digital content strategy, social media marketing, and seo expertise
I had an absolutely awful yoga session. I’m just disappointed by the whole second half of the class. There were several twisted triangle positions, as well as the dancer, warrior, hero, and a shoulder stand that just were too much for me today. I couldn’t even do the chest expansion because once I got my hands clasped I couldn’t lift my arms and my fingers get pinched every time I try it. And, then this twisty arm exercise that I don’t even know what it’s called that I have trouble doing just by itself, combined with a half lotus tree. It was just totally was beyond me.
Usually I can do a few breaths of even harder postures like the warrior. Today wasn’t one of those days. There were just so many new postures we hadn’t done before, one right after the other. And, with the twisty inverted postures, I can’t come out of them and go back into them when I’m ready without causing a big commotion and everyone looking at me. (Or at least I feel like everyone is looking at me.) After not being able to do so much, I just got so frustrated that I had trouble even breathing.
I don’t want to go back. I thought this was a beginner’s course and it’s not turning out that way, which disappoints me, but oh well.
So, I’m shifting gears. I stopped in at the public library on the way home and picked up The Yoga Manual by Rosemary Lesser. I discovered that some of the positions I had trouble with are, in fact, considered advanced positions, and that there are lots of other postures that I can do. I don’t need to stress myself out by this class when my goal of going is exactly the opposite.
So I’m going to go it alone for a while, which leads to my question: can any of you recommend any yoga music that you really love?
Thanks for listening to me whine before finally getting around to a more positive question!
About m2h blogsMarcia Hansen works by day as a marketing manager in social media. At other times you'll find her traveling about speaking, writing, and learning. And, if she's lucky, it's on her Honda Shadow 1100.
Please note -- the postings on this site are my own and don’t necessarily represent my employer's positions, strategies, or opinions. If you want to know more about me, you can visit my About Marcia Hansen page above, or my home page at MarciaHansen.com.
Billie
September 25th, 2006 at 8:05 pm
Thanks for posting this. I’ve had similar experiences in yoga classes, and they often make me feel so inadequate . . . and so not trim and fit.
I look forward to seeing what others suggest about music. I’ve been wanting to do it on my own, too, but just haven’t. This’ll get me started!
madeline
September 26th, 2006 at 7:24 am
yes, I’ve got some suggestions:
My favorite is Deva Premal for practice, because she sings mantra.
Also, I don’t care much for using DVD for home practice, but I *love* using audio, much like what shiva rea does.
comebacknikki
September 30th, 2006 at 8:19 am
I had a similar experience in a yoga class and ended up dropping out of the class b/c I felt so self-conscious and inadequate. Years later, I realized that what we were doing on the first day of class was more advanced than what any beginning student should attempt.
As far as music, I really like Bija: Soothing Music and Mantras for Yoga and Relaxation. I also second the shiva rea chanting cd.
marcia
October 2nd, 2006 at 9:16 pm
Thanks for the recommendations! (and while disappointing, it’s also good to know that I’m not alone.)
Keri
October 25th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
Hi, Marcia,
I’ve missed you! Actually, Aaron and I just took a beginning yoga class, and I really liked her, and I can imagine how you felt. I always played competitive sports, and after my first yoga class, I had to tell myself over and over “blogging is not a competitive sport.”
But the yoga teacher mentioned this DVD with Ali McGraw and Erich Strichman (sp). Well, I just bought it for 9.99 on Amazon. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Keri
October 25th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
That’s funny. I meant to say “yoga is not a competitive sport” but blogging isn’t either! : )