‘Yoga Matt’ and Deacon Carpenter at Readers’ Books in Sonoma

Two practitioners of ancient health practices will join together at Readers’ Books on Wednesday, Dec. 4 at 6:30 p.m. to talk about yoga.

“Yoga Matt,” otherwise known as Roy Parvin, will present his book, “Yoga for the Inflexible Male” while Deacon Carpenter will expound on his work, “A Little Bit of Ayurveda.”

“Yoga for the Inflexible Male” bills itself as a “simple guide for people of all stripes and skill levels.” While the benefits of yoga are well known, says Parvin, classes can be intimidating or inaccessible. With illustrated poses, simple advice, and even suggestions for props that can be found in one’s home, Parvin says his book opens up the world of yoga to the chronically inflexible, aging athletes and “those who would prefer to learn in the comfort of home.”

Meanwhile, in “A Little Bit of Ayurveda,” Carpenter provides an introduction to the ageless healing system of Ayurveda. For those interested in “the whole body, whole person health therapy that has grown over the millennia,” his book is intended to give the reader a “bite-sized introduction to this path of wellness.”

Parvin – aka “Yoga Matt” – is also the author of “In the Snow Forest” and a recipient of a National Endowments for the Arts Grant in Literature.

Carpenter says his path to Ayurveda began when he was 16, when meeting a local Ayurvedic doctor prompted a shift in health philosophy that he says would affect the rest of his life.

Readers’ Books is at 130 E. Napa St.