I am very aware that in many ways I am the exception to the rule. It is pointed out to me on a fairly regular basis, should I happen to forget that most people are quite happy not finding out whether or not they can get their chin all the way down their shin. Take my ability to concentrate, for example. Actually, it often feels that someone has done exactly that and taken it far, far away. If I'm going to be able to really concentrate I love to be somewhere with as many distractions as possible. For example, right now I'm writing this whilst sitting in a coffee house. I'm surrounded by plenty of opportunities to people-watch (another favourite past time); music playing in the background; a never-ending supply of caffeine-free, soya milk based hot beverages to consume...the list goes on. But I came here specifically because I knew that today I had to knuckle down and plough through my work 'To Do' list. I've been here a couple of hours and the list is pretty much all done. So 'yey' me. I often find that this very same way of thinking crosses over to my yoga practice. And I know this has the potential to sound like one big ole' contradiction, but stick with me for a moment or two. One of the very first things we're taught when we turn to the philosophy behind yoga is that a regular practice will help to still the fluctuations in our minds. It will make that choppy water, whipped up with thoughts, memories, expectations and the like, still to a beautiful mill-pond. We will have the capacity to enjoy life at it's very best, riding out whatever waves may come our way with the grace and style of a swan (without paddling like hell under the surface). I get that - I really do. There are days when I step on my mat, enjoy the peace and serenity of the 90 minutes that follow, and bathe in the benefits for the rest of the day. But then there are the other days. There are days when life gets in the way, and getting my agitated, grouchy, distracted body onto a yoga mat for 90 minutes is harder than finding an 'alternative' to chocolate that doesn't taste like you've left the paper wrapper on. So what should I do on those days? Give up and let my temporary apathy and grumpiness stop me from doing something which I know I love? Or should I compromise and at least find a way of negotiating to get myself into that zone...Well, I go for the second option. And to do that I need.... ....music! Ok - all you yogis and yoginis that have just recoiled in horror, c'mon - it's not that bad. For me, an ashtanga yoga practice that is accompanied by some of the most goose-bump giving, well written, beautifully produced gems on my iPod is just as valuable as those spent in my little bubble of perfect peaceful serenity. And if that admission blew your mind, then you'd better hold onto your Birkenstocks 'cos here comes another one. Sometimes it's not even 'yogic' music I listen to. Whatever 'stills' my mind at that moment is what I know I need. Some days it's a bit of folk with Seth Lakeman; other days I might want to 'rock out' with Kings of Leon (one of my loveliest recent practices was accompanied by Snow Patrol); occasionally a dose of 80s cheese hits the spot. When the music is playing (usually quite loudly) my yoga practice can take me to that feeling of being in the moment just as effectively as any silent practice has done. I feel the same level of connection with my breath, the same awareness of my body, the same experience of being in that moment, and the same understanding of the challenges that will face me when I get to certain poses (I've yet to find a track that makes Marichyasana D a joy, for example!). Ok - it may not be for everyone. But don't knock it 'til you've tried it.Remember the fun of making mix tapes? It's just as fun to do a playlist for your yoga practice - really it is! Or maybe that's me needing to get out more....again. (If you need some inspiration for a playlist have a look here.... www.yogajournal.com/multimedia/playlists/ |
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