Welcome and thank you for taking this moment for yourself.
By choosing this meditation you are giving yourself the gift of presence,
Peace and connection.
Today we will explore the sacred sounds of Aum and Shanti,
Two powerful vibrations that carry deep meaning and transformative energy.
Aum is often called the primordial sound of the universe,
While Shanti means peace.
Together they form a mantra that calms the mind,
Balances the body and invites serenity into our lives.
Before we chant together,
Let's first explore the meaning behind these sacred words.
Aum is not just a sound,
It's a vibration that represents everything in the universe.
It is made up of three parts,
A,
U and M,
And each part has its own special meaning.
The first sound is A.
This sound represents the beginning,
The start of everything and the waking state.
The moment we open our eyes and experience the world around us.
As you say Aum,
Notice how your mouth is wide open,
Free and relaxed.
This openness symbolizes creation,
New beginnings and possibilities.
The second sound is U.
This sound represents the middle,
The place where life is happening and the dream state,
The world of thoughts,
Emotions and experiences.
As we move from A to U,
Our lips start to come closer together and this shift mirrors how we begin to turn inward,
Becoming more aware of our inner world.
The final sound is M.
This represents the end,
Deep rest and pure stillness,
Like the peaceful state of deep sleep.
As we move into Aum,
Our lips close completely and we can feel the vibration within us.
This final sound brings us into quiet,
Calm and a deep sense of peace.
By chanting Aum,
We move from an open mouth to a gentle closing and then into complete stillness,
Just like the journey of life itself.
Beginning,
Experience and rest.
When we chant Aum,
We align ourselves with the rhythm of the universe,
Bringing balance and harmony to both our body and our mind.
Shanti means peace,
Not just peace around us but also deep peace within.
It is often chanted three times because peace exists on different levels.
The first shanti is for ourselves.
Before we can bring peace to the world,
We must first find it within.
This first shanti calms our mind,
Our body and helps us to feel grounded and at ease.
The second shanti is for all living beings.
We extend this peace to those around us,
Our family,
Our friends and all the people,
Animals,
Nature around us.
We wish for harmony in our relationships and kindness in the world.
The third shanti is for the universe.
It's a wish for universal peace,
For the earth,
The sky and all that exists.
It's an offering to something greater than ourselves,
A recognition that we are all connected.
By chanting Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti,
We begin with peace inside us,
Let it spread to others and finally offer it to the entire universe.
Now,
Let's chant together.
I invite you to find a comfortable seated position,
To relax the body,
Softening the shoulders,
The forehead,
The jaw.
And in a few moments,
We will take a deep breath in together and on the exhale,
We will chant Aum Shanti Shanti Shanti.
So,
Let's first exhale completely,
Empty the lungs and then take a deep breath in.
Let's do this together two more times,
Exhaling completely,
Taking a deep breath in.
One more final time,
Exhaling completely,
Breathing in deeply.
Now,
Let's take a moment to feel the vibration on the sound and the words resonate within you.
Let them settle deep into your being,
Allowing their energy to bring peace,
Balance and stillness.
And as we close this meditation,
Take a moment to notice how you feel,
Perhaps a little lighter,
Calmer and more at peace.
Remember,
Peace begins within.
When you cultivate peace in yourself,
It naturally flows outward to those around you and eventually to the world.
You can return to this practice anytime you need stillness,
Balance or connection.
Thank you for sharing this moment with me and may peace be with you.
Today and always.
From my heart to yours.
