Over the past four years I have been practicing my Om. I started to Om in classes and now I have started to guide group Oms in my Yoga classes. The sound makes a cool vibration through your body. I share the sound because the buzzing clears your mind and relaxes your entire body. State of bliss.
I love to hear a long and powerful Om.
Personally, finding the breath and the vocal cords have always been problematic. I always avoided singing in grade school or at a religious institution. Today, when I am leading an Om, my mind always reflects back to my choir tryout for Joseph and the Technical Dream Coat children's choir. That day I chose to sing "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". Just to keep things straight, a professional voice coach has confirmed that I am a soprano and I am pretty sure I picked the right tryout song. Unfortunately, I was not selected = ( After this I was always chosen to act and dance. I was never asked to sing for any show or church special. Fortunately, I loved dancing and I had more skills in the dance department.
Just recently, I was visiting my 9 year old cousin. She was showing me youtube music videos and her mom (my aunt) was singing to the Lady Ga Ga ones. When my aunt was not paying attention, my cousin whispered and said "my mom is a horrible singer". I whispered, "my voice sounds the exact same as your mom's" and we both laughed. My aunt continued to enjoy singing but the voice comment was hilarious. Some people have better vocal abilities and I can only focus on improving mine, one Om at a time.
Finally, do not be afraid to Om in Yoga class or on your own. Everyone is focusing on their own breath and sound. Take in the benefits and look beyond the self.
Peace + OMs
