Shake Your Asana, Volume 2: Ten More Amazing Yoga Songs

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 :)

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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.

Want more yoga music recommendations? Check out my class playlists and/or the following posts:

• Shake Your Asana: Top 10 Yoga Songs 
• Shake Your Asana, Volume 3: Top 10 [Instrumental] Yoga songs
• Shake Your Asana, Volume 4: Top 10 [Upbeat + Energizing] Yoga Songs
• The Best Music for Yoga: Top 10 [Non-New-Age] Artists/Groups
• How to Make a Yoga Class Playlist
  
• 10 Must-Have Savasana Songs
• The Sound of Music (In Yoga): What Do You Like to Practice To?

Namaste!
Mary Catherine

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Image credit: yogaandmusic.com