Back On The Mat

09.12.14

As much as I love running and the lovely endorphins that come with it, I have been looking forward to not actively training for a race. I am aching to get back onto my yoga mat. I have practiced at home either completely on my own or with a DVD a few times. So what is stopping me? I am ready to recommit to my yoga practice.

This is what Mac and I look like when I practice at home.

For someone who really loves and enjoys yoga, I am utterly shocked with myself that I haven't practiced in a studio since March. But there's no time like the present! A few weeks ago, I saw an online deal for an amazing studio across town. I took it as a sign from the yoga and shopping discount gods that my body needs yoga again.

So, I found myself signing up for two weeks of unlimited yoga!

Not everyone likes music when they practice yoga. However, I think it really enhances the experience and it's what I'm used to in vinyasa yoga ("flow"). It helps me with pace, breath, and motivation.

Amos Lee "Keep It Loose, Keep It Tight"

The Shins "New Slang"

Shakira "Gypsy"

Florence + The Machine "Cosmic Love"

Florence + The Machine "Shake It Out"

Beyonce "I Was Here"

Coldplay "Fix You" (Live from LeftRightLeftRightLeft)

Coldplay "Strawberry Swing"

Pink "Glitter In The Air"

Debussy "Clair De Lune"

The flow (pun intended) of this playlist has a purpose. The first two songs are great for a warm up sun salutation and/or focusing on breathing in child's pose. The tempos really pick up in the Shakira and Florence songs. They're perfect for working up a sweat during Sun B and warrior poses. 

I'm almost 99.99% positive that Beyonce song was written for balancing poses. I could be in tree and/or eagle pose for the entire thing. Coldplay is great for detoxing and restorative poses. 

The last two songs are on reserve for Shavasana aka nap time (everyone's favorite pose!) I'm just kidding. Shavasana is meant for reflection and meditation. If you happen to doze off during shavasana, job well done. 

I like adding music to my practice as a queue for what poses I want to do next. 

This is one of my favorite quotes about yoga. I find it difficult to explain what yoga means to me. Similar to running, it's such an individualized experience but there is an amazing community feeling that comes with it. 

Yoga is more than stretching out your hammies in a hot room. There are many deeper meanings. Every time I practice, I learn something new. It has taught me that cheesy cliches like "You get out of it what you put into it" are really, very true. Also, it's important to have fun with it and not take it too seriously. Nothing in life is fun or worth your time if you're not enjoying yourself. One of my favorite instructors of all time would always make us laugh while we were balanced in crow pose to really challenge us. I loved that about her! 

The best shape of my life was when I was practicing two or three times a week at the studio. Yes, my muscles felt better than ever. But that didn't compare to how it made me feel on the inside. Strong and calm. That's what yoga means to me. 

http://www.fitsugar.com/Ways-Live-Yoga-Outside-Class-24085400