The Yoga I’ve Been Gatekeeping
My apologies! I’ve been inadvertently gatekeeping one of the most powerful forms of yoga I use. I love bringing you techniques that help you lead a better life and transform your being, but I’ve never talked about Nada (sound) Yoga. I’ve left it out because it’s something I use so often that it’s become part of my nature. It’s actually woven into the normal course of my everyday life.
According to the Himalayan Institute, Nada Yoga “is a path of exploration of consciousness through sounds. The aim of the advanced state of Nada Yoga is to purify and harmonize the gross and subtle fields of body energy and bring them in alignment with their natural vibration.” Thus, by chanting and singing, you align your vibration to a higher frequency, which helps you to balance and align your energy with your highest good.
I specifically use Sanskrit chants that I’ve learned over the years. I use one chant when I get into the car before I start driving, one before I teach, one as I make meals, one when I’m in need of grounding, and more. I find the vibration of the chanting soothes my head and mind. It quickly changes my energy and the energy of the space I’m in.
If you want to try chanting, start with the simplest, primordial chant, “OM.” Om can be sung or chanted over and over again. As the first sound ever created, Om is believed to be in all things. Using it can help you feel more connected to your Highest Self, the Universe, and everything around you. Play with chanting it long, slow, and low. Notice if it makes you feel more peaceful. Then try a quicker pace, such as twice per second. Notice how the breath changes, and whether you feel more energized.
You can also learn new chants that may interest you. “Om Namah Shivaya” is a great one if you’re trying to get somewhere without delays or traffic, as Shiva is the destroyer of obstacles. “Om Gum Ganapateyei Namaha” can help with clarity of mind or when you need to release fear or doubt.
It’s also okay to use English chants or songs, such as “Love,” “Peace,” or something else of your choosing. Just as I suggested with Om, try them in a variety of tones and cadences. The idea is to find something that resonates. That’s what we’re looking for: the literal vibration of your energy, and how you can feed into that vibration with sound.
No matter what you choose, chanting can be very soothing for the mind. It can give you an internal anchor so you don’t go spinning into fear, doubt, or overwhelm. Sure, those things will still happen, but maybe for less time or with less intensity.