Sometimes I put together a yoga class playlist that I just really love, so much so that I want to keep using it and I have to share it. I’ve used variations of this over the last few weeks in my yoga classes and it will definitely be one I continue to pull out of the archives.

 

 

Om Mani Padme Hum” – Travelling the Sacred Sound Current: Divine Chants & Sacred Tones for Healing & Meditation – Deborah Van Dyke

[youtube]http://youtu.be/X2m98JO2g3s[/youtube]

It starts out like a beautiful whisper. Then a slow drum beat layers on top, and the peaceful chant of “om mani padme hum” is perfect for opening up class with breath meditation and warm-ups.

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih” – Asana 3 Peaceful Heart – Robert Musso

This one starts out slow too, but with more of a mystical feel, and then it picks up with a groovy beat and Sri K. Pattabhi Jois chanting “om shanti, shanti, shanti” over the musical stylings of Robert Musso. PJ’s chant is so cool, it sounds like he’s rapping.

Om Mani Padme Hum” – Path to Bliss – Mercedes Bahleda

Yeah, I was on a little om mani padme hum kick when I was putting together a class about Avalokiteshvara, a goddess able to reach nirvana who delayed doing so out of extreme compassion to save suffering beings. “Om mani padme” is the universal mantra of compassion and often associated with Avalokiteshvara, and that is why this classic mantra gets a double-take on this playlist, but in this version Mercedes serves up a happier, sunnier version of the chant.

Om Namah Shivaya (Omstrumental)” – Elephant Powered Omstrumentals – MC Yogi

[youtube]http://youtu.be/_Z2gzCLCt2I[/youtube]

This is a yoga class playlist standard, and I’m not quite sure why it took me so long to finally include it on one of mine. This is the perfect song to use when it’s time to pick up the pace and when you want a little chant/rap in the playlist.

Love is My Religion” – Love is My Religion – Ziggy Marley

I always need at least one reggae song per playlist, and if you’re gonna have religion in your life, love is certainly one to not only worship but believe in.

All Good” (Mangalam Remix) – RemixedGirish

This one has a funky belly-dancing groove sound to it, and I love the vocals and message, “It’s all good!” Girish will make you want to shake your hips and move to the groove on your yoga mat as you repeat the mantra. I’m really excited to say that Girish is coming to Yoga Bliss Akron – one of the studios I teach at! – on June 1 from 11 to 12:30 PM for a special yoga class led by Juli Hicks, where he’ll be playing LIVE. Then on June 2, he will lead a chant workshop from 11 to 1 PM. If you live in the Akron/Cleveland area, you can’t miss this opportunity to attend a yoga class where Girish will be performing live.

Amazing” – One eskimO – One eskimO

[youtube]http://youtu.be/nLEPdjscQ5Q[/youtube]

I will fess up, I am guilty of overusing the word amazing, and in this song, the word is definitely overused, but I don’t care, because this song is AMAZING! The definition of amazing is to affect with great wonder and astonishment. Yep – I’m certain I misuse the word all the time, but to quote One eskimO, “I love life, I hope you do to, cause I love everything, it’s all amazing.”

Copper Moon” – Sounds of Tadasana – Tom Freund

[youtube]http://youtu.be/9Zuzd-wsrlE[/youtube]

I’m digging Tom’s sound. He reminds me a little of Tom Petty, but a mellower version him that is into yoga, incense, and chanting om. I picked up this song from the complimentary Sounds of Tadasana festival album, but you can pick up this tune from Tom’s album titled Copper Moon.

Bliss Ma” – Blue Fire Soul – Suzanne Sterling

I got the opportunity to attend an awesome singing yoga class with Suzanne at Tadasana Festival and have been wanting to include her lovely voice on my playlists ever since. This song has a nice beat, but a slower feel to it, so it’s perfect for the second half of class after all the vinyasas, when the body is heated up and we flow into the “Bliss Ma” portion of class.

[youtube]http://youtu.be/QFuuUT-J6RA[/youtube]

Check out this video of Suzanne talking about singing and pranayama!

Jap Man Sat Nam (from Anand)” – The Essential Snatam Kaur – Snatam Kaur

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8V9WA98gGyk[/youtube]

I can’t get enough of Snatam lately. I just love the sound of her voice, and this album has a ton of great cuts to use in yoga class playlists. This one is perfect for savasana.

 

I have so many yoga class playlists that I’ve put together this year that I have not had the chance to share, so I promise to get back on the cool yoga music bandwagon and start sharing more of my favorites. And you can always visit the Cool Yoga Music page for a look at past yoga theme songs and playlists.

I’ve got a special treat for you later this week, some big news about KD, one of my favorite yoga rock stars – Krishna Das!

Musical Note Image courtesy of Billy Frank Alexander – like him on Facebook and check out his awesome work!