When I was 14, I used to listen to the local radio station as I lay in bed at night drifting off to dreamland. I remember one night in particular, staring off into my night-lit bedroom walls when I heard a voice that perked me up and intrigued me to listen more closely. It was Gwen Stefani with No Doubt singing the song, “Just a Girl.”
I immediately experienced something dynamic as I related to the honesty of her lyrics. She harnessed the vulnerability of being a girl with endearing defiance. I fell in love with the style of punk rock and ska that, for me, broke the stereotypes of being “Just a Girl.”
I remember feeling so happy as I listened to that song for the first time that night, and I fell asleep feeling empowered. Then, when I saw them perform on MTV I was forever TURNED ON to the state of our body with music, dance, and song. Gwen was like Mick Jagger on stage, except (kind of/a lot more) like me 🙂
She moved in a way that was feminine, raw, intelligent, seductive, and wild. It was charming and her energy was contagious – I wanted to catch it. Not only was I inspired by the music and by seeing the way our bodies can move, I was inspired by the force behind their performance. They exuded happiness, health, honesty, artistry, and … rebellion.
I posted on my Facebook page not too long ago a piece about being a “Rebel.” You can click here to Like my Facebook page and read the post.
The following video clips are from my recent morning in the Yoga Studio. I had No Doubt on the stereo. From being a 14 year-old girl in bed on a school night, to Now – I realize how significant music (and this band in particular) has been to the roots of my own enlivening process.
I also realized that “teachers,” “mentors,” and “gurus” don’t have to be the ones with all of the answers. Sometimes they are the ones that SHOW you something that sets you free.
Sometimes, they are rebels and rockstars.
Anahata Heart Opening Yoga into Sphinx Pose by Courtney with music by No Doubt, “4 in the Morning”
For song purchase – https://itunes.apple.com/gb/album/4-in-the-morning-ep/id258750479
For yoga purchase 😉 – https://www.yogacurrent.com/membership-levels/
Anahata into Upward Bow Pose by Courtney with music by No Doubt, “Just A Girl”
For song purchase – https://itunes.apple.com/ie/music-video/just-a-girl/id276869797
For album purchase – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tragic-kingdom/id1017906
Half Bow Back Strength Yoga it Dhanurasana by Courtney with music by No Doubt, “Sunday Morning”
For song purchase – https://itunes.apple.com/us/music-video/sunday-morning/id81520206
For album purchase – https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/tragic-kingdom/id1017906