In times of crisis the mind and the body sometimes work in unison and sometimes go their own way. The last few weeks of March and now into April of 2020 have most definitely challenged not only our lifestyles, livelihood, but our sense of freedom and how we fit into a global network.

From this pandemic we create from our own mind-stuff feelings and thoughts related to fear, uncertainty, pain, suffering and yes, death. No one has told us to think these thoughts, we are open and susceptible to a belief system built into our programming since time began.

Yesterday during an online Yin Yoga practice the instructor spoke about a “Top 10 Playlist” that the mind works though on repeat and I could not help but laugh, because it is so true!

And so the monkey mind did what it does best and created a musical playlist that will hopefully convey some of the thoughts going on for myself at the moment. Some of these you may readily relate to but might not have made the same musical choices, so I invite you to create your own list. Perhaps to simply build that awareness, work through the mastication and help to resolve whatever negativity is going on, allow the music to enlighten the soul.

And now for the interpretation:

1. “Hurt Nobody” by Andrew Belle: There it is, plain as day, the first Yama that every Yogi is taught, the concept of Ahimsa. By spreading this virus we increase the risk of exposure to ourselves, our loved ones, our community, The World. Do. No. Harm.

2. “Protector” by Archer: My basic instinct to protect my children is in overdrive, the basic instinct of a parent is to not only conceive and bring children into the world, but to protect them and their beautiful souls.

3. “Free Fallin’” by Tom Petty: This song seems to resonate the feeling of everything being so overwhelming at the moment, that we are not really in control of what we perceive that it is time to accept and surrender.

4. “Soul Food to Go (Sina)” by Manhattan Transfer: So this track relates to the need to EAT, not just consume food but the process of buying the food, cooking, sharing with family and feeding the Soul. Where other worldly pleasures may be limited we can still indulge the senses. Go ahead, eat that ice cream, but in moderation!

5. “Let Love In” by The Goo Goo Dolls”: One of the lifestyle techniques that I have learned to practice more to help balance my high Pitta relates to opening up to LOVE. The mind is now able to switch gears when sensing that thoughts are heading the wrong direction (more judgmental, critical) and this song totally vibes with the heart.

6. “Follow the Money” by The Proclaimers: A great band who’s music calls to a time in my life when work was NOT on the radar, when I was in college at The University of Glasgow (can you hear their Scottish accents?). Since agriculture is considered essential I am blessed with being able to work and earn a living, but because fear is the demon of Root Chakra and relates to money, food, home, our need for survival there is a strong pull by the monkey mind to “git ‘er done”!

7. “Breathe Me” by Sia- This one really needs no explanation. Tap into the breath to fundamentally change the workings of your mind and your body. Come back to the breath. This particular virus seems to focus on the lungs and heart, work Pranayama and heart openers into your practice like there is no tomorrow.

8. “Stretch Out and Wait” by The Smiths- Perhaps a great excuse to sneak in a Smith’s tune into the sequence but honestly, rolling out your mat and tapping into your physical body will shift your mind and awareness. Releasing tension in the tissues is just as important at the old grey matter! Highly recommend Yin Yoga at the moment, give it a try, stretch out…and wait…

9. “Study: Fill Your Mind”: by Jocko Willink- So this one I stumbled across during my musical search for a song related to studying and learning. It is actually spoken word, intended to motivate. At this period of my life I am very much drawn to learning about yoga, Ayurveda and Jyotish. There are piles of books to work though, homework assignments that need completion and my mind seems to be feeding my soul.

10. “I Can’t Escape From You” by The The: Another great band from a previous life, highly recommend that you look into their library. For me this relates not to social distancing but being “stuck” with those with whom you are in isolation with, children, spouses, parents, family and quite possibly work associates.

Bonus track at the end is “Purnamadah” by Shantala which is the mantra used in the Himalayan Tradition to close out morning prayers. This mantra is simply, quite beautiful, not only in the words and the vibrations they invoke but by its meaning.

So I hope you enjoy this playlist, perhaps it will inspire you to think about your own, that in the mind and perhaps that on your mp3 player!

~Peace and Blessings to All