I can feel the hesitation when announcing it’s time to chant “OM”. The inhale seems short and often stifled. I can hear the wheels turning, “Am I off key? Will I last long enough?” Those are often the thoughts in my head and can only assume they are  in others. OM does not have a formal meaning in Sanskrit but is rather a combination of sounds, “a” “u” “m”. These three sounds offer a physical way to connect the mind, body, and breath. The Mind initiates the sound, the Breath executes, and the Body resonates.  Watch the OM travel through the body. Does it get stuck somewhere? If so, that might be an area to focus on during practice.

Chanting OM is also a way to connect with the people in the room and contribute energy into the shared space. When I mention this in class, I can sense the eye rolls, the internal sighs and groans. Energy is often associated with the spiritual, metaphysical, hippie-skippy-feel-good world, but energy has more of a place in the scientific world. Energy cannot be created or destroyed, only transferred. So take the opportunity to chant OM with the recognition that there is someone out there who cannot practice today, because perhaps they are ill or no longer here. Give your OM, your energy to them, because “what is a man without energy? Nothing – nothing at all.” – Mark Twain

For more tips from Emilia visit her blog Balance In The City and follow her on Twitter.