You won’t be the only person sitting cross-legged in a yoga session wondering what the heck the two-letter word you’re chanting truly means. If you chose not to participate in “OM” you won’t have been the only one—especially if the idea of shouting in front of a group of strangers makes you uneasy. But what if you found that you might feel less anxious and more at ease simply by adding that little “om” to your vocabulary? Although one word seems to be able to convey so much, its meaning is limitless for something so little.
- OM AM I CHANGING RIGHT?
A simple humming of “om” will do, but to get the most out of those four syllables, try the following: the “A” should start at the top of your abdomen and travel up through your chest, the “O” should feel its way from your chest to your throat, and the “M” should bring the vibrations into your mouth where your front teeth should gently touch.
- OM USED IN YOGA: WHY?
When you chant “om,” your body vibrates, which improves your overall sense of well-being and calms your nervous system. They may “om” at the beginning or finish of your class, or in certain circumstances both, depending on your yoga instructor. If you do it before, it’s a prelude to the asanas (poses) that come after since it instantly brings your focus to your breath, reminds you to focus on the mat, and signals the start of your practice, which is a sacred time for you.
Chanting this mantra, which has a frequency of 432 Hz when chanted—the same vibrational frequency as everything in nature—becomes a powerful tool for grounding oneself, acknowledging the world around oneself, and setting aside time for introspection.
- IS IT OK TO CHANT OM AFTER YOGA?
Nothing prevents you from leaving the yoga studio with “om.” By tuning into your breath and vibrations, it can become meditative and promote a sense of serenity, similar to sound therapy. Ideal for those who find it difficult to practice mindfulness, even two to three minutes can help you relax and de-stress.