Yoga Music

Lately I've been practicing more and more on my own. I love going to classes, but there are benefits to practicing alone. Also, work has made it difficult to make it to the classes I like best.

Usually practicing on my own means doing so in silence - just listening to my breath as it guides me. But lately I've come across some great yoga music, so I thought I'd share.

1. The Cello Suites by Bach, performed by Yo-Yo Ma.

Whether you're a fan of classical music or not, Bach's cello suites are fantastic for your focus as you practice. Listening to them adds a certain seriousness to your yoga, which is great if you're in the mood for it. For me listening to them also reinforces the fact that yoga is - among other things - an art form, and a beautiful, elegant practice.

2. Anything by Barbara Morgenstern, but especially the album "Nichts Muss"

She's German, and the album title means, roughly, "Anything Goes." If you haven't heard of her - and chances are you haven't - it's because not much German music makes it to the US. Her music is a bit difficult to describe, and I always get confused when I try to categorize electronic music. Suffice it to say that it's a bit trancey, calming but complicated, but not too distracting for yoga. Also, if you don't speak German, the meaning of the words won't distract you. I sometimes like to listen to Bach for the first half of a session (standing poses) and Barbara Morgenstern for the second half (seated poses and meditation).