I would recommend to anyone. It is suitable for all generations.A blog worthy story – Worthless DocumentaryBy RapStaron January 29, 2013There is absolutely nothing substantial that you will benefit from this doc. Do not waste your time. Her story of losing herself then recouping through Yoga is a wonderful story worthy of a BLOG or social coffee shop conversation. This documentary is the true definition of why you DON’T LISTEN TO HIPPIES when it comes to decoding eastern civilization.She called Yoga an ancient art. I knew I should of just turned it off right away. Scholars and Arch’s and widespread accept in India date Yoga to be no more than 500 years old. Its roots are in THUGS! that would pillage villages for there food and loot. Yoga is a martial art. They stripped the applications and some hippies from Berkley is turned Yoga in a westernized BILLION $ industry.If you do Yoga for what it meant to be, a SELF-DEFENSE then you will truly enlightened. If you do it for spirituality, you have fallen for FALSE PROPHESYHope you find this review in the best possible light. I hate to leave negative reviews on Amazon. I encourage people to do what they believe is right.2 comments to this one:1. Tiny Yogini 2 years agoCan you provide a reference for this nonsense? Self-defense? Please. The Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita date back 500-200 BCE. Geesh!2. RapStar 2 years agoThe origins are a mystery. The SELF DEFENSE part is so obvious!Your using structure to generate your entire body’s force into a single part of your body. (Heals, Ball of Foot, Palm) Imagine taking that to the next level and striking a person with that great center of gravity and structure.Every teacher I trained under knows all the pressure points, nerves, joints and range of motions to the body. HELLO!!!! Every 4th degree black belt has to learn those too.How fast are the reflexes of a yoga instructor?The only reason why people benefit from Yoga is because its AN ACTIVITY. Usually 1 hour or MORE! Anyone that does a strenuous Active Activity lasting over 1 hour many times a week will see RESULTS OF HAPPINESS. Its not SPIRITUAL its COMMON SENSE. The feeling of being a part of a community can also generate endorphans. Its NOT SPIRITUAL! Its being SOCIAL.The problem with most Yoga peeps are they forget about ACTIVE RECOVERY! Tai Chi is slow and meditative and using no strain on the joints or body, yet you need to take a break and give your body RECOVERY time. They say a week off deloading every 8 weeks will cause you to come back stronger and better than without a break. Its an ACTIVE WORKOUT! with constant speaking “WE HATE STRESS and BE HAPPY” instructors. If my football coach would tell us that everyday, it would be just as effective.Beautiful movie.By liza4kaon December 15, 2012I loved, loved this movie. Being new to yoga , only 4 month or so, this was a unexpected find for me. But the movie resonates as true and these pearls of wisdom are truly inspiring. Deep respect for the author to go and look within and share her finds with all of us. Very much needed , especially in this chaotic time we are living.Lots of wisdomBy Lolidalalaon November 11, 2012If you look carefully at all the interviewees in the film, they all look so peaceful, loving, and kind. Their faces are even glowing. Most importantly they all have great insights about yoga and life. This shows that yoga really is a powerful and magical practice.Treasure of interviews of top yoga teachers!By K. Mitsumatsuon September 19, 2012I really enjoyed this film as it is a very personal journey and yet shares a tremendous amount of insightful interview of today’s famous yoga teachers, not to mention the real gurus in India. And there is a lot of them, not choppy so you get some real glimpse of each teacher or guru’s philosophy behind their YOGA. After seeing this film, I still question myself “what is YOGA”? but this is a good proof that this film is working in me!! It takes you to your own internal journey in search of meaning of YOGA, while traveling along with Suzanne’s very personal search.An Amazing Journey –A MUST SEE BY ALL YOGA FANS !!By William A. Linnenbringeron September 19, 2012This film is what all documentaries should be: factual historical background blended with an amazing international story about a global phenomenon occurring over centuries that is as relevant today as it was when the various yoga disciplines began to be practiced. Most of all the film is inspirational and motivates people of all races, nationalities and backgrounds to discover the joy of inner peacefulness and tranquility in a very troubled world around us. Suzanne sets a high standard for future films about health and wellness. Yoga Is: A Transformational JourneyAn Inspirational journeyBy mtbon September 18, 2012Truly inspiring. This journey is one you will want to take over and over again with Suzanne.Wonderful interviews with the yoga masters of our time. A heartfelt story of love and loss.After watching this you will understand the truly transformational power of yoga.Yoga Is, Awesome.Beautiful and Inspiring!By Ela Wojtowiczon August 22, 2012YOGA IS is a beautiful film about finding our purpose and living our truth through making connections with ourSelves and with others, on and off the mat! Suzanne is a dear inspiration and this film is a must see!!!! I love it! Thank you Suzanne! xxYoga Is: A Transformational Journey (DVD)By Heatheron August 26, 2012I loved this film and have watched it many, many times. I even listen to it in my car on the DVD player. I always find some new pearl of wisdom, new truth and inspiration that exactly fits what I need at that moment. It reminds me of why my yoga practice is a practice that is ever evolving and that will always bring me back to my sense of peace. Suzanne Bryant has given a true gift to the world in this film: inspiration, beauty, a path back to peace.uped by adishonerv69