As you all probably know by now, music is a BIG part of yoga for me. Yes, this is a somewhat "controversial" topic in the yoga world, and is a totally personal preference, but for me, music is a wonderful part of both teaching and taking class (to read more about this topic, check out this post). So, for those who feel the same way, I wanted to delve a little deeper into the playlist-making topic today. Last week, when working with a group of Teacher Training students, one of the students asked, "How do you make a class playlist? Where do you find the music? How do you put it all together?" and it got me thinking. Similarly, I recently got an email from a reader in Portugal (yay!) who asked something similar--she explained that she'd never taken a class with music, and wasn't sure how it would work--" There are no such yoga classes where I live, so I never understood if you link the movements with the music or the music is just for the background."Since I assume that these two teachers aren't alone in their questioning, I hope to help out by answering these inquiries for my fellow yogis. Obviously, I'm no DJ or music professional, but I do like to think that in my almost 3 years of teaching (wow!?), during which I've made a new playlist on at least a monthly basis, I've learned a thing or two... How to Create a Yoga Class Playlist
1. Before tackling a playlist, you need a clear picture of your class structure, as the way that you put together your playlist should have a lot to do with your class plan. Here's an example of a class plan (this is a very rough outline of the structure that I use for a 1 hr class):- 0-5 minutes: Centering
- 5-15 minutes: Warm-up and step-backs
- 15-20 minutes: Surya A
- 20-23/25 minutes: Surya B variations
- 25-40 minutes: Standing flow + balancing poses
- 40-45 minutes: Varies depending on class, usually arm balance or other peak pose + pigeon
- 45-50 minutes: Seated poses and/or backbends
- 50-55 minutes: Backbends and/or inversions, finishing poses
- 55-60 minutes: Savasana + closing
2. Once you have a class plan (with a general idea of the timing), you can begin to build your playlist around that class plan. What do I mean by this? Think about what type of energy/mood/music you want during each class segment, and try to find songs that create that energy. For instance: - For centering, I usually go for a very calming song, preferably without words (so that it doesn't distract people). Instrumentals or yoga music with words in sanskrit can be great for this.
- For Surya A & Surya B, the part of class where we're working to build heat, I almost always opt for really energetic music--something faster, or with a good, strong beat. I find that this helps people get lost in the flow and stay invigorated.
- After Surya A & B, I tend to keep things pretty upbeat for a while, so that people stay energized throughout the standing flow.
- As class begins to wind down (think seated poses on), I like to begin to slow things back down with softer, more relaxing music.
- For savasana, I always search for a song that is helps people completely let go. This can be a song with or without words, but if it has words, you want to be sure they aren't too distracting or inappropriate for savasana. It's best if you just use one song for all of savasana, as it helps people to relax.
3. How do you find good songs/appropriate music? This is the part that takes some time. If you're new to making class playlists, this can be a little more time-consuming, but over time, I promise it gets easier. Here are some tips on how to find good music: - Start paying attention to the music around you. If you're in another teacher's class and hear a song that moves you, ask them what it was after class and write it down.
- Listen to Pandora (or Spotify) and choose stations or playlists based on artists that you like. When you hear a song that you think would be great for class, write it down.
- Think outside the box: think about artists that you like and listen to their albums with an ear for yoga. Are any of their songs appropriate for class?
- Get on iTunes and search artists that you've heard in class before. If you're stuck, start with common "yoga" music: MC Yogi, Bhagavan Das, Krishna Das, Wah!, Deva Premal, Donna de Lory, Wade Imre Morrissette, etc. Listen to snippets of their songs and download the ones that speak to you.
- Check out other teacher's playlists! Lots of yoga teachers post them on their blogs/websites/facebook pages, etc., so this is a great way to learn about fun music.
- Download Shazam. When you hear a song you like in a movie, a show, a coffee shop, the car, shazam it and find out what it is. Write it down and put it on your next playlist.
- *Personal method: I have a "note" in my phone where I keep a running list of all songs I've come across that I want to use in my next playlist. By the time I sit down to make the playlist, I'm usually halfway done. It's been very helpful to do it this way and has made the process of actually making a list a lot less daunting.
4. Over time, I've learned to avoid certain types of music, because you want the music to add to the class, not distract or take away from it. Here are some tips (this is a personal preference, of course, but this is my opinion): - Avoid Top 40 songs. They're too recognizable and when people start singing along in their heads or thinking about the band/group/singer/pop culture, it can take them out of the practice.
- Avoid overly romantic songs or songs that are obviously about a broken heart, being cheated on, finding "the one," etc. Obviously, this is hard, since SO much music is about romantic love, but if you can, try to find songs that don't spell it out in a way that will bring up romantic emotions for students. Sometimes this can't be helped, as emotions always come up in yoga and it's often not because of the music, but if you play a song about being cheated on and someone in class has been cheated on, it could be pretty upsetting for that student.
- Avoid songs with curse words, explicit language, lines about death or killing someone, drugs, sex, etc. Try to keep things a little more uplifting and inspiring for your students.
- Include a mix of genres, male/female singers, world music, instrumentals, and Eastern/yoga music. Again, this is a personal preference, but it's really refreshing to mix it up and makes the music just as eclectic and diverse as your students.
5. Once you've made a playlist, listen to it the entire way through. If you hear anything that sounds jarring/not quite right, remove the song and replace it with another. Then, once you test it out in class, feel free to make a few more tweaks if it still isn't right. Remember, the music shouldn't be distracting to you as a teacher, either! Does this help? I hope so. If you need more music ideas or examples of playlists, you can check out my playlists page and the following resources/posts: Now get to making those playlists! And as always, if you come across a great new artist that you think would be perfect for yoga, please send them my way ;) Namaste! Mary Catherine PS. Happy April!!!
If I had to name my favorite band/singer these days, it would without a doubt be Florence + The Machine. I love everything Florence, or as we affectionately called her last night, Flo. Every song, every haunting lyric, every flowy outfit, every movement of her thin, pale arms as her hair and clothing blows in the wind of her own personal fan (!), every crazy octave of her extremely powerful voice. Therefore, even though it kept me up *waaay* past my early 10pm bedtime, I ventured to Maryland (or, "Merry Land, as Flo called it) to see a Florence concert at Merriweather Post Pavilion last night. To say it was fabulous is an understatement. She was spectacular. I mean, just look at her? Although I tried my best to get some good pictures with my iPhone from the lawn, sadly, it's flash and focus doesn't extend as far as I'd like, thus, the fuzzy images above. However, what's most important is my memory of her haunting voice, and that's not going anywhere quickly.
Isn't it simply amazing to see and hear some of your favorite music live? Concerts are one of my favorite things and I need to get back to going to them more often. There's such a power to singing along to every word of a song that you've listened to 100s of times--especially when there's an entire crowd doing the exact same thing with you. Oh, and did I mention that it was cold enough to wear jeans and a sweater outside (and cover up with a blanket--see the image above!) AND that we had cupcakes + wine for dinner? Perfect night. Thanks, Flo! Namaste, Mary Catherine PS. For those who don't know Florence's music, you can hear some samples/snippets on my Playlists page, as I often put her music in my yoga class playlists...I think it's amazing to practice to her voice ;)
Image via feedtheyogi.com
It's been a long time since I've posted a new " Shake Your Asana" songs list, mainly because I started posting my monthly playlists to the blog, and felt that this answered a lot of the yoga playlist needs out there in the interwebs. However, as I was enjoying an amazing savasana song in class over the weekend, I realized that I've never posted a list of my favorite savasana songs, which in my mind, is one of the most important parts of a yoga playlist (and of a yoga class, of course...). Thus, here we are today. You can listen to 10 of my favorite final relaxation songs--in no particular order, and certainly not order of preference--below. You may have seen a couple of these songs listed in my SJOTW, or in past " Shake Your Asana" posts, but I hope this provides you with one place to find a plethora of ideas. So get ready to relax, okay? Maybe close your eyes, allow your body to melt into the earth (or your office chair, or office floor...), and allow your breath to return to a steady, soft, natural breath... 1. "Enter One" by Sol Seppy (because this is my all-time favorite savasana song, it's going first. So technically, this is the only one that is listed in order of preference...) 2. "Hallelujah" by Rufus Wainright (there are many amazing versions of this song, but I think this is my favorite) 3. "Breathe" by Alexi Murdoch (yoga music master. I have two songs by Alexi on this list!) 4. "Offering Chant" by Lama Gyurme & Jean-Philippe Rykiel 5. "Aad Guray" by Deva Premal (I have also listed to by this talented lady...) 6. "Le Ceil Dans Une Chambre" by Carla Bruni 7. "Heaven" by Brandi Carlile 8. "Orange Sky" by Alexi Murdoch 9. "Duet" by Rachel Yamagata featuring Ray LaMontagne 10. "Gayatri Mantra" by Deva Premal *Bonus Track* "Time After Time" by Eva Cassidy (because I love it too much not to include it!) Which must-haves would you add to this list? I'm sure I'm missing tons of amazing ones, and would appreciate some recommendations. I sure do love me some good savasana music!
So here's to a relaxing and mindful Monday...
Namaste,
Mary Catherine
Hey, remember that time that you asked me for a song after class? Or the time that you asked me to send you a screenshot of my iTunes playlist? Now you don't have to do that anymore! I mean, you can (and I don't mind!), but you don't have to!! Why? Because from now on, you can find ALL of my playlists in a handy dandy new spot on my blog (or through the link on my yoga site); all of my recent playlists can now be located by clicking on the new link in the sidebar entitled "Shake Your Asana: Class Playlists" (fun button coming soon...). You can also listen to small snippets of each song to ensure it's the right one before downloading it for yourself ;) Want to check it out? Preview my March playlist below, and peruse all of my playlists here. Fun, huh? I heart good yoga music. Happy listening! Namaste, Mary Catherine PS. Looking for more of my favorite yoga songs? Check out my past posts, Shake Your Asana and Shake Your Asana, Volume 2.
 Is she about to do a sun salutation? I love practicing to music. Love it. Can't get enough. Personally, I think that an interesting, inspiring, energizing-at-the-right-time and relaxing-at-the-right-time playlist can help me to get completely lost in my practice, to amp things up when I'm building heat, and to relax a bit more when I settle down for my final savasana. I've practiced without music and I've taught without music at many different times over the past year or two, and although yoga is still amazing either way (I'm not saying that yoga is any less powerful without music!), I think that my love of music--no matter what I'm doing--gives me this urge to practice to music, as well.
My personal need for inspiring tunes while I flow is one of the reasons that I spend hours on my new playlists each month (and then tweak them and work to perfect them for a week or so, until they're just right). Many of my fellow yoga instructors do the same thing as they work on their playlists, so I know that I'm not alone in this, but a yogi's comment about my playlist after class last week got me thinking about yoga + music + preferences. What makes a song "right" for yoga? Does it need to be classic "yoga" or new-agey music? Can it have words, or must it be instrumental? If it does have words, does it have to be chanting, or yoga words, or can it be anything, even angry words? Should the music be played quietly, or should it be played loud enough to fill the room with it's energy? Can you only practice to off-beat, unrecognizable musicians or bands, or can you get your yoga on to Enrique Iglesias (see below ;) or Britney? So many questions, and really, it all comes down to personal preference.
 Can you practice to THIS??? Every time Ben comes to my classes, he says I should turn up the music ("louder," he always says, even when I think it's blasting!). I love when I go to classes where the music is loud and I can really feel it as I flow, but I've heard students give feedback that they like it when the music is low and just there for a bit of background noise. Since I started teaching I've had students tell me that they love my music, or love hearing one of their favorite bands in the mix, and then I've also had students who ask for more "Eastern-inspired music," less up-beat music, or even no music at all because they find it distracting. It really depends! So what conclusion have I come to regarding the subject? You just have to be true to yourself (isn't this the answer to almost every question in life?). As teachers, we should play what resonates with us while also taking our "student body"--or what the majority of our students tend to like--into account. As students, we can gravitate towards those teachers whose entire teaching style works for us, music and all. I believe that the most important part of any practice is that your practice is your own, and that no outside sources are going to take you away from that. On the other hand, even if you don't like a teacher's music in a particular class, you can t hink of it as a chance to challenge yourself to tune inward and forget about any and all sensory distractions around you...you just may find that in the end, the music really doesn't even matter for you. So how do you feel about this topic? Why do you enjoy the type music (or lack of music) that you like to hear when you practice? What are your favorite yoga songs, and why? I know my musical preferences during yoga are clear (see my "Shake Your Asana" posts, Vol. 1 and Vol. 2...), but I'm always very interested to hear other people's take on yoga + music, and very open to suggestions, as well :) Now off to make my new November playlist! How appropriate, no? Namaste!Mary Catherine
 So we've officially started talking about planning our wedding. We aren't planning yet--but we're definitely talking about it, and that's a big step in the right direction. The one thing we've decided so far? We're taking a hint from Usher's hit song of the 90's and doing it "My Way"--or "Our Way." Yep, that's right, we're throwing conventional wedding planning out the door (kind of...) and are going to do whatever we want to do, in order to make our wedding as fun, as stress-free, and as "Mary Catherine & Ben" as possible. To quote Usher, "What I say goes! I'm in control..." And that's exactly how we feel :)
Some of the exciting ideas we've tossed around in our Usher-inspired pre-planning stages? Having our favorite delicious, organic breakfast place cater with breakfast for dinner (this is definitely happening because we both LOVE breakfast), personalized bridesmaids and groomsmen (My brothers on my side? Sure! You want to have two Best Men/Mans? Sure!), having a Jamaican/reggae band sing our favorite country song to an island beat for our first dance (we've seriously talked about this for years--don't ask--but this probably won't be possible), egg toss at the reception (um, yeah....why not?), etc. So do you see? The possibilities are endless. And we may just send out Save the Dates with a picture of Usher on them to take this theme to the next level--who knows!?! We're that crazy right now! (Kidding about the Save the Dates. Kind of.)
Anyways, the moral of this whole story is that I'm finally at the point where I think this whole wedding-planning thing is going to be really, really fun and special. I'm excited to start picking everything out and am even more excited that Ben is as into it as I am (at this point). I bought my first bridal magazine for myself yesterday (I know, can you imagine me doing such a thing? I felt like I had to slink around with it hidden under my arm so no one would see me...) and I'm committing to the process. We're thinking next October, so we've got a little over a year to plan things "our way." Yeah, yeah! (Another Usher reference...did you get it?).
To close, I'd like to share the amazingly outdated and somewhat-ridiculous video to our inspirational song--"My Way" by the one and only Usher. Maybe we'll use the video as inspiration for our wedding decorations/theme (the wedding will be in ATL, after all!) and we may just perform a little version of one of the dances as our first dance...I told you, we're total wild cards! Can't you just see it now? Elegant, classic, and romantic--all the things a first dance should be :)
Yep, that's definitely what our first dance is going to look like. Outfits and eye makeup included.
Namaste!
Mary Catherine
P.S. For those of you who just read this pose and are truly concerned about our wedding being the tackiest event of the century, I promise it won't be. We're going to make this work! It will be as classy and smooth as Usher's voice :) But yes, we may have to throw a few of our wilder ideas out the window...
 Photo via yogaandmusic.com As promised back in March (when I first started my blog!), it's time for a follow-up to my musically inclined "Shake Your Asana" post. To repeat what I said the last time that I posted some of my favorite yoga songs--I feel that creating playlists is a crucial part of my "job" as a yoga instructor. To me, music is a very important part of setting the tone for my classes, and I believe that it can help to boost or calm people's energy when the time calls for it. There are many yogis who think it's better to practice without music--which is completely fine with me--but personally, my favorite classes are filled with wonderful music that helps me to stay present, enjoy the moment, and truly be in my body. So, without further ado, here are 10 more amazing yoga songs. It's a countdown to #1--feel free to listen to each song using the player below as you scroll down the list! And get ready to shake your asana...or at least mellow out at your desk :)
10. Fantasy Man by the Swell Season: I almost think that every single song by The Swell Season could be used on a yoga playlist (they're all THAT soothing!), but this is one of my favorites to include in my mixes. I find it's a good one to play when class is winding down--during seated poses, finishing poses, etc.--as it helps people to relax and begin to transition into savasana mode... 9. Seven Wonders by Nickel Creek: Another band that I love to intersperse in my playlists near the end of class...their voices are absolutely gorgeous in this song! 8. Dazzling Blue by Paul Simon: Continuing on with my obsession with Paul Simon's latest album, I've loved playing this song in class lately. I play it towards the beginning half of class because I find it to be an upbeat, fun song for when we're flowing...he's just the greatest :) 7. Africa (Cottonbelly Remix) from the Solarium/Delirium Soundtrack by Cirque Du Soleil: One of my recently-added songs that I love to insert during the beginning of class, when we just begin our sun salutations or when I want to start building the energy in the room. It's a great beat--very energizing! 6. Waiting on an Angel by Ben Harper: Ben Harper has a number of great yoga songs (his voice is perfect!), but this is my favorite. I like to play it near the end of class or at the beginning, during centering. SO relaxing.
5. Kashi Vishwanath Gange by Krishna Das: Another great song for the beginning to middle of the class in a more energetic part of the flow. Krishna Das--there's no one else like him! It was hard to choose just one of his songs... 4. Latika's Theme from Slumdog Millionaire Soundtrack: Great opening/centering or savasana song. It's romantic, soft, soothing, and beautiful. I love that it says so much without words. A song that I get asked about a lot after class... 3. Set Fire to the Rain by Adele: I've already shared this song on the blog before, but I just love it that much! It's a great song to play near the beginning of class, when you're moving a bit more quickly and building heat. But really, you can't go wrong with Adele. Every single one of her songs is amazing and could find a space on a yoga soundtrack. I've noticed a lot of other teachers playing her music lately, as well :) 2. Offering Chant by Lama Gyurme & Jean-Philippe Rykiel (from Putumayo Presents Yoga): Every time that I play this song in class, I get at least one person who comes up to me after class and asks me the name of the song. It's SO sad, beautiful, haunting, and relaxing--all at the same time. I typically play it during savasana or right before... 1. The Night Starts Here by Stars: ALL CREDIT for this song goes to my amazing teacher, Dibora Amanuel. She has it on her playlist and it is one of my favorite songs to practice to. Ever. It's wonderful! Ben agrees...after he went to her class for the first time he came home and downloaded it right away. He was listening to it while he made breakfast the next day (haha!). Thanks, Dibora!
What's your favorite song to practice to? How do you feel about these songs? Or, do you rather practice in silence and if so, why? I'd love to hear.
Namaste!
Mary Catherine
Although I've been loving the gorgeous, sunny spring days that we've been having on the weekends lately, today I was reminded that there's NOTHING like a rainy/cloudy Sunday with nowhere to be. After a day of yoga yesterday and a late night out last night (that means 11pm--super-late night for me these days!), Ben and I woke up somewhat early this morning to go to CrossFit. Then, as we began to head home after an exhausting (killer!) workout, it started raining--so we felt completely justified in coming home to watch a movie at noon. There's something about a rainy day that makes this okay, whereas if we had done this last Sunday, when it was 80 degrees and sunny, I would have felt guilty and wasteful for sitting on the couch all day. So, back to the day: we came home and watched Love and Other Drugs (loved it, but it definitely toyed with my emotions!), and then took a nap. And that's why I'm writing this... Naps. Are. Amazing. (!!!!!!!!). I just woke up from one, and I feel like a different person. A bit groggy, yes, but I also feel like a happy, tranquil, nap-in-the-middle-of-the-day kind of person--and it's great. How long has it been since you took a nap? It's probably been at least 6 months since I last took a nap, and today I was reminded of how special they are. There's something about taking a nap in the middle of the day that means that you're giving yourself permission to completely relax and listen to your body. The normal, busy, working adult doesn't get many chances to lie down on the couch in the middle of the day for a quick doze, but I truly think that we should make more time for naps. I know when it really comes down to it, it isn't possible for most of us to nap often, but how about once per week? Or once per month? Personally, from now on if I'm tired on a Sunday (even if it's pretty outside!), I'm going to let myself take a nap. And if it's sunny and I feel too guilty to stay inside, I'll just slap on my SPF 50 (yep! baby sunscreen.) pack a book and a bottle of water, and go out by the pool to lie in a chair under an umbrella...and if I decide I'd rather sleep than read, then that's what I'll do :) See, I'm already planning out my summer naps! Can't wait :) So how are you spending your cloudy Sunday? Give yourself permission to relax a bit...I promise, you won't regret it. And since we're talking about rain, I can't help but share some of my favorite rainy day tracks:  -When its Raining on Sunday by Keith Urban
-Save it for a Rainy Day by the Jayhawks
-Bring On The Rain by JoDee Messina & Tim McGraw
-Rain King by The Counting Crows
-Rockin' with the Rhythm of the Rain by The Judds
What's your favorite rainy day song? What's your favorite thing to do on a rainy/cloudy day?
I hope you're enjoying your Sunday!
Namaste,
Mary Catherine
 One of my simple pleasures in life: GLEE. And since they haven't been airing any new episodes lately, I don't have anything to look forward to (TV-wise) in my life. Well, partly because of GLEE and partly because the latest season of The Bachelor is over (gasp! I know. I can't help it--I'm sorry! I promise that I watch quality programming, too...). So, since I'm missing GLEE so much, I thought I would bring it back to life via a blog post :) I LOVE infusing GLEE songs into my yoga class playlists whenever I can, and listen to my GLEE playlist on my iPod whenever I need a pick-me-up. Nothing cheers me up like a good GLEE ballad. Don't you agree? So, settle in and prepare to have your world rocked by some of my faves. I've categorized them by genre...kind of....
Favorite rap song: Empire State of Mind
Favorite "legend" song: Like a Prayer
Favorite 80's Song: Total Eclipse of the Heart Favorite Grammy winner song: I Really Need You Now
Favorite rock ballad: Don't Stop Believin'
Favorite top 40 song: Teenage Dream
Favorite female vocalist song: Valerie
Best diva song (and I mean that in the positive way, because I LOVE me some Beyonce!): Take a Bow
 See? Aren't they SO much fun? If you're a teacher, I suggest infusing your yoga playlists with a GLEE song here and there. Such an exciting mix-up! Plus, as a sidenote, I have to brag and let everyone know that I saw Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele in Spring Awakening (breathtaking show, by the way) on Broadway in New York a few years ago. They were both AMAZING, so you can imagine that I wasn't surprised when they both showed up on GLEE! One stage, her voice gave me total chills. She can truly belt it out. Share: What are your favorite GLEE songs? What did I leave out?Namaste!Mary Catherine
 Photo via www.examiner.com As a yoga instructor, I feel that creating playlists is a crucial part of my "job." Or at least it feels that way. It's not that I have to use music in all my classes (I teach one class per week where I don't use music), but personally, I love practicing to good music, so I try to bring that same feeling into my classes for my students. Since I started teaching last May, I've spent countless hours in front of iTunes, trying to piece together the perfect playlist--listening to songs one after another, looking up obscure songs that I heard in other classes, and even getting on my mat and practicing to the songs to see if they truly are a good fit for my sequences. My fellow teachers probably understand this, but students probably think it's a *tad* bit obsessive. Either way, I feel that these hours honing my yoga playlist skills have made me somewhat of an expert in the yoga soundtrack department, so I thought I'd share my top 10 songs to practice yoga to...get up and shake your asana!
Disclaimer: it was REALLY hard to pick 10 songs. I left out a lot of songs that I love, so maybe there will be a follow-up blog post somewhere down the line.
PS: You can listen to the songs using the player below the title :)
10. All of My Days by Alexi Murdoch. From the Away We Go soundtrack (yay John Krasinski!). Beautiful voice, beautiful song. 9. Drumming Song by Florence and the Machine. New addition to my playlist, but a fun one! Great for those classes where you're building energy and moving into a quick/heated sequence. Amps up the fun factor! 8. Gayatri Mantra by Deva Premal. Students always ask me who sings this song (actually, chants this mantra), because they find it so relaxing. It's a wonderfully meditative, hauntingly beautiful, and extremely powerful song. 7. Om Narayana by Wade Imre Morissette. Alanis Morrissette's brother...and he's a yogi! I went to Alanis' concert in 5th grade, so it's only appropriate that I am now a fan of her brother's music. Sidenote/sad childhood memory: my Dad bought me a t-shirt at Alanis Morissette's concert and I LOVED it. It was so special--had glitter on it and everything! But, after wearing it to school once, my mom accidentally bleached it when washing it so that the writing turned to a puke green color (was baby blue). It was DEVASTATING. Anyways, great song. 6. Le Ciel Dans Une Chambre by Carla Bruni. Can't get enough of her-- and she's married to Nicholas Sarkozy! Love to play this song during savasana. One of my wonderful students even brought in the translation for me since I always play it :) It's a beautiful song! 5. Hallelujah by Rufus Wainwright. The first time I heard this song, it gave me chills. Another wonderful savasana song. 4. Time After Time by Eva Cassidy. I usually play this song near the end of class, when things are winding down. LOVE. THIS. SONG. Always will! 3. Viva la Vida by Coldplay. Great way to get people moving--I usually play during Surya A/B--whenever we're building heat :) Haven't found another song that gets things moving in quite the same way...except #1. 2. Hometown Glory by Adele. She is amazing!!! I like playing this song 2nd or 3rd in the queue...SO powerful. I think it's my BF's favorite song to hear while practicing, too, which is saying something. Have I mentioned that I like Adele? 1. Mangalam by Prem Joshua. I put this song in almost all of my playlists, towards the beginning of class when we're building heat & energy. I find it so uplifting, fun, and energizing. REALLY haven't found another song that gets people moving like this one does. Share: What's your favorite song to hear during your practice? Or, would you rather practice in silence? If so, why?
Namaste!
Mary Catherine
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