Playlists & Props

Set yourself up for success with these practical tools

Hello dear readers!

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Welcome to Week 4 of our October theme: “Your Yoga Toolbox”.

In weeks 1-3 we:

• Visualized our yoga toolboxes

• Explored the role curiosity plays in yoga

• Reconnected with the breath

Now, It’s time to get practical.

This week features two tools that will take your yoga practice from “ho-hum” to “totally awesome”: playlists and props.

Playlists take the guesswork out of showing up and support the consistency you crave. Props personalize your practice and enhance the benefits of each pose.

Let’s take a closer look at each of these tools…

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Playlists

One of the many benefits of home yoga is convenience. Online classes are easily accessible and there’s an endless supply to choose from.

You’ll never get bored, but it can be overwhelming. It’s easy to spend a lot of valuable time trying to find a class.

Cue: playlists.

YouTube has been my primary resource for free, yoga classes for years. Over time, I’ve practiced a lot of different classes and organized all of my favorites into playlists.

Here are some examples of the playlists I’ve compiled,

As you can see, there’s no limit to the kinds of playlists you can create. I have one for every mood, energy level and time of day.

Having a wide variety of playlists ensures that I never waste precious, practice time searching for the right class.

Take some time this week to make your own playlist. It doesn’t have to be fancy. Start with one, call it “Yoga Classes” and build from there.

Pro Tip : If you’ve already been practicing on YouTube, your classes will be stored in your history. Go back and save your favorites to your new playlist.

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Props

Props are the misunderstood and undervalued, unsung hero of the yoga world.

Many people feel like using a prop makes them look weak or inexperienced. In reality, props are the secret weapon for a deep, effective yoga practice.

And again, you don’t need anything fancy.

For my personal practice, I keep blocks, a strap, bolster and meditation cushion within reach.

If you don’t have any of these things, it’s okay! I used household items for years before I invested in bonafide, yoga props.

Don’t have a block? Use Books.

No Strap? Grab your belt - the belt from my robe is my personal fave.

Not ready to splurge on a bolster or meditation cushion? Pillows work just as well.

Get the picture?

It’s cool to have all the fancy yoga gear, but you don’t really need it.

I don’t even wear leggings anymore. I used to, because they were the yogi uniform. These days, I prefer sweatpants and t-shirts.

There are no rules. Use what works and wear what feels right.

Current Yoga Fit : Comfy sweats and a soft t-shirt

Put it Into Practice

This week’s offerings include: a pre-made playlist and a tutorial on yoga props.

7 Day Morning & Meditation Playlist | Yoga with Kassandra

If you don’t have the time or the desire to create your own, there are plenty of ready-made playlists to choose from on YouTube.

This playlist from “Yoga with Kassandra” includes one asana class and one five minute meditation for each day of the week.

Link : 7 Day Morning & Meditation Playlist

BONUS : Participating in a 7-day challenge, like the one below, is a great way to create consistency. I’m committing to start Monday/Day 1 tomorrow. Practice with me!

HOW TO USE YOGA PROPS | blocks, bolsters and straps in your practice | Yoga with Olive

25 Minutes / All Levels / Beginner Friendly

Olive gives us an informative tutorial on basic, yoga props. I highly recommend this class for anyone looking to incorporate props into their practice. In other words: Everyone!!

Final Thoughts

Have a great week exploring props in your practice and building your personal playlists!

Let me know in the comments if you:

• Committed to doing Kassandra’s 7-day practice - How’s it going?

• Incorporated props into your practice - Did they make any poses feel more accessible?

• Built your own personal playlist - If you’re feeling extra brave, share a link with the community! I’ll share one of my playlists too :)

Next week, we’ll be wrapping up October with a special issue about how all of these tools function in the real world. AKA: Your life!!

See you then.