As I thoroughly reveled in the music of Jesse Cook last Friday night (April 11, 2014), I realized how his performance provided tips for the yoga beginner. Watch the video above to see what I mean... (By the way, I wanted to use the personal videos I took at the concert but they just would not load here..)
Anyone who knows me well will tell you that I have certain obsessions. One of these is the energizing and uplifing music of exceptional flamenco jazz guitarist, Jesse Cook. I truly adore this performer!
Cook tours the world with his equally talented band and they made their somewhat annual (sometimes it's every 18 months or more) trek to the Washington, DC metro area last Friday. My boyfriend, Rob, and I had a great view at a table up front of the Howard Theater in Washington, DC. Cook's performances are truly one of the highlights of my year.
As I savored every moment of the concert, some key points stood out about why I like Cook and his band so much and how the way they perform offers valuable tips for the yoga beginner. In short they are:
1) Put your heart and passion into your practice! Jesse Cook puts every bit of himself into his guitar playing. If you put your heart and passion into your yoga practice, even as a neophyte, you will enjoy it much more and you will enhance its benefits.
2) Take a light-hearted approach to your practice and don't take yourself too seriously. Jesse Cook is very personable and self-deprecating in his commentaries between the pieces which makes his performances all that much more fun and uplifting. So, if you are a yoga beginner, laugh at yourself if you make a mistake or can't quite stretch as far as you like. Just enjoy what you can do in this moment.
3) Be focused and totally attuned to what you are doing and you will feel so "on." When you watch Jesse perform, he is focused on his music, self-attuned, and in sync with his band members. You FEEL the holistic harmony on stage and with the audience. When you focus on your movements, on your breathing, and how you feel moment by moment during your practice, your energy from your practice will soar and keep you going long after. I virtually guarantee it.
Yours for learning yoga tips from flamenco jazz guitar virtuoso, Jesse Cook!
Laura Venecia Rodriguez, the Beginner's Yoga at Home Coach
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