Things that Make You Go Ohm

At the beginning and end of yoga class, the entire class says three 'Ohms' aloud together. Nothing sounds more new age-y and pretentious than saying that, let alone doing it. But truth be told, it does not feel pretentious to me. Right now writing about it, it sounds weird sure, but in the moment it feels right. My voice, one in the crowd, all varying pitches and volumes, combining into one overall sound. Ohm. Say it now, aloud. See how it feels, not just how it sounds. Is that not a pleasant sensation?

When I say Ohm, the hum of it starts deep in my throat, kind of right behind my breast plate. The hum flows up and through my mouth, vibrating my lips. Once it is fully articulated, I can feel it humming in my ears. I hold the sound for as long as I can then with a deep inhale, I start again. Ohm. My body is ringing, my mind is totally focused on the sound and feel of ohm. Deep in my consciousness, I wonder if I keep saying ohm and breathing, would this feeling last forever? I picture monks around the world, at this same moment, and imagine them saying Ohm too.

Buddhists believe that Ohm is the perfect sound, it encompasses all sounds, it is the divine, it is the "sound symbol for the ultimate reality." Maybe I agree. For when I say ohm, when I feel it humming in me, and I hear it ringing into one sound with the voices of strangers, I feel connected. And not in that metaphorical sense of "like yeah man, we're like, all connected duuude." No, I mean in a very physical sense. In saying ohm, I am the sound. I am the ringing and the energy. And its the energy that is the world, that is the sound, that is me.