Sunday, November 23, 2008

Vocal Meditation: A Modern Mantra

If you are here, you probably already recognize that sound can affect our physiology, emotional state, and thoughts. That's good. Because I'm not interested in proving what science can confirm. Rather, I want to share with you a simple exercise based in sound that can have a profound impact on your life.

Mantras are sacred syllables repeated over and over by practitioners in order to both alter their energetic fields to the frequency of the mantra (for prosperity, equanimity, or compassion for example) and to quiet the mind. Two well known mantras are AUM or OM. There is a reason this practice has persisted throughout the ages and why it is one adopted by so many of today's self-help educators. Mantras work.

But for some, the foreign language or even religious roots of certain mantras can be hindrances to adopting a practice. Here, I offer a modern mantra practice which can be used in your modern life...one that does not require a knowledge of ancient languages. This practice, when done correctly, will have the same effect as an ancient mantra but it will also begin to build your awareness of the vibrational signatures of the words in our own language.

When you feel the mind turning to worry or have had a challenging day, call forth the symbols that you wish to activate. Spend 10 minutes saying words like "triumph, peace, love, happiness, release, letting go, stillness, courage, joy, compassion, steadiness, tranquility, friendship, miracles...". Try to choose words directly counter to your present state. For example, if you are feeling impatient, try words like "patience, plenty, relaxation, stillness, calm, ease." It's okay to repeat words. Follow each word with a nice inhalation of clean, fresh air. As you do so, allow the mind to freely associate with your life experiences of the words. Allow the feeeling states to arise. Notice how your energy field begins to change. You will feel happier, more at peace and much better than you did before.

Words hold energy. We can use this energy for better or worse. This modern mantra practice can train one to "cast spells" skillfully, with intent.

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