Imbolc 1998 Newsletter Chanting and Exercise

While meditating can be a skill that takes a while to learn, a way of helping your mind to focus, and be free from external distractions is to chant a sound, phrase or other sound in your mind (or out loud depending on where you are) while you are exercising or scurrying about in the world. Most of us are familiar with the "om" sound, and how it can help us to relax and get into a deeper state of meditation. Chanting is also useful if you are practicing a walking meditation or need to focus your mind quickly (for example when sitting on the bus it is a good way to free your mind from the distractions of the noise of the traffic and the chattering hordes!). A walking meditation involves stepping to the beats of the chant, so the faster or slower you repeat the phrases will depend on how quickly you end up walking. I have tried to chant while running, and yes it can be done, but you need to be breathing properly for it to be effective. Rhythmic breathing should be in through the nose and out through the mouth, in a circular fashion. This will help you keep in breath and not be huffing and puffing while you are walking or running. Before you begin chanting, get used to breathing properly, fill your entire diaphragm with air and exhale slowly, repeat until you are able to breath comfortably in this fashion. This type of breathing requires some practice until you are able to do it without having to consciously will your body to breath that way. Using chants in your exercise program is a great way to ensure not only a healthy body, but a healthy mind at the same time! It is also an effective use of time if you lead a busy lifestyle and can't always find the time to do a sitting meditation. This is one of my favourite repetitive phrases that I use while out running or walking. I also find it a great way to distance myself when travelling on the bus (either to or from work):

If walking in the moonlight, this is one of my favourites: