Why do we chant OM?

I like to chant OM 3 times at the beginning and end of all my classes.  I’m sure over the course of my teaching this might have put a few people off – it is a bit weird to the Western ear. But I still like to do it even for people at their very first class. It makes me feel calm and settled and ready to teach the class. Everyone has the choice to chant or listen.

It also helps students become ready for class too – I feel it gets them in the mood for yoga. There are may benefits that have been scientifically proved about chanting or listening to OM  –

• helps to elongate the breath – fully oxygenating tissues of the body and a gentle massaging of the heart by the diaphragm.
• The sound vibrations help to calm the nervous system.
• The single focus helps the mind to let go of daily clutter.

How to chant a good OM

Sit comfortably with your back straight.  Lift the ribcage and elongate the spine.

Breath quietly and calmly for a few breaths.

Take a lovely, long deep inhale – expand you ribcage out to the sides of the room.

On the exhalation begin chanting OM – there are 4 distinct parts –

ah

ooh

mmm

silence

Pause.

Inhale.

Chant twice more.  (3 oms a day help you work, rest and play!)

There have been many scientific studies to show how the brain is affected by chanting OM regularly. You can read in this article how chanting OM was used to relieve stress and anxiety. I think, as with most things in life, you have to “suck it and see” for yourself.

Try it, you might like it!