Despite their clear differences, practicing yoga and listening to music serve a similar purpose. Both soothe, amuse and reunite the body and mind. Some people find it easier to achieve this flow state while practicing yoga while listening to music. Many yoga practitioners prefer to practice while listening
to music with a meditative vibe. Because yoga is associated with mental clarity, relaxation, and meditation, people prefer to listen to this genre of music. Yoga practitioners listen to meditation music the most because it is connected to all these.
There are many benefits to playing music in yoga classes. It can help to set the mood and create a calming environment as well as energize students during more vigorous classes or sequences. Music can also help to deepen the breath and increase focus and concentration. It can be used as a tool to guide the practice, with different tempos and rhythms corresponding to different poses or sequences as well as being a source of inspiration and motivation. I find it can also help to create a sense of community in the class and bring people together.
Catherine Wilde, a homeschooling mom of three & founder of Soul Care Mom, and Best Selling Author of Reclaiming Your Inner Sparkle shared some tracks she enjoys and uses in her classes include:-
- Fly Among Clouds – Taylor Dawson
- Compassion – Mindful Changes
- Upon A Painted Ocean – Aquatic Dreamer
Benjamin Rose, Yoga Teacher, and a Fitness Expert prefer not to play music to avoid being distracted during yoga practice. According to him “The finest music for practice frequently has no words since it makes it easier to focus on what’s important—your breath.”
He goes on to add “You probably won’t practice the same thing at 7:00 a.m. and7:00 p.m. likewise, your yoga playlist should. Energizing flows and uplifting music is perfect for the morning since they will wake you up and put you in a good mood for the rest of the day.” The evening preferably should be accompanied by soothing music to encourage restful sleep.
Check out 10 meditative albums
that will provide you with a diverse collection of enjoyable and calm melodies plus a few energizing beats. Here are our favorite meditation soundtracks along with some helpful descriptions via Amazon.com.
World Yoga by Putumayo Presents
World Yoga – “Drawing on contemplative sounds from Wales to Tibet and Armenia to Uganda, this collection leads listeners to deeper relaxation and a stronger connection with life. With an engaging balance of more traditional yoga sounds like mantra-based pieces with Indian elements and unexpected
acoustic gems from Africa and beyond, World Yoga reflects the practice and its planetary impact and grace.”
Relax – A Liquid Mind Experience by Liquid Mind
Relax: a Liquid Mind Experience – is a wonderful relaxation music album. “At their essence, Liquid Mind recordings are slo-mo electronic symphonies created for frantic souls who yearn to take a mental float trip across their own private Sea of Tranquility.”
Ocean Waves by Joe Baker
Ocean Waves – “Digitally mastered CDs containing crisp clear nature sounds designed for deep sleep, meditation, and relaxation. Creating a natural atmosphere for sleep, yoga, the workplace, dinner time, morning coffee, driving, and for other special times in our.”
Chakra Chants by Jonathan Goldman
Buddha Bar XV – This is “an excellent fusion of international grooves and beats with an awesome chill, lounge atmosphere.” This soundtrack has a great mixture of slower and faster songs that are great for your upbeat practice but also if you are traveling.
Satori – Music for Yoga and Meditation by Riley Lee
Satori music collection for yoga and meditation is another good alternative, featuring bamboo flute music.
Meditation & Yoga – Flutes by Jessita Reyes Massage Tribe
Meditation and Yoga Flutes – “These Native American flutes and nature sounds transport you to a different place. This zen & chakra healing music is the perfect soundtrack to help you get away from your daily thoughts and activities.”
Music for Healing by Steven Halpern
Music for Healing – “Recognized by Keyboard magazine as “One of the most influential artists of the past 35 years who changed the way we compose, market and listen to music,” Steven Halpern continues to set the gold standard in healing music.”
Buddha Bar XV / Various by Claude Challe
Buddha Bar XV – This is “an excellent fusion of international grooves and beats with an awesome chill, lounge atmosphere.” This soundtrack has a great mixture of slower and faster songs that are great for your upbeat practice but also if you are traveling.
Music for Yoga by Various Artists
“This is a very good CD for relaxation and chilling out at home after a long day at the office. All seven of the recording artists who perform the 12 selections on the CD are in top form and the music varies from chants or a flute solo to synthesized space music.”
Escapes – Music for Relaxing by Jeff Gold
Escapes music for meditation: “California native Jeff Gold is a composer/musician who creates imagery through music; images that are emotional and melodic, restorative and uplifting. He composes soulful
relaxing instrumentals which have received the attention of Wellness Centers, Spas and Music Therapists for their tranquil and healing qualities.”
This collection of relaxing music can be a great addition to your playlist, whether you are a student or an instructor. Always keep in mind that the music you listen to will influence your mood. If you are leaving work and had a bad day, this type of music — specifically designed for relaxation — will help
you calm down. As an instructor remember to always diversify your playlist; students are good listeners and they will appreciate new music. Most importantly, create a playlist that inspires you, because your inspiration is who you are.
Source: https://seattleyoganews.com/