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Hello, my name is Donna Freeman, founder of Yogainmyschool.com. Today we're here to talk
about the wonderful sound OM. Invariably when I go into a school or to teach
children, somebody in the class who has never done yoga before will come in, sit down on
their mat and go like this, "OOOMMMMM!" They are all excited to begin chanting.
So, I'll show you how to do that properly and the aspects of OM you can teach to children.
Today Alea has joined me. She is going to learn a few mudras, hand positions that you
can do while chanting OM. As well as the different aspects of the sound itself.
Now when you chant OM, it's really helpful because the vocalization changes the energy
in your body, it provides healing energy. It enhances your overall health. It calms
your emotions and quiets the mind while providing relaxation. And increases the sense of togetherness.
When you chant om, a lot of people, because of how it is written in English, think it
is just two sounds OM. I actually prefer the written form AUM, for OM, because that represents
much better the sounds which you are producing. There are three and a half parts to om.
The first is down here in your belly. It is a big aaaahhh sound. And then the uuuuu sound
is up into your chest. From there the mmmmm comes to your head. It's
like a buzzing bee. Then there is blessed silence
When you OM you have those parts to it.
The other part is a mudra if you are comfortable with that. The two most popular are anjali
mudra, or namaste hands. Anjali meaning heart. So you can bring your
thumbs to your sternum. The other would be gyan mudra where you make
a circle with your index finger and thumb and the rest of your fingers are extended,
and then you place that on your knees. You can choose whichever one of those you
like. Or if you are not comfortable with either one you don't need to do it either.
Join with us in oming three times. Close your eyes. Inhale.
AAAUUUMMMMM AAAUUUMMMMM
AAAUUUMMMMM Take a deep breath. Bow your head. And allow
your eyes to fall open. Very nicely done.
So I hope that helps for when you are teaching OM to children and teens and bringing the
lovely sound of yoga into your life. Have a wonderful day. Namaste.