Yoga, Music?, Breath?, Yoga
There are a few schools of thought on whether or not music should be played in a yoga class. Some say it’s distracting you from your practice, others say it enhances the practice. I feel many different ways about it. As a yoga teacher I feel that it’s best to go with the mood and feeling of the students and the group energy. Some days I feel like a group collective energy and rhythm deserve a fun vibe. Last Thursday night in class I taught a Yin/Yang class. First beginning with the Yang or more energizing portion of the practice. Bob Marley was the first thing on the playlist that came up. It worked wonderfully and of course who doesn’t love BOB? Moving and dancing a little to “Three Little Birds” and transitioning into balancing poses with “Redemption Song”. As we settled back to the floor moving into the Yin portion or calming, grounding low to the ground postures held for a few minutes at a time I changed the music to a bit classical some gentle kirtan and mantra music. It was beautiful to watch and experience the energy shift in the room. Some people are able to lose themselves in the music.
Of course the other side of using music is being distracted. All day, everyday we are exposed to sounds and sights, enough to bod down the mind and keep a person stressed out even during yoga class. I happen to take classes with an amazing instructor who does not play music during instruction. The sounds in the room are many breathing persons having their own experience. No distractions, just you and your breath. The breath keeps you present. When you’re not breathing, where are you? Come back to the breath. It’s so simple. What ever you choose stay in the moment and enjoy the ride.
Tags: Athena, Bob Marley, Music, Yoga
