Chanting is an ancient practice. It improves our emotional, physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. This powerful ancient spiritual practice can help you in numerous ways. After you read this article you might want to give it a go!
What is Chanting?
Chanting is the recitation of words or sounds aloud. It is a practice that has been used for thousands of years. Many religions and cultures practice chanting as a means to bring about positive change in the world.
Chanting can help you decrease stress and anxiety, improve your focus and overall wellbeing. You can use Sanskrit mantras or affirmations. Mantras are sacred sounds or words that are used to achieve a state of focus and peace. They are often linked to a specific religion or spiritual belief.
Mantra meditation is a combination of a mantra and a focused meditation practice. It is used to achieve a deep state of consciousness.
The Benefits of Chanting
Taking you beyond the mind, chanting helps you expand your consciousness. If you are finding it difficult to meditate quietly, chanting is a great way to quiet the mind and clear emotionally and energetically.
Studies have found that chanting has benefits such as reduced stress, anxiety and depression; increased focus; improved concentration; and lower blood pressure. If you are looking to take control of your mental health and well-being, chanting can be a wonderful practice.
A regular chanting practice yields significant benefits. Chanting has been proven to help with so many different aspects of life. It is not just for certain groups of people; anyone can benefit from taking part in a regular chanting practice. Chanting can be used for many different things depending on the type of chant that you are using.
Types of Chanting
Mantra chanting uses sound, vibration and repetition to raise energy, reduce stress and induce a deep meditative state. It is often used in Hinduism, Buddhism, Taoism and yoga. You can choose a specific mantra that is linked to your desired outcome or you can choose one that is meant to promote general well-being.
Mantra meditation is a combination of a mantra and a focused meditation practice. It is used to achieve a deep state of consciousness. One modality is to chant the mantra for a few times out loud and then silently as you meditate.
How to Start Your Own Practice
There are many ways you can start your own chanting practice. You can pick a specific chant that you like or you can choose a type of chanting and mix and match. Here are a few suggestions on how you can get started:
Find a Group – If you are new to chanting, it might be easier to start by taking part in a group practice. If you are not sure where to begin, you can find a group online. Some groups do free sessions.
Recorded Chants – YouTube has a wealth of mantra videos. Even listening to them in the background can be helpful.
Start Small – If you are new to chanting, don’t throw yourself in the deep end. Pick a short phrase or a mantra that is relatively easy and only increase the length once you are ready.
Keep it Simple – You might be tempted to start mixing and matching different types of chants from the get-go. But don’t overthink it. Choose one and stick with it until you are familiar with it.
So, Will You Try It?
Like all else, you can only understand the benefits of chanting if you try it. Your voice can be your healer and a gateway to the infinite within you. When you chant, thoughts might still come up, but as you focus on the chant, you remain the observer. You can also use mantras silently to help you let go of intrusive thoughts. Everything you need to heal and accomplish your potential is always within you.
If you try chanting, I would love to know how you enjoy it.