Music to Practice Yoga
Written by Carol Traulsen.
For along time I had been intimidated by yoga. The thought of sitting in some barren studio listening to wind chimes or endless Kitaro CDs put me off. Don't get me wrong I love Kitaro and George Winston. I was introduced to their music long before I took up yoga. I'll get back to them a little later. Part of what kept me from yoga was my perception about what I had to do, be or listen to. Music is important to me and while serenity is important to I find that music is helpful as motivation while doing yoga. So that said there are times in the beginning and the end of the yoga session where I like a quiet serene or contemplative tune. But I can't take an hour of it. Then I found a show on the Oxygen network called Inhale. Steve Ross changed my life.
Steve is a musician who played bands like Men at Work and Fleetwood Mac. He loves music. His kind of yoga and his personality aren't for everyone. But he opened my eyes (or rather ears) to what yoga could be for me. I could listen to Motown, or Reggae or New Age. Here are just a few of my favorites and where I place them in my work out.
The first section I'll call Sly Groove. These songs have a slow vibe that sneaks up on you, it's infectious. I can't help but move when I hear these tunes:
- Got to be Real- Cheryl Lynn
- I'll Take you There- Staple Singers
- Mercy Mercy- Marvin Gaye
- Got to be Real- Cheryl Lynn
- Let's Stay Together- Al Green
- Oooh Child- Five Stairsteps
The next section is all about Motivation. Really it may as well be called the Motown Selections. I do love the classics. I could work out to this type of music exclusively and be happy.
- Aint Nobody- Chaka Khan
- Mustang Sally- Wilson Pickett (original) or from the movie the Commitments.
- You've got The Best of My Love- the Emotions. Love this song!
- Sing A Song- Earth Wind & Fire
- Ain't too Proud To Beg- Temptations
- My Loving (Never Gonna Get It) En Vogue
When I want to be inspired here's a list of songs that work for me. The idea is large sound, church-like feel. The music has to encourage me to let go, be in the moment, feel it and just be free. I don't know how else to explain it.
- Revolution- Kirk Franklin
- Stomp- Kirk Franklin
- I Believe- Sounds of Blackness
- Let the River Run- Carly Simon
- Reach Gloria Estefan
- Unwritten- Natasha Bedingfield
The last section is for a more contemplative mood whether it's warming up or cooling down these songs help me slow down and focus.
- In The Light of the Spirit- Kitaro. Any number of songs by Kitaro work here. As long as it is slow and contemplative, spiritual it will work.
- Peace-George-Winston Again there are so many I could choose here, but I love the feeling of peace and relaxation this one gives me.
- Rainsong-Nelly Stharre I live in the Northwest and for me this captures the feel and the effect this has is instant relaxation.
- Noctural Afternoon -Joe Rojo. Joe is friend of mine and this song has always been a favorite.
- Watermark-Enya Yeah I know it's on everyone's playlist but there's a reason.
Make your own play list. Experiment with types of music. One day do a Reggae flavored work out, the next try working up a sweat to music from the 50's or Motown hits (my favorite) You should see how joyful my chair pose is while grooving to Wilson Pickett's Mustang Sally! Maybe instrumental is more your style because it helps you focus. Or try a work out with Celtic music. Maybe African dance music moves you. Each form of music will create a different yoga experience. Changing the music can give you the energy and encouragement to keep up your yoga routine, and it's a good way to keep things fresh.
Related Links
- Read more of Carol Traulsen.
- 101 Yoga Quotes
- 101 Karma Quotes
- 101 Spiritual Quotes
- Practice Makes Perfect
- Yoga and Buddhism
- Yoga as a Tool to Life
- Beginner's (Mind) Yoga
- Setting your Intention
- Cheap Yoga in Toronto
- Keeping a Light Heart
- Clearing away negativity
- Yoga: A Simple Reminder
- There's No Place Like 'Om'
- A Yogic & Holistic Perspective
- Feel Better & Get Fit with Yoga
- Does Technology Jive with Yoga?
- Earth Web: We are all connected
- A yogic Transformation of a Cynic
- When you Fall off the Yoga Wagon
- Qualities of Trusted Yoga Teachers
- Yoga... An Exercise with a Difference