BREATHE
One of my favorite reminders during any asana practice is the simple but powerful cue: breathe. This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to attend a TRAP Yoga class—an experience that always feels deeply rejuvenating. There's something incredibly affirming about moving to music I connect with, surrounded by a community that shares similar lived experiences.
I was elated when I stumbled across the study but stretching or moving to music that’s familiar can significantly enhance both the physical and emotional benefits of the practice. Familiar rhythms activate the brain’s reward system, triggering sensations of pleasure and emotional safety. This, in turn, stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system—our rest-and-digest mode—where the body can soften, restore, and expand its flexibility.
Familiar music also offers a sense of predictability that helps the mind settle into the flow state being curated through the yoga practice. Without needing to process something new or unfamiliar, we can turn inward, breathe more consciously, and move with greater intention. In this grounded state, the body is more willing to release tension, allowing for deeper connection to mind, body, and spirit.
Music has always been a fundamental thread in my life. Since childhood, there’s been a beat I’ve danced to—sometimes loud, sometimes soft—but always present. Yoga has become a bridge between that rhythm and the path I’m walking now. It helps me find meaning in my past, anchor into the present, and hold my vision for the future. It’s a gift to witness how all of it—every step, every song—has shaped who I am and who I’m becoming.
Taking genuine moments with your breath can come with it’s challenges. There is so much life that has happened and continues to happen. We all have to do lists and expectations that we feel we have to meet and take priority. I often find myself trying to create the perfect time to meditate or get into a breathing practice or doing every single thing that I have on my to do list to never complete it and in-short avoid honoring the time I need, even if it’s only five minutes to be with myself and with my breath.
YOGA TOOLS
When I practice yoga, I like to keep things simple. My setup usually includes a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, and a yoga strap—just a few general tools that help me get the most out of my practice.
Yoga Blocks: Stability, Support & Space
I love using yoga blocks to assist with alignment and balance in standing and balancing poses. They also help bring the ground closer in forward folds, lunges, or any pose where mobility is limited. Whether you’re working on flexibility or just need extra support, blocks are an incredible tool for making poses more accessible and comfortable.
Yoga Strap: Flexibility & Reach
A yoga strap is one of my favorite tools for deepening stretches and improving flexibility, especially if you have tight shoulders, hamstrings, or hips. I find it most useful in poses where I can’t quite connect my feet or hands. If you have limited mobility, a strap can make all the difference in creating more space and ease in your practice.
The Beauty of Yoga: Making It Your Own
What I love most about yoga is how simple and personal it is. Your practice can be whatever you want it to be—you have the freedom to add, subtract, or create what works best for you.
I know some people think that using yoga props is a handicap or a sign of weakness, but I see it differently. For me, props enhance my practice by helping me focus on the details. They create more space in my body, allow me to gain a deeper understanding of what feels good, and help me refine my movements. Using props provides an opportunity to shift the focus away from my limitations and concentrate on creating opportunities for myself.
I have included direct links to the items I use, but of course, feel free to shop wherever works best for you.
I’ve also created a flow that I often use when I just want to move without thinking—you can check it out here.
Mashallah.