Creating Space with Music

I have always put a lot of thought and energy into the music I choose to play in my yoga classes, as I have found music to be an incredible tool to draw people out of the distractions of their minds and into their bodies. Since my classes tend to be structured as restorative and slow flow classes, I seek music that has a relaxing and emotive vibe to it. As we slow down, breathe deeper, and become more in tune with what’s going with our inside world, the outside world become more enjoyable, beautiful, and simple. Taking just a few minutes out of every day to this can literally change your life. I’ve watched it change mine.

Ultimately, the goal is to create space. When we create space in our boides, minds, or hearts through stretching and the release of tension, we become less reactive, our perspective shifts, and we are able to see what clear and right action is in all situations that present themselves. This heightened sense of awareness and clarity of thought lead to positive and progressive action that can have an incredible impact not only on you, but on the world.

Whether you have a strong and long time yoga practice, or are completely new to this beautiful art, I encourage you to find a comfortable space, wear some comfortable clothes, get down on the floor, and with no agenda or thought, listen to these songs and let your body stretch, open, and create space in whatever ways it desires. 

1. Life is Wonderful – Jason Mraz

2. Returning – Jami Sieber

3. Guaranteed – Eddie Vedder

4. We Are One – Ziggy Marley

5. Granada – Emilio de Benito

6. Purple Rain – Martin Sexton

7. Nutshell – Alice in Chains

8. Easy – Anoushka Shankar

9. Imagine – Eva Cassidy

10. Joyful Girl – Soulive

11. Winter Song – Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson

12. Love You More – Alexi Murdoch

13. Hallelujah – Jeff Buckley

14. Shri Ram Jay Ram – Dave Stringer

15. Fields of Gold – Sting

16. Madolyn – Sharon Isbin

17. Love is My Religion (accoustic) – Ziggy Marley

18. If God Will Send His Angels – U2

19. San Andreas Fault – Natalie Merchant

20. Mona Lisa – Robin Nolan Trio

21. Forever – Ben Harper

22. Long Ago – Michael Hoppe

23. Om Narayani – Krishna Das

24. Prayer to Kuan Yin – Donna Delory & David Gregoli