So Ham Mantra Meditation

A mantra meditation involves the simple repetition of the word or phrase often in coordination with the breath. A mantra helps keep our mind focused on our practice and we come back to it again and again each time we notice that our mind has wandered.

Our mantra today is So Ham meaning ‘I am that’. It is a mantra that recognises our connection with all of creation and one that harmonises beautifully with the flow of our breath.

This recording includes 5 minutes of unguided time to allow you to practice your mantra in silence.
The recording quality has been updated (August 2023).
Music: A Soothing Caress by Christopher Lloyd Clarke. Licensed by Enlightened Audio.

Transcript

Hi,

It's Pen here with a short meditation using the simple Sanskrit mantra,

So Hum.

The word mantra is derived from manas,

Meaning mind,

And tra,

Meaning instrument or tool.

So a mantra is literally a tool for the mind,

Drawing our attention away from our thoughts,

Our worries,

Anxieties,

To-do lists,

And all the other mental chatter that never seems to stop.

A mantra can be a word,

A sound or phrase that can be sung,

Chanted,

Or repeated silently.

A mantra may be short or long.

Some have a clear meaning,

Others carry a more subtle energy,

Vibrations that resonate and bring us into a state of deeper awareness.

A mantra meditation involves the simple repetition of the word or phrase,

Often in coordination with the breath,

Coming back to it again and again each time the mind wanders off.

Our mantra today is So Hum,

Meaning I am that,

Or I am he,

Or I am she.

It is a mantra that recognizes our connection with creation,

With life,

With each other,

And with our own true self.

As we breathe,

Our breath almost makes the sound of the mantra without any effort.

So on the inhale,

And hum on the exhale.

In this way,

Our mind,

Body and breath come together in perfect harmony.

Remember the only bad meditation you'll have is the one you didn't do,

So be kind to yourself as you practice.

Be open to any experience today,

Have no expectations,

And don't try too hard.

Your mind will lightly wander,

And when you find yourself lost in thought,

Gently guide your attention back to the mantra,

So Hum.

Find a comfortable seated or kneeling position.

Remember comfort is queen,

But not so much that you're likely to fall asleep.

Keep your spine upright and bring your hands to rest on your knees,

Or place one palm over the other in your lap.

Let your gaze drop or your eyes close,

And take a few moments here to settle in.

Breathe slowly and deeply in and out through the nose for a few breaths.

Enjoy the feeling of the body responding to the breath entering and leaving the body,

Rising and falling,

Expanding and contracting.

Release your control of the breath and let your body return to breathing effortlessly.

Begin to silently repeat the mantra,

So Hum.

So on your in-breath,

Hum on the out-breath.

I'll keep a track of the time for us.

When you hear the chime,

Stop repeating the mantra and rest in your meditation position just for a little while longer.

Like this.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

Reviews

Lovely!

Wonderful short meditation that packed a powerful lesson. I loved it!

Namaste

🙏

Liked the explanation at the beginning
It was easy to add on more time at the end saying the mantra.

Simple,’ yet very powerful & peaceful ~ thank you

Beautiful, felt like I took a nap. Thank you

Thank you

Thank you! This was beautiful.

This was great!

This was nice . Thank you! 🙏

Lovely practice 🥰

A beautiful start to my morning. Thank you 🙏🏻