Yoga on Disc:
Reviews of new CDs by KYTA members

The Art of Self Care and Renewal: Guided Relaxations with Kathie Forest, RYT
Perfect for those who have stressful jobs and jam-packed schedules, or just need a reminder to slow down and smell the flowers instead of the coffee (in other words, just about everybody). Kathie, founder of Bliss Yoga Center in Wilbraham, Massachusetts, offers detailed instructions on getting comfortable, including insert photos of Savasana modifications; breathing awareness exercises; and two options for guided relaxation, 10 minutes or 22 minutes, that can be practiced at home, at work, or almost anywhere—just not when you're driving. The accompaniment and final four tracks of music are performed by concert pianist Jesse Luke (who also happens to be a Kripalu Yoga teacher). www.bliss-yoga.com

SimplYoga with Holly Niles
Clarity and serenity are the hallmarks of this hourlong CD, which begins with a seated meditation and ends with a 12-minute yoga nidra. Holly, a Kripalu Yoga teacher and mentor, Power Pilates teacher, and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist, offers simple, elegant instructions for three-part breath, ujjayi pranayama, and kapalabhati, and guides a half hour of warm-ups and postures—all with excellent pacing and just the right amount of silence to allow for focus and adjustments. www.hollyoga.com

Relax with Rhoda: Four Guided Meditation and Relaxation Experiences led by Rhoda Miriam
Relaxation comes in many forms and lengths on this CD, and they all feel great. Kripalu Yoga teacher and mentor and Phoenix Rising Yoga Therapist Rhoda Miriam offers four options that are suitable for beginners as well as experienced practitioners. The six-minute guided relaxation is the perfect length for a work break, after asana practice, or before sleep, while the 11-minute breath awareness meditation and 13-minute body awareness meditation use gentle breathing exercises and a full body scan to take us deeper into ourselves. Rhoda also leads a half-hour yoga nidra that brings together all these elements as well as focused intention and affirmation. Yum. www.rhoyoga.com

Prime Yoga, For Women in Their Prime and Those Who Want to Be: A Gentle Kripalu Yoga Workout for Improving Your Quality of Life with Adesina Ogunelese
Adesina, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and owner of the catering company Quiche Me Quick, has lots of experience in nourishing the body and soul. This 50-minute CD is designed for those in midlife, or who are sedentary, overweight, or have health issues. Adesina gives information on the many benefits of yoga before seguing into an opening meditation, a series of abdominal breathing exercises, joint warm-ups, gentle asanas, and a guided Savasana. www.primeyoga@aol.com

Guided Relaxation: Yoga Nidra with Jennifer Reis
Jennifer's mellifluous voice is accompanied by flowing music by Bob Daly and Mark Kelso on this CD, which offers three options: a 25-minute "Sunrise Relaxation," 37-minute "Infinite Healing Relaxation", and 15-minute "Instant Relaxation." Jennifer, who leads yoga classes, workshops, and programs at Kripalu, uses a total body scan, lovely visualizations, and breath awareness to take listeners deep into a state of soothing, nurturing relaxation. The insert includes practicalities for positioning yourself for the experience and a list of general and specific benefits of yoga nidra. www.sacredfireyoga.com

Transform, Relax, and Rejuvenate: A Deeply Restorative Relaxation guided by Vandita Kate Marchesiello
This relaxation CD by our own Vandita has become incredibly popular and beloved among KYTA teachers and their students as well as yoga instructors at Kripalu. The first shipment sold out quickly, but the CD is once again available at the Kripalu Shop and at www.kripalu.org. Remember, for each disc you buy, a portion of the proceeds goes to Kripalu's Teaching for Diversity program, which supports teachers bringing yoga to diverse populations. The CD includes a 40-minute guided relaxation that gives practitioners the opportunity to experience deep restoration at home, plus 23 minutes of Vandita's exquisite chanting with musical accompaniment by Mark Kelso. www.kripalu.org