During yoga I personally find myself having a much better practice when there is music playing. Sure, if I know the song my breath can get off because I try to sing along. But, overall - it works - it motivates me - it brings out the emotion. I have had teachers play Michael Jackson and Alanis Morissette (acoustic) and the typical "yoga music". It all works.
During points in your life - the good, the bad, the ugly, and the scary - music is the ONE thing people can turn to. It is something everyone can relate to. It can make you feel not alone. Although you practice alone and yoga is not a traditional "team sport" I never feel alone on my mat. I do feel the energy from others around me, and it motivates me to keep going. When I listen to music and the lyrics I remember that I am not alone in my feelings. It could be love, hate, sad, breakup, etc music but I can relate to it.
When I am head over heels in love I find myself listening to every sappy love song there is - circa 2005-2009 it was ALL I listened to. Prior to that and during my first breakup from my first love, it was all Avril and Alanis type of music (okay, admittedly there was a bit of Sinead O'Connor happening too). THEN a great thing happens when you find yourself listening to rap and other non-traditional love or break-up music you think "FINALLY, I am okay and I have no relationship drama!". Then...you start dating again - repeat cycle. You find yourself stuck in a never-ending cycle of love/hate/love/hate that can be so exhausting.
Enter your mid-20's. All of a sudden you don't know how to handle not only your emotions but everything going on with your friends. I have friends who in the past couple of months have gone through horrible breakups, moved in with their boyfriends, started dating and newly falling in love, gotten engaged, getting pregnant, been cheated on, etc. So what do I do to cope? I get to my mat. I space out for even that short amount of time - if I am lucky I have a breakthrough and leave class feeling like a total yogi badass. But, you know what makes it even better - some damn music. I don't know the philosophy on music versus no music during class - but, really - play some music. Give me something to flow to.
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I think you should listen to 'Like a Boss' while doing yoga. Anyway, yay! awesome blog. I love how you're totally Indian now.
ReplyDelete"one good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain!" - Bobby Marley. He would agree with you.
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