Transform Yourself w/Jivamukti is an inspiring and uplifting documentary that focuses on the transformational power of yoga. Co-founders of the Jivamukti Yoga Method, David Life and Sharon Gannon, take viewers on a journey of self-discovery as they share their personal stories and the principles of their yoga practice. The film is presented in a series of chapters, each of which explores a different aspect of the Jivamukti philosophy.
The film opens with a brief introduction to David and Sharon, who explain how they came to create the Jivamukti Yoga Method. Both experienced practitioners of various styles of yoga, they came together in the 1980s and developed a method that combined physical postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), meditation, and ethical principles (the yamas and niyamas). They also integrated music, chanting, and teachings from ancient texts such as the Yoga Sutras and Bhagavad Gita.
The first chapter of the film, titled "Purify," focuses on the idea that yoga is a path of purification. David and Sharon explain that the physical practice of yoga helps to purify the body, while the ethical principles help to purify the mind and emotions. They also emphasize the importance of cultivating a compassionate attitude towards oneself and others.
The second chapter, "Awaken," explores the idea that yoga can awaken our true nature. David and Sharon explain that the physical postures and breathing techniques help to awaken the dormant energies in the body, while meditation helps to awaken the higher consciousness. They also emphasize the importance of being mindful and present in the moment.
The third chapter, "Liberate," focuses on the idea that yoga can help us to break free from limiting beliefs and conditioning. David and Sharon explain that the ethical principles of yoga can help us to overcome negative patterns of behavior and thought, and that the physical practice can help us to release tension and stuck energy. They also emphasize the importance of being open and receptive to new experiences and perspectives.
The fourth chapter, "Illuminate," explores the spiritual aspect of yoga. David and Sharon explain that the ultimate goal of yoga is to realize our true nature as pure awareness, beyond the limitations of the body and mind. They also emphasize that this realization is not something that can be achieved through intellectual understanding alone, but must be experienced directly through dedicated practice and devotion.
Throughout the film, we are treated to footage of David and Sharon teaching yoga classes and workshops around the world, as well as interviews with students and other teachers who have been inspired by the Jivamukti method. We also hear from David and Sharon themselves, as they share their personal stories of how yoga has transformed their lives and helped them to find greater peace and purpose.
One of the main strengths of Transform Yourself w/Jivamukti is its accessibility. Although the Jivamukti method is known for its challenging physical practice, the film emphasizes that yoga is for everyone, regardless of age or ability. David and Sharon repeatedly emphasize that the physical postures are merely a means to an end, and that the true goal of yoga is to cultivate a deeper awareness and connection with oneself and the world around us.
Overall, Transform Yourself w/Jivamukti is a highly inspiring and thought-provoking film that will appeal to anyone interested in yoga, spirituality, and personal growth. David and Sharon are both charismatic and engaging teachers, and their passion for the practice is infectious. The film does an excellent job of conveying the transformative power of yoga without being dogmatic or prescriptive, and it is sure to leave viewers feeling uplifted and inspired.
Transform Yourself w/Jivamukti is a 2012 special interest movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 11 minutes.
