HO HO AUMMMM MERRY XMAS
– The meaning of AUM and how it helps us to feel connected
“Notice the external, Recognize the internal and connect to Grace by realizing the path of the heart”
by Tammy Williams
Ever wondered the meaning of the sound of AUM / OM and why many yogis around the world use this sound as part of their yoga practice. Chanting the sound AUM can be a great way to bring you from any form of Xmas Chaos and into Xmas cheer and feeling connected.
I have dedicated this little pre-xmas blogg to explaining why it feels good to AUM and to offer the meaning of AUM / OM.
AUM is a mantra that is said to represent the sound of the universe and to represent all other sounds. If you listen to all sounds close enough you can here the sound of AUM. It can be heard in the ocean, it can be heard in the car driving by, in a musical instrument or it can be represent the constant movement of nature and life itself.
This in itself can be used as a Mindful Meditation practice as you actively listen for the sound of AUM in all sounds you can hear right now – try it and notice how you feel in your body, your mind and your heart.
It can also help to understand the meaning behind the sounds, words and what the symbol of AUM represents to enhance our yoga practice.
The sound of AUM is composed of three syllables:
A symbolizes speech (‘vak’)
U symbolizes the mind (‘manas’)
M = symbolizes the breath of life (‘prana’)
There are many other ways that AUM is referenced such as the levels of Conscious, Unconscious and Subconscious Mind.
I personally relate to the sound of AUM by considering :
A = How we relate to our outer world through the senses (External)
U = How we relate to our inner world (Internal)
M = How we connect to the voice of the heart (Eternal)
Silence = (Connection to Truth)
By repeating the sound of AUM we can make a connection to the voice of our own heart.
The sound can also refer the states of consiousness
A = waking state ( large bottom curve)
U = dreaming state (middle curve)
M = deep sleep state of consciousness (upper curve)
Silence = Witness consciousness that is observer of the other three states of consciousness (the dot on top)
So next time you AUM take time to notice each of the the four parts
“Arrr” – focusing on your connection of the outer world / environment through being grateful for your senses
“Uww” – focusing on your inner world and how you feel inside
“Mmmmmm” closing the mouth can represent regardless of what’s going on outside of me and inside of me I can always follow the path of my own heart
Silence – Take time in silence and pay attention to how you feel right now in the moment, giving thanks for your connection to GRACE.
HO HO OMMMM Merry Xmas and NAMASTE
xox Tammy
References : ‘The Concise Light on Yoga’ – BKS Iyengar
Other helpful links:
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2776/5-Facts-You-May-Not-Know-About-OM.html
http://www.swamij.com
http://www.yogitimes.com/article/what-is-om-mean-meaning-sanskrit/
