Where does sound exist?

Sound is present everywhere in our lives outside and within (heart beat, digestive movement and speech). This fundamental element, sound, is woven into our lives, serving our communication, entertainment and daily living as well as our existence itself.

Power of Sound

Sound is a vibration that travels space. It is a more permeable entity than other elements such as vision or scent.

We know an ambulance is coming without actually seeing the vehicle by hearing the ambulance siren. We hear the sound long before we see the ambulance. Singing reaches a large audience and it can be rousing or calming. Someone’s speech can hurt you badly more than physical damage. Though physical injury can heal in time you can suffer from the impact of words spoken for as long as you live.

Sound penetrates not only your ears but also the mind and feeling as well.

In the area of health and healing the use of sound has many positive and useful benefits.

• The doctor can evaluate your heart and valve function by listening to your heart sound.
• Prayer and chants are used to express gratitude and hope.
• Positive affirmation or mantra can help to calm noise in the mind and transform negative thoughts.

“Sound permeates the physical body, senses, the mind, emotions and the soul.”

This is the power of sound – permeability – the ability to spread throughout different dimensions within us.

How to use sound in Yoga practice

Yoga uses a range of tools that help to refine our state of mind including

Asana – Practice of various postures

Pranayama – Breath regulation

Dhyānam – Meditation

Bhavana – Visualization

Nyāsa – Gesture

Sound can be used with any of the yoga tools listed above. It emphasizes the effect of each tool and makes them more potent. Some examples are followings

For instance when a forward bending posture is done with sound our whole system along the spine can get a deeper response as opposed to doing a forward bend alone. Vocalizing a sound can improve exhalation and facilitate better diaphragm movement. This combination of sound and movement is very effective in releasing tension from the back of the body as well as from internal organs.

For another example, while inhaling invite vitality into yourself and recite “Hram” on exhalation. You will feel vigorous after some time. This is not only because you are visualizing vitality. The actual sound of “Hram” creates energizing vibrations in your body. Sound and visualization together maximize the effectiveness of the practice.

The Benefits of Sound in Yoga

• brings vitality
• assists with breathing
• brings us closer to a meditative state
• helps to find our own voice within

If you are interested in yoga practice with sound, you are welcome to join our meditative practice with sound.

Thursdays 9.00 – 9.50am