Music vs. No Music

When I first walked into the studio, I heard the vibrant music and laughed.  I found it amusing to have music playing after our discussion on sound and silence.  Then, I was under the impression that it was from the last class, which I thought made more sense.  Slow to catch on, I eventually realized this was M’s music playing for us. 

I was prepared to come in with a more quiet, softer nature but the music was quite upbeat, earthy and vibrant.  All of which I easily respond to.  So I did get a slight mood change, however I was aware and conscious of it.  I wanted to do my 15 minutes of freestyle with a less yang approach, but I did find it more difficult as the drums and rhythms swirled around me.  Then the music changed to something a bit softer and I noticed how I responded to this, I slowed down a bit. 

I realize how torn I am with this idea of music vs. no music.  I love practicing to it, but yet I don’t.  I’ve been thinking about the times that I want to have it on and what my practice looks/feels like.  My practice is usually much more powerful/energetic, perhaps even going a bit too far into something.  It seems that at these times I could do just as well with more of a yin style/restorative practice (especially in my current state).  I have to be very mindful of not getting caught up in the music but instead hear my own body first. 

Which, brings me to the conclusion that if I have to be so cautious with music, how does your everyday Joe/Josefina respond to it?  I’m not saying that they wouldn’t be mindful, but as I think about being a teacher and implementing these ideas, it’s difficult to see how the average person wouldn’t at some point check out during a song. 

Lastly, I keep thinking about this:  We (as a society) are constantly in a state of stimulation.  We have so many bright colors through advertising, our clothes, sounds through our phones/computers/radios/TVs and working long non-stop hours.  We hardly take time for ourselves and just listen to what this body needs.  So wouldn’t I be perpetuating the cycle if I always play music in my yoga class?  Couldn’t this just be adding to the overdrive of our stimulated world? 

Before I took this journey, it was a given… I was going to play music and I couldn’t wait to share my selections with others!  However, I now believe that it truly depends and that there is an appropriate time and place. 

Humbly~CC