Yoga Sanctuary

Make no mistake, yoga trainer Shiva Rea's two-disc set Yoga Sanctuary is not musical accompaniment for yoga practice (though much lovely music presents itself on the CD), but rather a guided routine of yoga poses. Disc 1, the "Solar Practice," deals in hatha yoga postures that focus breath, increase balance and circulation, unify consciousness, and strengthen the abdomen. Disc 2, the "Lunar Practice," loosens back muscles while stretching the spine, loosening hips, and increasing circulation. What's welcome about this audio CD is its accompanying poster of yoga postures. One need not waste time wondering "What does Downward Dog look like again?" or worse, "What is the Upavista Konasana pose?" The poses are laid out in small photos, easy to memorize after several practices. Sounds of nature and the ocean transport the listener to a quiet, serene place far from the demands of daily life. A spiritually grounding, body-enriching experience. --Karen K. Hugg