As we come together regularly in our yoga studio, each of our minds is in a different place. We have different emotions, different levels of readiness for the session about to begin. The chanting of sutras can have a very profound effect on our consciousness and so Meeta leads each class through a short period of chanting in order to create a feeling of energy around us, to clear our minds, introduce a common rhythm and a steady, relaxed breath. By releasing our thoughts into a chant, we encourage our senses to merge and allow the mind to sink into itself.

Our chants are in the ancient language Sanskrit.  Each Sanskrit letter is associated with a sound which in turn relates to a specific energy centre (chakra) in our bodies. Sanskrit chanting can activate these subtle energy centres and produce a soothing, purifying and energizing effect.

Om is the eternal sacred sound. The sound form of universal consciousness. It is made up of three Sanskrit letters: aa, au and ma which when combined together make the sound Aum or Om.  Not so much a word as an intonation, it can transcend the barriers of culture, age and race.  It is believed to be the basic sound of the world and to contain all other sounds.  When repeated it can resonate throughout the body so that the sound penetrates to the center of one’s being, the atman or soul. When Meeta leads us into the rolling Om, each of us in their own time – just breathe slowly and deeply between each Om, relax into the sound and see where it takes you!