Movement and Singing

Today is Day 7 of Yoga with Adriene’s Move - A 30 Day Yoga Journey. I’ve been doing yoga - and Yoga with Adriene - for a few years now in a very on-and-off kind of fashion, but this is the first time I am incorporating this daily practice with my music practice.

Breathing, posture, consistency - three things that I’m already taking away from my daily yoga session and putting into my singing and saxophone rehearsing. I’m not going to lie, it had been a long time since I picked up my saxophone, and man alive my breath control was lacking. By integrating yoga on a more consistent basis, I can already hear the difference it’s making.

I’ve also started to become stronger in other areas - not just physically, but mentally. I’m feeling calmer before I step onto the stage, and staying level-headed when things don’t always go to plan. I’m also celebrating the fact that I’m taking 30 minutes out of my day for me and my wellbeing. To be honest, that’s reason enough to keep going.

Are you taking part in Move? Or are you incorporating other kinds of movement into your daily routine? Comment below and let me know!

January So Far...

Here are a few bits and pieces from my January so far. You can also follow me on Instagram - I'm @CastlemanSings.

What I've Been Wearing

My man got me this t-shirt because he knows how much I love Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale. The TV adaptation is so good. The book is even better.

My man got me this t-shirt because he knows how much I love Margaret Atwood and The Handmaid's Tale. The TV adaptation is so good. The book is even better.

What I've Been Reading

Keeping on the Margaret Atwood theme, I started my 52 in 52 challenge by reading her newest novel Hag-Seed. It's brilliant.

Keeping on the Margaret Atwood theme, I started my 52 in 52 challenge by reading her newest novel Hag-Seed. It's brilliant.

Where I've Been Singing

The Spitfire Sisters performed at the beautiful Hall For Cornwall at the beginning of January - it was our last date of the 2017/2018 tour season. We start again in February, and I can't wait.

The Spitfire Sisters performed at the beautiful Hall For Cornwall at the beginning of January - it was our last date of the 2017/2018 tour season. We start again in February, and I can't wait.

Down For The Count had a sold out performance at Pizza Express Jazz Club and it was honestly a dream come true.

Down For The Count had a sold out performance at Pizza Express Jazz Club and it was honestly a dream come true.

Where I've Been Visiting

I went to Spain on New Year's Day to take a break with my boyfriend; it was perfect to reflect on the year we just had and to think about the year ahead.

I went to Spain on New Year's Day to take a break with my boyfriend; it was perfect to reflect on the year we just had and to think about the year ahead.

What I've Been Eating

At the start of this year I decided to do a 30 day vegan challenge. So far so good and pretty sure I'll be carrying on with it after the month is up. Louisa made this vegan noodle dish with Linda McCartney burgers to substitute the salmon the rest o…

At the start of this year I decided to do a 30 day vegan challenge. So far so good and pretty sure I'll be carrying on with it after the month is up. Louisa made this vegan noodle dish with Linda McCartney burgers to substitute the salmon the rest of the band were eating.

I've been enjoying how many vegan options there are at various restaurants - this was my dinner at Wagamamas a few days ago.

I've been enjoying how many vegan options there are at various restaurants - this was my dinner at Wagamamas a few days ago.