Expanding and Contracting

Music can touch us in ways that words simply cannot. There is no doubt that yoga and music can shift our mood. We love music that compels us to dance, sing, cry, create, workout, connect, relax or sleep. We’re hooked on downloads, playlists, concerts and customized radio services which will queue up tunes that meet our specific preferences. We are literally “touched” by music as sound enters our bodies and vibrates the eardrum, creating a unique personal, visceral and emotional experience. Yoga also works on the physical, energetic and emotional layers of our being, and invites us to notice where we are being enlivened, opened, soothed and moved. It is an ancient science of the body, mind and spirit that aims to peel away layers of stress, illusion and egoic attachments so that we can experience our true expansive nature. The yoga of sound is called nada yoga. Nada yoga is an extensive science of how sound affects the body and mind. It aims to harmonize the physical, energetic and spiritual channels as a path to self-realization.

So what is it that’s actually happening when we immerse ourselves in our favorite piece of music or find ourselves in sweet bliss during the relaxation at the end of a yoga class?The answer lies in the magic and mystery of the nervous system and the brain, and the myriad of ways the brain can rewire itself through experience. It’s the brain’s neuroplasticity—its ability to create new neuropathways—which helps humans to grow and change. As we change our thoughts and our “vibe” in positive ways, we entrain our brains to a new level of “normal”, thus subtly and consistently changing our lives for the better.

As energy beings that are actually vibrating atoms, we literally “resonate” in different ways with different music or movements. Mindful movement practices like yoga, tai chi and qigong can be effective at attuning us to the energy body, and our physical, emotional and psychological landscapes. By doing so, we can deepen our capacity to navigate life with more awareness and skill.

Although the focus in yoga is on postures, alignment and transitions, the true science of yoga is much more than a fitness practice. It’s one of the most time-tested tools for transformation, helping us find places of resistance, fear, pain, patterns, judgment or illusion. This may be because of physiological responses in our bodies when we do yoga that signals our brains to release calming chemicals. These natural chemicals include endorphins which have a positive effect on our mood and pleasure responses. Coupled with the reduction of cortisol levels, the positive effects of a yoga class can last for hours.

Tools like music and yoga, when used with compassionate awareness, can be vehicles to help us touch undiscovered territory within ourselves.Undoubtedly, transformational music comes in many forms. For some it might be jazz, for others classical, and for others soul, rap (if you are like Kate), blues or the trance-inducing beats of electronic dance music.  All forms of music move me in different ways.

A few days ago I had the privilege of attending a practice set to the live musical skills of Girish. It was amazing and transported me into a magical space within. I felt new spaces in my body and my mind was free to wander. I left feeling moved and empowered from the music setting the rhythm to my yoga practice. His words are beautiful and his voice is like velvet to my soul. Soothing and comfortable and inviting.  I was left feeling expansive, whole and loved.  As I journeyed home,  I came upon an accident on the highway. It had just happened. It was gruesome. I had to navigate around death. This space brought me back to the darkest of days when my brother was killed many, many years ago in a car accident.  I was witness to the darkest hour. This expansive space and this emptying space…..at the same time.

Both give and receive.  When we are on the mountain top of life we expand and we love hard.  Even these amazing things, can leave us empty.  We have babies and we we are on could nine.  Then, a few weeks later, we are desperate for sleep and often feel empty as a result….drained…foggy.   Our empty spaces in life have the unique ability to take our breath away and leave is an dark place and space. Over time, however, these experiences offer us unique insights into life and into our soul which often result in the expansive side being given back. All mountain tops lead downward and all dark valleys lead upward. The highs and lows….giving and receiving….it is amazing.  Our life is amazing. We are amazing.  The ebb and flow of breath…of life….of ourselves….of others…a part…and together.  This space of feeling both has stayed with me these last few days….and continues to linger as I pray for the families whose lives have been forever disrupted and meditate on the musical changes gifted to my soul.  All so wonderful and magical….bestowing upon true gifts.

Get on your mat and let the music play.....Onward and upward.