AZ I AM® founder Alanna Zabel is an internationally recognized yoga instructor, studio founder, wellness expert, author, inventor, and entrepreneur, bringing over 25 years of experience helping others connect with their most authentic self. She holds degrees in Psychology and Health & Human Services, with a concentration in Child Development. Alanna is a trauma-informed yoga instructor, a sound healer, teacher trainer, the creator of Yoga Barre®, as well as a Pilates and fitness instructor.
Committed to female empowerment, Alanna is a true visionary. In addition to originating the "day retreat" format, she was the first to create Goddess Detox Retreats in 1998, guiding groups of women on spiritual adventures and fasting retreats. In 2000, she founded her own unique YogaDance company based on combining the essential movements of yoga with modern dance. Her first performance was choreographed for a private party at Michael Jackson's home and performed at Neverland.
With a flare for style and design and a stubborn commitment to sustainability, Alanna launched the premium AZ I AM® Active Wear collections, as well as single-handed created The World's Yoga Doll®, the world’s first moveable fashion doll. Beyond her accomplishments as an instructor, author, designer, and activist, Alanna is a creative force and a teacher with a passion for kids wellness. In addition to three memoirs, Alanna has written fourteen children's books with yoga and wellness themes.
Voted "Best Yoga Instructor in Los Angeles" in 2011 by LA Family Magazine and one of "Hollywood's Hottest Trainers" by Shape Magazine in 2014, Alanna is passionate about teaching yoga through her classes, life and writing. She is the author of As I Am: Where Spirituality Meets Reality and Meaningful Coincidence: Synchronistic Stories of the Soul. Her children's book titles include The Seven Doors, a children's version of Deepak Chopra's best selling The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success. Alanna stars in five fitness DVDs: Yoga Total Body Makeover and Pilates Yoga Fusion, as well as Beginner Level Yoga for Toning, Flexibility + Stress Relief, Cardio + Conditioning Yoga, and Beginner Level Yoga which became a nationally bestselling fitness DVD in 2016.
Alanna's Books
As I Am: Where Spirituality Meets Reality
As I Am: Where Spirituality Meets Reality delves into the esoteric and enigmatic realms of spirituality, exploring profound concepts in a way that’s both realistic and grounded in psychology and science. Alanna Zabel guides readers to reconnect with their natural state of being, presenting The Real Secret, which outlines four core factors that shape one's dharma and offers insights on realigning one’s life to live in harmony with this truth.
In Mirror Theory, Zabel explains how the subconscious mind interprets new experiences based on past imprints and perceptions. Readers will learn techniques to consciously process memories and emotions, ultimately enhancing their capacity to experience the present moment more fully.
The book also features The Dharma Zone, a comprehensive 21-day mind and body detox program. With daily practices of self-discovery, self-care routines, menu plans, “I AM” intentions, and journal prompts, this program supports readers in reawakening their true selves.
Meaningful Coincidence
In this captivating memoir of spontaneous, soul-led travel, described as Autobiography of a Yogi meets Eat Pray Love, author Alanna Zabel invites you on a journey of profound serendipity, personal transformation, self-realization, and spiritual awakening. Without meticulously laid-out plans, she allows life to unfold in its purest, most organic form, allowing the unseen natural order to weave through every encounter, exactly as it is.
More than just a travelogue, this book is an inward glance at our own psyche from a Jungian perspective of archetype and symbol. It is a portal to deeper awareness, and a reminder that life is not random, but a beautifully orchestrated dance of meaning, mystery, and divine order.
Knock It Off!: Imitation Isn't Flattering
In this compelling and vulnerable exposé, Alanna Zabel reveals some of the posers, the abusers, and the knock-offs she has personally experienced while navigating a spiritual life in a superficial world — one where the wealthy and powerful often turn a blind eye to injustice, to ensure their own personal interests. Alongside her personal journey, Alanna highlights the growing influence of corporate greed in the U.S., the evolution of morality, and the power of healing. Through her life as a celebrity yoga instructor, entrepreneur, and spiritual realist, Alanna confronts manipulation and betrayal in Hollywood's shark-infested pool, where the waters are far more dangerous than they appear on the surface.
This book is more than a memoir of personal struggles, Alanna’s resilience, humor, spirituality, and insightful authenticity shine through, plus each chapter closes with helpful prompts and considerations for you to live free from common deceptions.
Knock It Off! is your guide to recognizing common predatory and abusive personalities in our world today. With these shocking shares and spiritual insights, you will learn how to protect your energy, while living a life that’s uniquely and authentically yours, because everyone else is already taken:
“It is better to live your own destiny imperfectly than to live an imitation of somebody else’s life with perfection.” ~ Bhagavad Gita
January, 2026!
Fast Times! is a realistically enlightening and refreshingly grounded guide to balanced, healthy living in a culture of relentless consumption. Written by internationally recognized wellness expert and yoga pioneer Alanna Zabel, this book blends ancient wisdom, modern science, and experienced storytelling to offer readers a sustainable, compassionate approach to fasting and mindful living.
Unlike trendy wellness fads and extreme detox regimens, Fast Times! focuses on working with your body—not against it. It invites readers to understand their unique biology, energy systems, karma, and emotional landscape, guiding them toward a deeper, more personalized path of healing. This is not a book about deprivation—it’s about allowance and abundance. About remembering the sacred power of simplicity, presence, and less being more.
Fast Times! demystifies detoxing, debunks the dangerous myths of modern wellness marketing, and encourages readers to tune inward. With a blend of practical advice, scientific insight, spiritual truth, and real-life stories from over two decades of leading fasting retreats worldwide, Zabel offers a holistic and honest approach to clearing not just the body, but also the mind and heart.
As I Am Journal: Modern Goddess Edition
This monthly (30-day) journal is based on the book, As I Am: Where Spirituality Meets Reality, which presents a 21-day Dharma Zone program, designed to help you reconnect with your truest self, release limiting beliefs, heal from past traumas, understand scientific laws of Nature, rediscover your unique purpose, and learn to love yourself again.
This As I Am® Journal, the Modern Goddess® edition is filled with inspiration, poetry, inspirational quotes, health tips, yoga, meditation, psychology, healthy recipes, daily I AM affirmations, and thoughtful Mirror Theory exercises, together guiding you confidently on a journey of self-discovery, self-acceptance, and self-realization.
Each day will suggest an I AM theme, daily Walk, Yoga, Meditation and Self Care. You can follow the suggestions, or chose your own, but keep track in your journal of the duration, style and personal results.
Strengthen your connection to yourself with a daily journaling routine that includes diverse exercises structured to get your creative juices flowing, be boldly honest with yourself, clarify your dreams, and heal from the inside out.
Yoga Verse
An inspiring collection of spiritual poetry written entirely in rhyme, Yoga Verse offers lyrical insights and meditative wisdom for the modern seeker. Blending yogic philosophy, nature-based awareness, and universal truths, Alanna’s verses gently guide readers back to the simplicity of presence and the beauty of being.
With a tone both grounded and elevated, these poetic reflections touch on themes of mindfulness, self-inquiry, and unity—echoing the timeless teachings found across world traditions. Each poem carries a rhythmic cadence that invites stillness, contemplation, and a deeper connection to life as it is.
Artistic, enlightening, and soul-centering, Yoga Verse is more than a book—it’s a poetic companion for anyone walking the spiritual path.
AZ I AM Kidz Journal
The AZ I AM Kidz are based on the eight limbs of Yoga. Together, in this As I Am Journal: Mindfulness for Kids, they inspire kids ages 5-12 in diverse, creative, intelligent and FUN exercises and prompts, initiating necessary socio-emotional skill sets for kids to grow into healthy and confident young adults, planting seeds that create lifelong wellness practices, including self-awareness and compassion!
PROMOTES GRATITUDE: Keeping a gratitude journal is a scientifically proven happiness practice. Every section has a Gratitude Journal with the Pet Companions of the AZ I AM Girlz!
INITIATES A GROWTH MINDSET FOR KIDS: Encouraging these positive practices increases confidence, self-awareness and self-reliance. Be your best self!
SUPPORTS SELF-AWARENESS IN CHILDREN: The ability for children to express their emotions, thoughts and feelings is directly linked to healthy relationships and overall happiness. Help to harness your child's innate capacities for greatness.
ADVOCATES MINDFULNESS: Writing mindfulness activities can help to reduce the amount of time spent online. Use these exercises to help keep your kids 'in the moment'.
Hang Zen!
Yama lives on the beautiful island of Oʻahu and loves everything about the ocean—especially surfing! Each morning, she strolls along Waikīkī Beach with her rescue animal friends, picking up trash to protect the sea she adores. Today is extra special: Yama is competing in the Sunset Beach Surf Contest, and the AZ I AM Girlz have flown in from around the world to cheer her on!
But just as she’s heading to the contest, Yama spots a dolphin in distress. Neha, tangled in a fisherman’s net, needs help—and fast. With compassion in her heart and help from a Zumba-dancing pincher crab, Yama sets out to rescue her, even if it means missing her big moment.
In a joyful twist of gratitude and friendship, Neha returns the favor by swimming Yama to the contest just in time!
Perfect for children ages 4–9, this book is a wave of inspiration for young changemakers everywhere.
Mono Risa's Coconuts
Niyama lives near the lush Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, where she loves staying healthy and caring for the planet. When the AZ I AM Girlz travel to visit her, she leads them on an unforgettable adventure through the jungle to meet Mono Risa—the mischievous Laughing Monkey known for his magical coconuts and silly sense of humor.
Along the way, the Girlz learn about the Amazon’s rich plant life, natural remedies for bug bites, and the importance of clean water and environmental care. When their friend Dara falls ill, it’s the powerful combination of laughter, connection, and Mono Risa’s healing coconuts that bring her back to health.
The journey leads them to the Mono Maze Funhouse, where surprises and laughter echo through the trees as Mono Risa plays practical jokes and teaches the deeper medicine of joy.
A playful, educational, and empowering tale for children ages 4–9, this story inspires mindful living, joyful connection, and love for our planet.
Asana's First Yoga Class
Asana loves yoga—and today is a big day! She's teaching her very first class to the AZ I AM Girlz, who have traveled from all corners of the world to flow with her. With her silly pup Nama by her side, Asana leads the group on her sunny deck overlooking the beautiful Santa Monica Mountains.
Surrounded by nature and joined by friendly animals, the Girlz learn that “everything in nature can be flexible somehow”—just like them! From dogs to cats to cobras and trees, kids will discover how many yoga poses were inspired by the natural world.
Young readers can follow along at home, trying the poses and spotting the animals behind each one. Illustrated with vibrant scenes and featuring stylish outfits from the AZ I AM Girlz® clothing line, this joyful story blends movement, mindfulness, and a celebration of inner strength.
Perfect for ages 3–8, Asana’s First Yoga Class invites kids to stretch, breathe, and shine—just as they are.
The Only Way Out is In
Sama is a young goddess hidden behind an invisible wall, unseen by the world. Only someone with a pure heart can recognize her true power and set her free. Many warriors have tried—and failed—to pass the three sacred tests to find her. After one nearly succeeds, Sama is left heartbroken and full of doubt.
That’s when Ashta, a wise spider, appears. He reminds Sama that she doesn’t need anyone else to free her—she holds that power within. Ashta teaches her the Eight Limbs of Yoga, guiding her inward to discover her strength.
Through her journey of self-discovery and focused practice, Sama reconnects with her spirit. The wall disappears—not because someone rescued her, but because she finally sees herself. She learns the greatest truth of all: The only way out is in.
Being Rosie
In this heartwarming, anti-bullying story told in gentle rhyme, a bright red rose named Rosie feels out of place in the Garden. The other flowers tease and exclude her, making her wilt with sadness—until she learns the truth: their hurtful words come from jealousy, not truth.
When Rosie is lovingly re-planted in a vibrant Rose Garden, she begins to bloom again among flowers who truly see her. There, she meets Bud, a kind white rose who reminds her that real beauty grows from the inside out.
Rosie discovers that she was never the problem—she had just been planted in the wrong garden.
A tender tale of resilience, self-acceptance, and emotional wisdom.
The Seven Doors
Inspired by The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra, The Seven Doors follows the journey of a bright young girl named Ruby as she discovers her true self. Gifted and curious, Ruby longs to understand her talents and purpose.
One day in the forest, she encounters a radiant light named Ahanna, who becomes her guide. Together, they travel through seven magical doors—each one revealing a spiritual law and a deeper truth about life, energy, and dharma.
By the end of her journey, Ruby awakens to her inner power and understands her unique place in the world.
This book includes a “Who Am I?” Reflection Page and a Glossary of Spiritual Terms to support children in exploring their own gifts and purpose.
A Chair In The Air
Nicky is full of big feelings and even bigger energy—so big, in fact, that one day his excitement accidentally sends a vase flying across the room! Overwhelmed and unsure how to fix his mistake, Nicky meets a magical guide: Mahini Yogini, a wise and whimsical yogi who floats in with a calming breeze and a very special lesson.
Through a playful, rhyming adventure, Mahini Yogini gently teaches Nicky how to channel his wild energy using the ancient practice of Hatha Yoga. As Nicky learns to move through fun and accessible yoga poses, he also discovers the power of stillness, focus, and the courage to make things right.
By the end of the story, Nicky doesn’t just master a few new poses—he also finds the strength within himself to apologize to his mom with a full and honest heart.
Guruji's Gift
The Story of Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois and the Global Gift of Ashtanga Yoga
Sri Krishna Pattabhi Jois—affectionately known as Guruji—was the founder of Ashtanga Yoga and one of the most influential yoga teachers in the world. Guruji’s Gift tells the inspiring true story of his life, beginning as a young boy in India with a deep love for yoga and an even deeper devotion to sharing it.
Through heartfelt storytelling and vibrant illustrations, this autobiographical tale traces Guruji’s journey from student to master, showing how a single gift from the heart can grow into something extraordinary. His passion, discipline, and kindness helped bring the ancient wisdom of yoga to the modern world—transforming lives across every continent.
This book honors the legacy of a humble teacher whose greatest gift was not just yoga—but the loving spirit in which he shared it.
Searching For Light
In Searching for Light, young mermaid Luz embarks on a brave and magical quest beneath the sea. Challenged by the clever and quirky Pokey the Pelican, Luz is tasked with finding a rare gem hidden deep at the ocean’s floor—a gem said to hold the power to heal the division and separation plaguing the world above.
Confident and determined, Luz dives in headfirst. But as she ventures deeper, she’s met with unexpected challenges—not from outside forces, but from within. Along the way, Luz is humbled, confronts her ego, and learns that the real treasure isn't something to win, but something to become.
Guided by her own reflection, Luz discovers that the path to unity begins with living truthfully and feeling fully. In choosing honesty over pride, and surrender over struggle, Luz illuminates the light within herself—and shines it for the world.
Bounce Back!
Bounce Back! tells the inspiring and heartfelt story of Dr. Rooby Bounce, a heroic kangaroo and front-line doctor in Australia, as she bravely battles the COVID-19 pandemic. Her husband, Boomer, fights fires in the outback, while their son, Josey, is a budding hip-hop artist and DJ navigating a world turned upside down.
When lockdown hits, Josey struggles with more than just missing school and his friends—he’s also worried that his mom might get sick while helping others in the ER. As the days stretch on, Josey begins to process his feelings through music, channeling his fear, boredom, and hope into something creative.
This lighthearted yet emotionally rich story follows Josey’s transformation as he grows more compassionate, resilient, and connected to his community. When the world finally reopens and the neighborhood gathers to celebrate, Josey shares a powerful song he wrote during lockdown—a song called Bounce Back!, reminding everyone to keep going, no matter what.
The LaLa Sutras of the Dolly Alanna
The LaLa Sutras of The Dolly Alanna is a bright and whimsical illustrated booklet featuring 13 empowering “I AM” Sutras, or simple life-guiding affirmations, inspired by the beloved character The Dolly Alanna. Each colorful page highlights a positive declaration—like I AM Happy, I AM Grateful, and I AM Laughing—paired with gentle words of wisdom to inspire joy, confidence, and self-awareness in young readers.
Designed to uplift and guide, these playful sutras offer children a foundation for emotional well-being, mindfulness, and self-expression.
This special booklet is also included in every AZ I AM Girlz® Dolly Alanna® yoga doll package, encouraging kids to connect with their inner light—one powerful "I AM" at a time.