| Chanting, or the yoga of sound as it is known, | | | | Psychologists, too, believe that chanting or |
| has been used for a zillion years as a means to | | | | meditating enhances a sense of well-being and |
| connect with the divine. If you look for its | | | | helps the mind focus on a particular thought, |
| meaning in one of those spiritually tuned books, | | | | which results in lowering stress levels. Chanting |
| you will find that chanting is the "harmonious | | | | has a considerable effect on the mental health of |
| vocalization of key words, names and phrases | | | | a person as it helps in cutting down stress and |
| that are used in ritual to attune oneself, raise | | | | gives rise to a feel good factor. But how much |
| energy and become centered." | | | | one actually benefits depends largely on one's own |
| Chanting is a means of preserving health and | | | | belief in this. |
| well-being. Even medical science has accepted this. | | | | A word of caution though: Chanting should be |
| Research shows that the use of sound can | | | | done with proper pronunciation at the specified |
| stabilize heart rate, reduce blood pressure, | | | | time with reverence and alertness. A definite |
| improve circulation, produce endorphins and aid | | | | mantra has a definite sound and vibration which |
| the process of metabolism. | | | | has a definite effect on particular parts of the |
| Scientists too have accepted the health benefits | | | | body. |
| of meditation, proof of which was seen as a | | | | Art of the Matter: |
| cover story in Time magazine titled "Meditation | | | | Chant along as a form of meditation: Chant a |
| works," detailing the scientific research that shows | | | | personal prayer and you will find yourself |
| it can profoundly affect the body and actually | | | | transported to another realm. It will activate your |
| reshape the brain. | | | | body's natural healing processes. To prepare a |
| Says an expert, "When we chant, it cleanses the | | | | chanting space, light incense, a candle, or oil lamp. |
| mind like water cleanses the body." Mantra helps | | | | Place flowers before your favorite sacred object |
| us relax. A relaxed state of mind is a sign of good | | | | or in a vase before you, and then chant along |
| mental and physical health. | | | | with a CD. |
| Good for you Body | | | | For yoga or exercise: Use chants to practice yoga |
| It is rather simple. Chanting is actually the first | | | | or movement-type meditations such as Tai Chi or |
| step to meditation. It focuses on a simple phrase | | | | Chi Gong. You may also use the music. When you |
| and melody and repeats it over and over. The | | | | exercise; the chanting will facilitate movement and |
| repetition relaxes the mind, and the body thus | | | | flow. The music will stimulate and emotional |
| becomes ready to meditate. | | | | component that will enhance your yoga/exercise. |
| Good for your Mind | | | | So now go ahead, chant and be happy. |