As often happens in my yoga classes, I play a song during savasana that I don’t necessarily intend for my students to sing to themselves—but somehow, by the time we get there, it feels like the perfect fit. Whether it's the sequencing that takes shape in the moment or the unexpected themes that arise through class, the song finds its place as if it was meant to be there all along.
I receive so much energy from teaching—from my students, my spirit team, and the energy that surrounds us all. Those who know me well know I rarely pre-plan the sequencing of my classes. Instead, I allow the playlist to guide the flow. While I may have a starting point in mind, no two classes are ever the same, even in the same week. Some teachers meticulously write down their sequences, and that works beautifully for them. But for me, doing so would take me out of the present moment. Instead of being fully present with my students, I’d be checking to see if I was "sticking to the plan"—and let’s be real, I probably wouldn’t be. I bring grocery lists to the store and still forget things, so relying on a written sequence? A lost cause.
And so, I embrace teaching "on the fly," as some might call it. I'm deeply grateful that this approach allows me to be present, to trust in the flow, and to witness the magic that unfolds—especially in the sacred time we devote to what all of us teachers like to call the "dessert" of our practice: savasana.
The Power of Savasana
Savasana is a pose, an asana, just like any other. And like any other pose, it takes practice. Yet, for many people, it's one of the hardest poses to settle into. It’s uncomfortable to simply be—to marinate in our own energy, our own thoughts, our own stuff. When we’re left with stillness, things start to swirl to the surface. And for some, that can feel really shitty.
But no matter what rises up—whether it's emotions, thoughts, visions, or just mental sludge—it’s all part of the process. And as difficult as it may feel to literally marinate in some of our own crap, the marination and the stuff that comes up from it is all a gift, if we are able to view it as one. Because whatever does come to the surface is meant to, not only in savasana but at any other point in class. Yoga offers us the chance to acknowledge, process, and move through our thoughts, emotions, and energy so we leave with a little more clarity, more compassion for ourselves and others, and hopefully, more self-love than when we arrived on our mats.
Old Song a New Way
It’s self-love that I encouraged my students to find this particular morning as I played a cover of Stevie Wonder’s I Believe (When I Fall in Love). I invited my students to sing the lyrics to themselves. Normally, when we hear familiar songs, we immediately think about others. Love songs, especially, elicit trips down memory lane or send our thoughts toward someone we love in the present. Music is one of the greatest time machines around, right?
That morning, one of my students was moved to tears. I hadn't planned to, but I ended up repeating my opening sequence after savasana—a rare choice for me, as I typically don’t add movement after our final resting pose. But something guided me to do so. And later that day, she shared how deeply impactful that repetition was for her in combination with the singing of the lyrics to herself.
I am endlessly grateful when students feel comfortable sharing their experiences with me. I can sense energy, and sometimes I’ll intuitively offer assistance in a pose or gently check in with someone when I feel called to. But when a student opens up and shares their journey—whether in the moment or later in the day—it humbles me every time. It reminds me of the immense privilege it is to hold space for people in this way.
An Invitation to You
Music has the power to transform. I created this blog series so readers may experience for themselves a few ways I also experience the profound beauty of music's magic. When I hear a song I've heard a thousand times and pause to consider how it feels to sing it to my sense of source, G-d, the universe, I am moved to share it. In that same way, if singing a love song to myself instead of about someone else creates a whole new meaning, I'm eager to share that, too. Of course, I do this in classes in ways I can within the short timeframe of a class setting, but I'm happy I get to explain it in more depth here in words.
My calling is to share what I know and how I experience it in the hopes it resonates with others. So if I may remind you here: When we intentionally include ourselves in ways we often include others, we sprinkle all that love for others right into ourselves—into our souls. It raises our vibration and deepens our understanding of self-worth. And if you know anything about me, you know my mission is to remind, teach, and inspire people to feel worthy. #YOUMATTER
So, to you, reading this—whether you practice with me, work with me, or are simply here now—I encourage you to take a few deep breaths. Find a quiet place to sit or lie down. Play this song and sing the words to yourself. Or just read them here.
The version I played was by Daryl Cain, but of course, there’s nothing like the OG—Stevie himself. And as you do, truly feel what it’s like to sing, "I believe when I fall in love with you, it will be forever," to yourself. Let it sink in. And notice how it feels.
And if you feel called, let me know what comes up for you!
Namaste, and thank you for reading,
xo Lauri
I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever)
Song by Stevie Wonder ‧ 1972
Shattered dreams, worthless yearsHere am I encased inside a hollow shellLife began, then was doneNow I stare into a cold and empty well
The many sounds that meet our earsThe sights our eyes beholdWill open up our merging heartsAnd feed our empty souls
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be foreverI believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
Without despair we will shareAnd the joys of caring will not be replacedWhat has been must never endAnd with the strength we have won't be erased
When the truths of love are planted firmThey won't be hard to findAnd the words of love I speak to youWill echo in my mind
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be foreverI believe when I fall in love this time it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be foreverI believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever
I believe when I fall in love with you it will be foreverI believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever
God surely answered my prayerGod surely answered by prayerYou know God surely answered my prayerYou know God surely answered my prayer
God always will answer your prayersBelieve in one who will answer my prayerThank you God (I believe when I fall in love with you it will be forever)
Come on, let's fall in loveYou're the woman I've been waiting forCome on, let's fall in loveYou're the girl that I really adoreCome on, let's fall in love (don't you wanna, don't you wanna, don't you wanna fall in love with me)Come on baby, let's fall in loveCome on let's fall in love
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Stevie Wonder / Yvonne Wright
I Believe (When I Fall In Love It Will Be Forever) lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
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