I first shared a rendition of this post last year during A to Z on this same day. During the 2014 I didn't have a theme. This year my theme is exclamation points, including words I'm very excited about. I'm presenting this word/sound again because OM is the "O" word I'm most excited about, hence this revision, clarifying and deepening my thoughts. It is the best word I have to offer beginning with O because it popped into my mind this morning and wouldn't leave. It is important and significant for its transformative potential. OM is everything and nothing at once.
Back in high school we had a funky Spanish teacher who always had all sorts of animal hairs stuck in her clothing. She was an older woman, compared to the other teachers. I remember her because she was different and had many surprises up her sleeve.
You could not judge her by outer appearances though the visual clues keyed you into her way of being in the world. I didn't study Spanish with her but she was intriguing and also had a wonderful after school club. It was Yoga Club. It was all the way back then, that I was first exposed to what our teacher described as the sound of the universe, OM. She said, if you could compress every sound in the universe into one the sound would be OM.
Back in high school we had a funky Spanish teacher who always had all sorts of animal hairs stuck in her clothing. She was an older woman, compared to the other teachers. I remember her because she was different and had many surprises up her sleeve.
You could not judge her by outer appearances though the visual clues keyed you into her way of being in the world. I didn't study Spanish with her but she was intriguing and also had a wonderful after school club. It was Yoga Club. It was all the way back then, that I was first exposed to what our teacher described as the sound of the universe, OM. She said, if you could compress every sound in the universe into one the sound would be OM.
Now, when I chant OM with the group of local yogis during restorative practice, a sense of community washes over me. The feeling fills and comforts my soul. OM is
relaxing. It takes my mind away from being busy. In that
moment of chanting the mantra, the only thing of importance is the beautiful sound escaping my mouth and mingling with the sound of others.
That is why I say it can be a meaningful communal practice. It connects like no other sound, letting us vibrate; secure with our place in the universe. Moreover, this morning OM has permeated my mind.
Chanting OM alone without any other words, sounds or even trying to
invoke deity, is peaceful. It leads you to a quiet moment of clarity. It is
nothingness and everything, together in one precious act.
Learning about OM from my first yoga teacher, retaining that knowledge over the years and putting it into spiritual practice, has been a lesson that continues to resonate. OM, the sound connected to spiritual practice, radiates throughout, many aspects of a fulfilled life.
Notes on my Theme:
This post is written for the 2015 A to Z Challenge. During this challenge, participating bloggers post once a day, in alphabetical order. This is done 6 days per week. Sundays are off. My theme presents words that are exciting. These words serve as thematic motifs in my writing. My theme also revolves around exclamation points. The words I've chosen to explore can replace or stand alone from the dreaded exclamation point, which writers are urged to avoid.
I don't do yoga, but when I've meditated the sound of OM is very relaxing. I remember reading about OM in the book "Siddhartha" many years ago, and how it's the sound of the universe. :)
ReplyDeleteYes, I am familiar with that book as well. I agree, it is a relaxing and also a beautiful sound.
ReplyDeleteI have long wanted to learn yoga. I tried a few teachers and failed. I hope to find someone who inspires and guides me along this journey soon
ReplyDeleteApril A to Z challenge blogger - http://www.ourowncorner.com/poohsden/
Vinitha, thanks for stopping by. I enjoy your blog! Try one of the Gaiam videos. They are a good way to get started. Wishing you the best with finding the joy in yoga.
DeleteI could hear the passion in your words as I was reading this. If I am ever meditating - a rare occurrence, admittedly - I am more likely to make a sighing sound. It just feels right.
ReplyDeleteAnnalisa, writing A-Z vignettes, at Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep
I love the sigh during yoga too! OM is something usually done in meditation practice and its wonderful too.
DeleteMy daughter keep s telling me I should meditate, as does a poet friend on my writers' forum. From reading this you obviously agree with them Thanks for visiting my blog.
ReplyDeleteYes, Try it. What is there to lose? You're welcome. I enjoy my visits to your blog.
DeleteYou have me saying 'Ommmm'. :)
ReplyDeleteJ.L. Campbell - The Character Depot | A-Z Challenge Co-Host
Smiling here too J.L.
DeleteI think your series topic is delightful Stephanie, and I'm in love with OM as well. My first introduction, too, was as a high schooler, but for me it was through a meditation group. The first time I participated in a group chanting of it is an experience I remember with great clarity all these years later. Love your Universe Mandala.
ReplyDeleteIt is so relaxing to meditate and find that zen state. I love the pictures you have shown here-they are beautiful
ReplyDeleteThanks Birgit. We get so wrapped up in chaos its hard sometimes to just let it all go. Meditation is a powerful tool.
DeleteThank you Stephanie ... beautiful post and photographs. Thank you for reminding us of the power of Om - the compression of every sound, the sound of the universe ... I remember in my late mother's yoga class that we would do this at the end of the hatha yoga session ..
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are to have those memories with your mother. Hatha Yoga is the best. You're welcome and thank you for stopping by.
DeleteJust this morning I was listening to "Om shanti"....over & over again, it gives my morning commute a spiritual lift as I start my day!
ReplyDelete