“Chanting is a way of getting in touch with yourself. It’s an opening of the heart and letting go of the mind and thoughts. It deepens the channel of grace, and it’s a way of being present in the moment.” Krishna Das
For me the vibration of sound (via humming or chanting) sends little tingles of energy throughout my body that clears away the cob webs along with any pockets of stuck, stale energy. It allows me to experience a truly peaceful moment during a busy day.
Humming, chanting, singing or speaking a mantra such as om (aum) soothes your mind, calms your nervous system and brings you back to centre. It’s a relaxation tool that I always include in my Womens Rest and Rejuvenation Retreats:
Now, if chanting sounds a little too weird for you, then try some good old fashioned humming. It has a marvelous therapeutic effect on your mind and body.
Either way, its all about taking a moment out of your day to bring yourself back to centre and experience a good dose of nurturing through the healing benefits of sound.
3 ways to sing, hum or chant to get your “om” on:
1: Hum to refresh your thinking:
The simple benefits of humming are divine. Close your eyes, and place one of your hands on top of your head, and the other on your belly. Now hum. Hum like you’ve never hummed before.
Feel the vibration of the sound fill your entire head as it flows freely from your hand on your head to your hand on your belly.
Feel or sense the calming effect it has on your thoughts. You may even be lucky enough to feel the tension release from your neck and shoulders.
For a deeper fuller effect try hand yoga. Cup your left hand over your left ear and cup your right hand over your right ear, close your eyes and hum for 30 – 60 seconds seconds, stop and listen to how much clear and calmer your thoughts now are.
2: Chant “Om” to experience a moment of peace:
Om (aum) is a Sanskrit word, a symbol and a sound of ancient spiritual significance. It is the most chanted symbol in India, and said to have a profound effect on your mind, body and soul plus the environment in which it is chanted into. Yep, you can even get rid of bad vibes in a room simply by singing/chanting om into any space.
Take a full deep breathe in, and on your exhale gently sing/chant om down into your body and out into the world. One om will probably last around 10 seconds or longer depending on the size of your inhale. As little as five rounds of om can significantly calm your mind and body.
3: Listen to the sound of Om:
If you don’t feel like chanting “OM” – your body and the space around you can still benefit when you play a CD recording of OM. Click here for a version I recommed.
Most days when working at home I play chants throughout my home and work space. When taking a 5 minute breather I’ll close my eyes, focus on my breath and let the healing sounds of the music nourish me.
Alternately, simply chant om silently in your minds eye. Almost immediately you will begin to notice a sense of calm start to flow over you.
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{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Just want to say that I love your site and find your thoughtful posts completely inspiring. Thank you!
Love your site. It is truly inspirational.
I just saw Krishna Das this past weekend. What an incredible experience! I’ve never chanted before but found it to be so relaxing as well as feeling a strong connection to all.
Blessings,
Tania
This is really awesome. I have tried chanting OM when I am in stress and as soon as I start chanting… all stress & worries disappear.
Beautiful. Simply just felt blessed. Thank you for your site.
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