In this uplifting guide packed with health tips, dietary recommendations, and inspirational affirmations, Dashama introduces her own brand of yoga for self-transformation. The book introduces Pranashama Yoga, developed by Dashama as a combination of arts that works with the physical and spiritual energy of the body. Pranashama Yoga draws on various styles of yoga (Vinyasa, Ashtanga, Kundalini, Anusara, and Power), martial arts (T'ai Chi, Qigong), and Thai yoga therapy. Dashama includes clear explanations of the yoga philosophy underlying her program and shares her own journey to her present success as a leading yoga teacher. Tackling the problem of addiction and its impact on family and individual happiness, Dashama presents alternative visions of healing and mental peace through the time-tested, drug-free path of yoga. She concludes the book with useful exercises to help students on their own journeys to joyful living: self-assessment writing assignments, quizzes, and a four-stage diet and weight-loss program that incorporates yogic breathing and positive-thinking exercises. Illustrated throughout with black and white photographs, Journey to Joyful is designed for readers interested in yoga, natural food, weight loss, and positive thinking.


Dashama Konah Gordon, simply known as Dashama, is a yoga teacher, author, performing artist, and inspirational speaker. She cofounded the 30-Day Yoga Challenge, partnering with National Yoga Month (yogamonth.org), and is the star of five yoga DVDs. She lives in Santa Monica, CA.