Why We Chant Aum (Om)

I am sometimes asked why we chant Aum (Om) at the end of each yoga class. Aum has been chanted for thousands of years. It is said to vibrate at the same frequency of all things in nature, thus chanting Aum reminds us of our essential connection to nature and the Universal Consciousness. As the fundamental sound of all creation, Aum symbolizes spiritual awakening and inner peace. When we chant Aum the vibration has a deeply calming effect on our nervous system. When chanted by a group at the end of a yoga class, the positive effects are amplified, becoming even more potent and transmitting positive vibes into the surrounding community. If chanting doesn’t feel right for you, it is totally fine to stay silent and simply listen, or, you may wish to hum as humming has the same calming effect on the nervous system as chanting, singing and even whistling!