Sounds that we hear and those that we make have a profound effect on our mood. Sound is a vibration and like any wavelength or ‘vibe’ it makes our cells jiggle and alters our frequency – it alters our mind set and our emotions. EVERYTHING in existence is a vibration….. food, colours, people, places, experiences – all of life is vibrating at different frequencies all the time. So we live in a sea of vibrations that effect us but usually without our being consciously awareness of it.

Humming is a natural human sound that we make when we are happy….we make a hummmm sound, (often accompanied by a sigh) when we are contented or enjoying something. We hum to babies and small children to relax them and comfort them. In yoga, we sometimes consciously hum to alter our mind state – to bring about a resonance within the body that is conducive to bringing a feeling of peace and clarity – to allow the ‘higher mind’ to have airspace, to quieten the inner chatter and to ground ourselves. The classic OM mantra in Yoga is split into 3 sounds the last third being ‘Mmmm…’, the OM is foundational and fundamental, it’s the sound of our spiritual blueprint, helps us feel ‘connected’ and ‘whole’, so if you want to give yourself a break….. ‘Om’ away ……practice in the safety of your own home to save embarrassing looks, or in a yoga class of course, where the weird and wonderful is the norm

If your feeling snowed under or a bit out of sorts – try humming one of your favorite tunes and feel how it lifts you and the people around you. It’s basic but it works. It’s like a little self-therapy session.

(If you can’t think of anything to hum along to – try humming the Monty Python ‘Life of Brain’ – ‘Always look on the Bright side of Life’ – I defy anyone to do that and not smile !! )