C. Wilder

Great Workout, Great value, Dec 1 2003

I purchased this boxed set thinking that it was a great value to get 4 of Shiva Rea's CDs for under $30! I decided to try the Trance Dance album, not sure what I was getting into. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she has integrated Yoga and Dance into one practice! The other CD on this album is just great music--for Yoga or just about anyting.

As mentioned in the other reviews the Yoga Chant album is very similar to her Yoga Sanctuary workout. I would recommend that beginners to yoga try the second CD first and become comfortable with the sun salutations--the chanting is great also, truly opens the heart. The first CD on this album is a challenge, even for an Ashtanga teacher… Read more

Great Ashtanga Workout, Dec 1 2003

As an Ashtanga yoga teacher, I would highly recommend this CD to aspiring yogi's or yogini's with a basic knowledge of yoga and a fairly good physical fitness level. Individuals who are new to Yoga or with injuries or other physical issues would be better to try something a little more basic, however. Lauren's voice is soothing and beautiful and she does offer alternative poses for the less flexible. I started using Devi Premal's "Gate Gate" in the Savasana's in my own classes after hearing it here.
The only drawback I would say about it is that she does not bring the more spiritual side of Yoga--"finding the infinite being within" as Patanjali says. But,… Read more

Pure Bliss, Nov 30 2003

Shiva Rea--I can't wait to see what she comes out with next! On the first CD, first track is a moon salutation--Chandra Namaskar, beautiful, honoring women and the female aspect of divinity. I do this salutation 2-3 times on the days when I my body is telling me it doesn't want to be put through a vigorous power yoga workout. When done, I find I am warmed up and stretched out very nicely! I then started teaching it to my students and they loved it also--they consider it like reciting poetry while doing yoga. The tennis ball massage is also the greatest--these two tracks mentioned above make this CD worth buying but the rest of the tracks on the album are a treat also-relaxing… Read more