June 13, 2010
A yoga therapist utilizes many tools to guide her student to optimal health. One of those tools is the sacred sound OM through the introduction of both chanting and the value of silence to heal the body. Inviting students, especially senior clients to explore the sacred sounds of mantras, chanting and OM, may be uncomfortable for you and them at first, but bringing these tools to life can be playful and enjoyable.
I am forever grateful to Dr. Lorin Roche and his work with The Radiance Sutras. It is in his Sutra 19 that I have found a beautiful way to express, explore and examine sound and silence with my students. With Lorin’s permission, I have reprinted his Sutra 19 below.
Sutra 19
Pinda mantrasya sarvasya
Sthula varna kramena tu
Ardhendu bindu nadantah
Shunya uchcharat bhavet shivah
Lightly begin a sound.
Choose any vowel – ah, ee, oo, uu,
Then add mmmmm.
Explore the feeling,
The vibration on your tongue, mouth and throat
As you quietly say ahm or eem or om.
Continue thus, allow the sound to enchant you
Into its inner delights.
A motion toward silence will carry you
Until the sound is only internal,
With no movement of the tongue.
Listen as the sound goes on resounding within,
Continuing of itself.
Until it becomes just a shimmer.
As even the wisp of that hum fades away,
Be intimate with the Great Silence,
The source of all sound.
©Dr. Lorin Roche – The Radiance Sutras
©NamasteWorks Yoga + Wellness, LLC, http://www.namasteworksyoga.com, by: Nancy Levenson
June 12, 2010
“Today I can complain because the weather is rainy, Or I can be thankful that the grass is getting watered for free.” Author Unknown
Today’s practice of Free Yoga in the Park – Civic Green Park – Highlands Ranch, Colorado, 2010 – has been cancelled. Please come join us next week, Wednesday June 16 for the morning practice. Unfortunately, we will not have a practice next Saturday, June 19th due to a prior engagement in the park, KIDSFEST. We hope to see you next Wednesday. On behalf of the entire teaching staff, Namaste!
(c) Namasteworks Yoga + Wellness, LLC, Nancy Levenson, www.namasteworksyoga.com
