Yoga Music for the Overstretched, Overbooked and About to Snap

August and September are hectic: add some yoga music to your day! This time of year is one of the busiest times of the year for yogis and non-yogis: holidays, festivals, picnics and long drives to splendid outdoor sanctuaries. And so it has its downside, which I have personally experienced: lack of ‘me-time’. And I’m not being selfish here. I still get to do my sadhana, but I also have to be flexible when people in my life come to see me and bless me with their presence. We all have huge levels of personal responsibility and to varying degrees responsibility to and for others. Knowing this is important, because sometimes when our stress levels become elevated with all the planning and running around for others, we can forget to care for ourselves.

This is when we can unexpectedly or suddenly fall sick in a middle of summer or before going on to festival! What I have learned is that it is a crucial thing to have discipline and yet have flexibility. If I give just half an hour to myself today instead of the regular hour and a half, I know that is okay, because I did it anyway. But what I will notice is that my ego will try to fill me up with a sense of either guilt or stoicism. If one of these two creeps in and slips into my day unnoticed, I become a martyr, and that’s very depleting. So I keep on repeating inside: I had time with myself today (even if it was half an hour), I gave it! I had it! I did it! I am negotiating for myself with myself to have peace, not war.

Stress is always unnecessary whatever the situation. Stress weakens the auric field and thereby more prone to illnesses and physical discomforts. If I see what is happening and why (cause and effect relationship), then I can discern processes and address the question of ‘me-time’ through Kundalini yoga.

My three mantra remedies are:

1. Feel fortified: Har Singh Nar Singh! Of course! Nothing cheers me up better and reminds me that it is just a phase than "Har Singh Nar Singh" by Nirinjan Kaur on Adhara. And when it is all over I will come out truly, truly victorious! And I stay strong now.

2. Raise your vibration: Maaaaaaaaa! Compassionate and protective sounds extend to strengthen auric field. Nothing will get you, because you are enveloped in love. Try "Ma" by GuruGanesha Singh and Snatam Kaur on Pure Ganesh. Let Ma carry you away so later you can carry on.

3. Get rest: Guru Ram Das Lullaby

If you hit snooze while listening to a lullaby, give yourself a few moments to get up gently - and stretch stiff muscles before beginning, continuing or finishing your day. Mata Mandir Singh's "Guru Ram Das Lullaby" from "Sacred Sleep" is a great way to take care of yourself. And by taking care of yourself, you will be able to give ever so much to those around you and never feel needy!