The worst heartache I’ve ever felt, terrible by itself, was made worse by the guilt I felt over causing the situation in the first place (at least that’s the weapon my ego used against me, long after it was remotely valid or necessary). During that time, chant and yoga music hadn't yet become a part of my life. Meaning I tried to soothe my soul with angry, angst-filled rock music. I couldn't stand listening to anything happy, nearly throwing my George Harrison cds out the window on multiple occasions. Fortunately time has passed, George and I are still together, and I have yoga music. Unfortunately, even a fair amount of years removed, my old guilt and pain still rear their very ugly and unwelcome heads sometimes. When that happens, I turn to yoga music and chant, letting powerful mantras and favorite albums snap me out of my habitual pain, and returning me to myself.
So Purkh – That Primal God by Nirinjan Kaur. If I don't sound like a broken record yet, eventually I will. I cannot begin to say how much the recitation of the So Purkh did to help me clear out baggage I was carrying around. Imagine if you saved all of your trash for five years, letting it pile up in every nook and cranny. And then suddenly you went on a cleaning spree and threw it all away. That's the feeling I had after 40 days of So Purkh. Lighter, cleaner, and much saner. Every now and again I still find a tiny area that is dusty, but So Purkh helps me clean it all up.
Anand by Snatam Kaur. The sweetness of Snatam Kaur can never be overstated. Her voice is a balm for a sore heart. And the selection of mantras and banis/shabads on Anand gives me all sorts of options. Do I need the soft and soothing Jap Man Sat Nam? Would the incredibly joyful Anand be more appropriate? Or maybe I need to breathe with Kabir's Song? Whatever I need, Snatam can usually provide it!
Devaloka by Sean Johnson and the Wild Lotus Band. I love the way this album is organized, especially when I'm feeling down. The front half is upbeat and fun, and quickly shakes me out of a bad mood. The second half of the album is calming and soothes the negativity that may be lingering. My go-to tracks for a quick boost are Shiva Shankara and Jai Hanuman.
Mantra Masala by Sada Sat Kaur. This album is new to my collection, and it has everything I want when I'm not feeling connected. If I ever meet Sada Sat Kaur I would ask her how she knew to make a collection of some of my favorite mantras so uplifting that it makes me want to dance. Have a listen to Wahe Guru Jio or Har Har Har Har Gobinday and let the joy flow.
Om Dattatreya by Michael H. Cohen. I may like yoga music, but that doesn't mean I can't still like music that rocks. But now, instead of dwelling on my bad mood with angsty rock stars, I can allow myself to be elevated by strong rhythms and healing mantras. I am especially fond of Om Dattatreya and Shiva Om for driving out negativity, and for renewing my motivation when I'm feeling a bit dull.
There’s a wealth of yoga music and sacred chant available when old patterns and pain surface. What do you like to use to pick yourself up and make yourself shine?
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I want them ALL!
This is a fun post to try to pick just one favorite.
I’d have to go with the Bliss cd by Dr D and Master L. It picks me up and puts things in perspective. Plus I like that its in English to understand the ideas they’re singing about. It’s helped me connect to the concepts deeply.