Chanting and the sound of Meditation

Chanting is to sing, speak or even hum words or syllables.  It can be done in one or more tones for harmony and is frequently done for spiritual reasons or as prayer. 

There is a very relaxing and meditative feel to chanting and it can be fun to do alone or with others to allow for a full and harmonic sound.

The relaxing sound and vibration of chanting can be very soothing and helps to reduce stress and anxiety.  It also helps individuals to practice deep abdominal breathing by setting a pace and emphasis on long slow breaths with full inhalations and full exhalations.

One of the most well-known of the mantra meditations is the Om mani padme hum mantra.  Tibetan Buddhists believe that chanting this mantra/meditation/prayer invokes the embodiment of compassion.  They believe that simply “viewing” the written form of the mantra does the same, and so, the written form is seen throughout the world on prayer flags, prayer wheels, and carvings. 

  

                                        

The chant itself has many different versions, from singing it like a song, to simple one-tone chants.  

Another great form of chanting is something called the metta chant or metta chanting.  Metta means "loving kindness" and so metta chanting is a way to send out loving kindness to others and to oneself.  Metta chants go something like this:

May all beings be peaceful

May all beings be happy

May all beings be safe

May all beings awaken to

the light of their true nature

May all beings be free

Many chants can be found online in CD or DVD form.  They can be ordered on Amazon, or viewed and heard on YouTube or other popular sites.  They can be done alone without music, or accompanied by a variety of instruments. 

You will need to experiment with them for awhile and find those that resonate with your particular taste in tone, wording, and beliefs.  Many of the major religions have chants associated with their rituals, but chanting can be secular as well.

Here are some great links to some of the wonderful chanting out there, including work by Deva Premal, as well as Tina Turner, who converted to Buddhism in the 1970's.

OM Chanting 

Deva Premal - The Gayatri Mantra

Tina Turner

Thanks to Jay Galvin for his great photo - Tibetan Buddhist Prayer Wheel

Making a Relaxing Holiday

The Holiday season is a time for cheer and celebration, but it can also be a great time of stress for many.

On this Christmas Day you may find yourself picking up wrapping paper and looking at a house turned upside down by the joy of gift giving and visiting relatives.  That's why it's all the more important to take some time to re-energize.

Little things on this special day can help you find the energy you need to make it through the final visits, farewells and clutter clearing.  Here are some ideas:

1.  Relish that morning cup of tea or coffee by making it a mindful moment.  Focusing just on the warmth of the cup, the flavor, the visual of the steam coming up from the surface.

2.  Notice the traditional aromas around you that you may not smell again until next year.  The smell of the pine tree, candles and even seasonal foods that are only cooked this time of year.

3.  Savor your time with relatives that may not be seen again for 6 to 12 months.

4.  Don't forget to fit in your daily meditation, even if you have to fit it in just before bed or in the early morning before your guests awake.

5.  Sing holiday songs that are only fitting once every twelve months.  Put in a CD or find some of the nice music online.

6.  Savor your time off from work while it's here.  Hang out by the tree and take in the joy of your holiday decorations since they will not be up again for an entire year.

**Laugh!

Thanks to Shimelle Laine for her great holiday photo

Using Relaxing Music to Relieve Your Stress

Music of Life

Some music makes us feel like dancing, while other music draws us in with inspired awe.  So too, relaxation music sets the mood for stress reduction and has a calming effect on us that helps to facilitate any relaxing activity such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, qigong, or other slow motion exercises.

Most people find that relaxing music has a way of slowing them down and bringing a sense of peace to the mind, body, and spirit.  Perhaps you have a special calming song that has become your favorite, which you already know centers you and seems to somehow balance out every fiber of your Being with its grace and gentleness. 

If you are trying to find ways to lower your stress level and have been having a difficult time finding just what it is that helps, consider playing relaxation music to get you started as it can alter the mood for just about anything you set out to do.  Try playing it in the car during your rush-hour commute or if the work day has been particularly stressful, and on the way to work to better prepare you for the stressful work day to come.  If you are in a work environment that permits it, consider having some gentle relaxation music playing in the background as you work to feed the body and mind throughout the day.

Don’t worry about selecting the perfect music for your relaxation activities.  Think of it as an experiment and try out various artists and CD’s.  Many stores have sample panels where you can listen to various kinds of relaxing music before you buy them.  In time you will be able to determine if the flute is the calming instrument for you, or if a soft piano sound is what brings peace to your mind and body.

Thanks to Eddi van W for her great photo Music of Life