What the Om?

Have you ever chanted Om? Have you ever wondered why it is chanted, why you are asked to participate, and what it means? These are questions I get asked frequently in class. To be totally honest, I am still learning what the full "definition" of this sacred symbol is for me, but I thought I would share my thoughts and some of what I have learned here.

In Devanagari, Om is written  . It is a mantra pronounced 'aum' with three audible sounds and a notable silence following; the A representing birth, the U life, the M death, and the silence, the divine. You may have heard Om used in a yoga class to begin or seal the practice, used by someone to start the day, or to start a journey.

Om is not a word but rather a sound, which transcends religion, culture, race, and gender. It is believed to be the original primordial sound (the big bang), the sound of existence, and the sound in all that we hear and in the sound vibrations we cannot  hear...from the vacuum's hum to the vibrations of each and every cell within our bodies.

The vibrations created when chanting Om stimulates and purifies not only each cell in our bodies, but also those in the atmosphere surrounding us. The chanting of Om allows our mind to find calm and clarity, and by slowing down, empowers us to connect with our sprit.

Feeling a little shy about trying it in a class? Try it at home...here's how:

Find a quiet space at home where you can sit undisturbed for a couple minutes. Close your eyes, sit tall, and relax your shoulders away from your ears. Begin with a couple deep breaths. Then, with your exhales begin to chant. Don't worry about how it sounds or whether it is the "right" note or key, concentrate on feeling the vibrations from the sound within your body. Complete as many repetitions as feels right for you in this moment. Sit for a few breaths afterward and enjoy the stillness.