Atmospheric Music for Yoga with the Kalimba

What is a kalimba and what does it have to do with yoga?

The Kalimba is a handy instrument that you can easily take anywhere. The instrument, which is a lamellophone, creates delicate but sonorous sounds. The Kalimba, which originates from Africa, has been conquering Europe for several decades. Since it is very easy and intuitive to play – even without experience in reading music – it is suitable for anyone looking for calming sounds and music to relax to. It is therefore becoming increasingly popular for music-assisted relaxation techniques, meditation and quiet, spiritual yoga practice from Hatha to Yin Yoga.

How do you play the kalimba?

The Kalimba is held in both hands and played with the Thumbs are played . The thumbs pluck the reeds to produce the unique sound. With each pluck, quiet overtones resonate, creating a room-filling atmosphere. The A minor tuning of the instrument allows free, creative play - even for children. This makes it impossible to play a "wrong" note on the kalimba. Just start. Don't think about it and let yourself be surprised by the warm, harmonious melodies that flow from your fingers. People with previous musical experience will enjoy getting to know the unusual tone arrangement. The kalimba is played from the inner longest reed outwards, alternating between the left and right thumbs. If you want, you can quickly learn to play from sheet music. Kalimbas are available in many different tunings. Take a look at our shop around.

Kalimba and yoga practice – how do they go together?

Yoga: deepen positive effects with the Kalimba

The music of the Kalimba is both calming and stimulating. The instrument sets the rhythm to help you find a pleasant flow. The sounds of the reeds are not intrusive, but rather help you not to lose focus and to stay on task. The pleasant sounds help with both the asanas (physical exercises) and the final meditation. Kalimba sounds are also suitable for other relaxation exercises that are often included in yoga classes, such as body scans, progressive muscle relaxation or fantasy journeys.

Kalimba for yoga and relaxation teachers

For relaxation or yoga trainers, the Kalimba is a creative extension of their own teaching repertoire. You can take the handy instrument with you anywhere and start playing at the right moment. Children respond very well to music-based exercises such as sound journeys. But adult yoga beginners and people with concentration or focus problems also benefit from playing with the calm sounds.

Kalimba for individual yoga practice

If you want to incorporate music into your own practice at home, a kalimba is also a good option. Yoga goes far beyond physical exercises. A class also includes the ritual start and end of the session, meditation and, depending on the type of yoga, chanting alone or in a group. This is where the small lamellophone can be used: at the start and end of the class, as a gentle Meditation music , for a steady, calm practice rhythm or as accompaniment while chanting. No matter how you use the kalimba, the music will help you open your consciousness and focus better on your goal.

Use music for yoga? The advantages at a glance:

• The kalimba is very easy to play – both intuitively and creatively and from sheet music.
• The instrument is handy and can easily be carried in your pocket.
• The gentle rhythm helps you get into the flow.
• Music helps the mind focus.
• Children, creative people or people with concentration difficulties especially benefit from working with melodic sounds.
• Just like yoga, music helps connect the body with the mind, so the kalimba can enhance the yoga effect.

Kalimbas for Yoga and Relaxation

Hokema has been producing kalimbas, Sansulas , other melodious instruments and Accesories Our kalimbas are available in different tunings that will delight beginners and professionals alike.