Why do we Om?

In the yoga tradition, Om is said to be the sound of the universe. It is a symbol of our connection to all living beings and is the current of life that runs through it all. It’s also the ritual we use to mark the beginning and end of yoga classes. 

Chanting Om is by no means required, but it can feel liberating as you allow yourself to let your voice be heard, connect with your fellow yogis, and honor the start of your transformational journey on your mat.

The sound of om has three parts. They represent the past, present, and future as well as the body, mind, and spirit. The three sounds are:

1. Ah

2. Oh

3. Mm

Here’s how you Om: 

Press your palms together in prayer at the center of your chest. This hand placement is known as anjali mudra. Close your eyes or set your soft vision at your fingertips. Follow the guidance from your teacher, or chant three times on your own. 

This ritual of hand placement, focus, and chanting the sacred sound of Om harnesses your energy and brings everyone together to start and end the class.

Notice what part of your Om is the most powerful and how you feel after you use your voice to help kick-off your practice. 

As you practice this simple and powerful chant at home, you’ll tap into more confidence and clarity with your voice. You can carry this into your practice at a yoga studio or harness the energy of your voice in other areas of your life.