It’s time for a new yoga theme song, and this one comes courtesy of the lovely Shelly who visited The Daily Downward Dog and suggested that I take a listen to “I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney. I will go on the record to say that I am not a country-music fan and was real close to blowing off Shelley’s message until I read the lyrics. The fact that Kenny’s buddy Dave Matthews lends his pipes to the recording also got me curious enough to actually take a listen.

If any of my friends are reading this, I know you will be blown away by the fact that a country-music song has made it into my yoga theme-songs list and will be even more surprised that I included it in my yoga class playlist last week. What can I say, the lyrics have an inspirational message, and the song was perfect at the end of class as I took the students through some deep stretches in preparation for savasana.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WLgLfD3wElQ[/youtube]

It can be so easy to feel sorry for yourself and let all the daily stresses and worries get you down. I love the simple message in this song: Every day we should be thanking our lucky stars that we are still kicking and breathing. If you were able to get out of bed, have good health, food to eat, and saw the sunshine today, then you are alive and lucky as hell!

“I’m Alive” by Kenny Chesney

So damn easy to say that life’s so hard
Everybody’s got their share of battle scars
As for me, I’d like to thank my lucky stars
That I’m alive and well

It’d be easy to add up all the pain
And all the dreams you sat and watched go up in flames
Dwell on the wreckage as it smolders in the rain
But not me, I’m alive

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathin’ in and out’s a blessing, can’t you see?
Today’s the first day of the rest of my life
And I’m alive and well
I’m alive and well

Stars are dancin’ on the water here tonight
It’s good for the soul when there’s not a soul in sight
This boat has caught its wind and brought me back to life
Now I’m alive and well

And today you know that’s good enough for me
Breathing in and out’s a blessing, can’t you see?
Today’s the first day of the rest of my life
Now I’m alive and well
Yeah, I’m alive and well

 

I couldn’t agree more with Kenny that breathin’ in and out’s a blessing. Let’s breathe deep and take our breathing off our yoga mats, letting our breath guide us through any stressful situations we encounter today, knowing that each breath truly is a blessing.

Instead of focusing on the negative, focus on the positive aspects of your life and relish the idea that today really is the first day of the rest of your life. Let the wind catch the sails of your boat today and come alive!

I think this country-music stuff might just be rubbing off on me. Next week I’m including a Dixie Chicks song on my playlist!

Photo: Shirley Booth