OM My!

In the post What Vocal Toning is Not, I mentioned that the syllable of OM was one that a majority of people are at least familiar with even if they don’t understand what it means or why people chant it.  They at least know it has something to do with spirituality and/or meditation. I thought I’d take a moment to share a little more about OM.

OM is considered to be the spontaneously arising Sound of the Universe, the primal sound from which all other sound originates.  While there is no translation or meaning to the syllable of OM, we can say that it relates to Supreme Consciousness.  So when one utters OM, one is sounding the name of God.

OM in Sanskrit

Sounding OM can purify the environment or help the mind release whatever it is holding, relaxing us.  It can also lend us strength and courage.  It is said to improve the quality of the voice and bring light to the eyes as well.

OM is comprised of three sounds: A, U, M.  Each sound represents a different level of consciousness.  The A is the waking state, U is the dream state, and M is deep sleep.  Together, they represent the totality of consciousness.

Want to try toning OM?

Sit in a quiet place where you will not be disturbed.  Close your eyes and breathe deeply and evenly.  Relax and bring to mind the sound of OM.  On the next exhalation, repeat the sound externally.  You can do this in little pulses on one breath: OM, OM, OM.  Or you can do one long OM on each full exhalation.  Bring the feeling from the vibration of OM into your heart.  Do this for at least a few minutes and for as long as you want to.  Then meditate in the silence.  Allow the qualities generated by the sound of OM to penetrate your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self.  You can do this practice upon waking, before bed, or anytime you want to stop the world and get off for a few minutes.