Mantra OM/ AUM for #yoga #yogapractice #meditation #pranichealing #stress #relaxing #relax

How "Om" Can Benefit a Meditation or Yoga Practice
Om can be practiced as part of a chanting or sound meditation (also called Kirtan), says Jade. "[This is] a great way to practice awareness-based meditation. When 'Om' is practiced as a sound meditation, it assists the student in focused attention to the breath and sound and allows them to open up on a deeper level," she explains.

Also fascinating: Research published in the International Journal of Yoga suggests that Om chanting meditations may help deactivate the right amygdala, a part of the brain associated with negative emotions, says Jade. "A hyperactive amygdala can be associated with high stress and anxiety and potential memory loss through [long-term] elevated cortisol levels," explains Jade. In short, Om chanting meditations could potentially help ease negative thoughts, anxiety, and stress, she says.

How Om Can Be Used In Meditation
Traditionally, many people open or close a meditation or yoga practice with Om, says Jade. Sometimes Om is also followed by the chant "Shanti, Shanti, Shanti" (more on that translation in a bit) to help connect you to your practice on a higher level, she explains.

"The Om sound is great for tapping into the heart chakra [one of seven chakras, this one associated with love and compassion]," adds Jade. "It is also known to be connected to the crown [associated with enlightenment and wisdom] and third eye [associated with intuition] chakras. Many also chant Om with the help of a mala or sun salutation, to maintain their awareness in their practice," she continues.

**Full article: https://www.shape.com/lifestyle/mind-and-body/om-meaning
**More info: https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-does-om-mean-explained