Why Should You Chant?
So why chant?
I will be honest. I rarely teach chants in my public yoga classes unless the group seems responsive to it or we are on the subject matter like in a chakra energy class.
Why?
For many reasons, firstly, I don’t think most of the people who show up to my yoga classes are ready for it. Most of them are on the fence about yoga in the first place. Some fear I am going to be a hippy dippy weirdo that will convert them to my “religion” of yoga. Which yoga is absolutely not a religion, by the way.
Second, when I do teach chant, I am uncomfortable. To me, it is a place of vulnerability. It is too much like singing, and as soon as a note comes out, I’m the only one singing it. Rarely will anyone join in, and if they do, they are chanting as quietly as possible with one eye open in equal discomfort like they are thinking, “Is this a cult?” This is my ego talking, they probably aren’t thinking this at all, but total honesty here, it’s EXACTLY what I was thinking the first time I chanted with my teacher, and the second, and the third.
Chanting is becoming easier for me. I chant almost daily in my home practice and it makes me feel more confident, grounded, full of energy, especially in my throat and heart chakra. I hope you will try it out on your own, in case a yoga teacher has never introduced it to you. So try it at home; alone, where no one is trying to convert you to do anything, but live a life in better health.
For my readers who need proof, I get it!
HEALTH BENEFITS OF CHANTING
Researcher have found that chanting has positive medicinal benefits I think we can all agree is worth the effort:
*Vagal nerve stimulation
*Lower heart rate
*Lower blood pressure
*Reduction of stress hormones
*Improved output of melatonin
*Increased lymphatic circulation
*Enhanced release of endorphins
*Increased immune function
*Unifies the brain; left and right hemispheres (and the best way to activate and connect the two hemispheres is with repetitive phrases like sa ta na ma). See previous post.
The vibrations also activate the shushumna, the flow of energy through the central channel. (Again, a whole other topic, just take my word for it).
*Effects on PTSD, depression, insomnia, and cognition
*Decreases stress and anxiety and improves immune system
*Activates parts of the brain that affects focus
*Quiets the mind and inner dialogue
*Activates the throat chakra, our chakra for communication and speaking our truth
*Stimulates the meridian points on the roof of the mouth
*Connects you to others when chanting together
*Connects you to Divine energy
This is probably just a few of the health benefits, but if it’s not enough to convince you I’m not sure what is!
PRACTICE AND REFLECT
Practice chanting the sound OM or Sa ta na ma, the Kirtan Kriya from the previous post a few times. Sit in the vibration afterwards and notice how you feel.
