Madison native and longtime yoga instructor Chandra Winzenried has strengthened her practice by visiting India — the birthplace of the ancient practice — as well as Jamaica, Thailand and Peru.
On her way back from Peru last year, it dawned on her that her experience could be empowering to young girls, like she was once.
And now that idea is coming to life in the form of a seven-part children’s book series chronicling Chandrini Yogini, a biracial girl traveling the world and learning the art of yoga. Each book will take place in a different country, starting with India, the birthplace of Yoga.
Winzenried hopes the books will inspire readers and educate them on the world around them.
“What these books basically do is they open up kids minds, as well as their parents’ minds, to travel and believe in themselves,” says Winzenried.
The main character, Chandrini Yogini, bears more similarities with the author than her name. She mirrors a similar background as Winzenried with a Trinidadian mother and a white Wisconsin-born father.
Winzenried began her own yoga practice in 2008 and first went to India in 2012.
“I have had the privilege of following my passion for teaching, learning and practicing yoga in many different countries and now I’m driven to share these stories to uplift children from all over the world and inspire self-belief,” she wrote on her GoFundMe page.
So far the campaign has raised $2,100 towards her $5,000 goal.
Winzenried has written two and half of the books already with the first book currently being illustrated. Her goal is to publish the first three by the end of summer.
Each book includes and map and facts about the culture of its setting. Winzenried aims to expand readers’ horizons.
Each book will also include the mantra “I believe in myself, I believe in myself and you should too.”
“I would love to get into schools and auditoriums talking to kids about Chandrini Yogini and making sure they feel motivated and believing in themselves and achieving their dreams, opening their minds to all the different opportunities out there,” says Winzenried.
