OM-my Gosh! So THAT’S why we say that.
Dear Reader,
Oh hey, yoga enthusiast and curious mind! In this post, we're diving into the mystical and, for some, giggle-inducing world of the sacred syllable—OM. The sound we make together at the beginning & ending of most of my classes. I’m sure there are folks out there who sit on their mat and wonder, “Why the heck am I doing this?” Well, read on & wonder no more!
Historical Hoots
So, where did OM come from? Picture this: ancient sages in loincloths sitting cross-legged, contemplating the universe, and suddenly bursting into an enthusiastic "OM." Okay, maybe not exactly, but the roots of OM do trace back to the good ol' days of the Vedas and Upanishads- the oldest Yogic sacred texts. (Yeah, we’re talkin’ like 500-700 BCE.) Remember, the ancient yogis knew how to keep it real, even if their yoga pants weren't as trendy.
Symbolic LOLs
Now, let's break down the symbol "ॐ." It's like the OG emoji, telling a whole cosmic story with just three letters—A, U, M. It's not your typical texting shorthand, though. A stands for "Ah, I'm awake!" U is like, "Ooh, what a dream!" And M? Well, that's the "Mmm, time for a nap" moment. It represents the cosmic symphony of creation, preservation, and dissolution (or birth, life & death)-- all in one sleek symbol. I’d like to see a modern emoji do all that!
Mantra Mic Drop
OM isn't just a sound; it's a mantra, and no, not the "I think I can. I think I can." kind. Chanting OM during yoga and meditation is like hitting the cosmic reset button. It's the yogic equivalent of shouting, "I'm here, Universe, let's do this!" But with a twist—more zen, less caffeine.
Spiritual Chuckles
So, here's the spiritual 411: OM connects you to the big, universal energy…like the Wi-Fi of the soul. Chanting OM is the yogic way of saying, "Hey, universe, I've got great vibes—wanna share?" It's not just about stretching those limbs; it's about stretching your sense of connection too!
As you roll up your yoga mat and bid farewell to the giggles and stretches, remember that OM isn't just a sound; it's your backstage pass to the Cosmic Show. So, the next time you unleash an enthusiastic OM, channel your inner ancient sage with a grin. After all, yoga is about finding balance, and a bit of joy. OM yeah!
And, yes, to us English speakers, it can sound a little funny, but there’s nothing funny about how the simple sound “OM” can bring you a sense of calm connection to your own heart…and maybe to others too. As I say in class:
Om is the sound & vibration of Creation. The sound that connects us to our Higher Selves, and Higher Purpose. May YOUR higher purpose be your guide towards peace, towards balance, towards harmony & light.
🙏Go in Peace, y’all,
Trish