Chanting makes you stronger

Yoga recommends the practice of chanting to release strong emotions that are usually stored in the abdominal region. The sound ‘aaa’ and the abdomen have a powerful association with strong emotions. Photo: R. Ravindran

The ancient yogis, the ones who discovered the science of yoga through research on their own bodies, knew that a human being is subject to constant stimuli in the form of words, emotions, feelings, pain, ill health, insecurity and fear of death etc. Through their practices they inferred that strong emotions like grief, anger, frustration and agony when unacknowledged and unexpressed create blockages called granthis or energy knots. Most adults in modern times live in a perpetual state of not expressing how they feel, perhaps choosing to conform to societal norms and avoid potential embarrassment. The accumulation of granthis in the body can disrupt the equilibrium of the body and mind, thereby perpetuating more stress and ill health. From the yogic view, everything is prana or energy, and powerful energy releasing exercises untangle these knots to restore a degree of normalcy. Continued practice of yoga will fortify the practitioner to channel emotions in a healthy manner and sustain through emotional turmoil.

Yoga recommends the practice of chanting to release strong emotions that are usually stored in the abdominal region. The sound ‘aaa’ and the abdomen have a powerful association with strong emotions. The following chanting practice is almost the same thing but in a healthier and more empowering manner. This practice will greatly benefit singers and actors as it helps engage the core muscles and improve diaphragmatic strength.

Here’s how to chant

Sit with your eyes closed and back straight or supported.

Take a deep breath and expand your abdomen like a balloon.

Exhale slowly and chant “aaa”.

Start loud and taper the volume down towards the end of your breath.

Do not worry if your voice breaks, just restart chanting.

Visualise the sound as arising from the space behind your navel.

Repeat this 21 times.

When you are done, let your eyes remain closed as you observe the

effect of the chanting.

If your throat gets dry while chanting, pause to sip on some water.

Practice this every day as soon as you wake up.