I've always loved the spoken word. I have a vivid memory of when I was little, maybe six years old; I was walking in a circle and repeating the word "complex" to myself over and over because I just loved the way it sounded. It was a soothing ritual to hear the sounds repeated in that order, to walk to the beat they created.

As I got older, I studied both theater and literature. I even learned the International Phonetic Alphabet and broke down different dialects into their component sounds. Suffice it to say, I did a lot of reading aloud. The authors I relished reading aloud the most were Shakespeare and Dickens. The words were just begging to be spoken. The sounds of their words seemed to deepen their meanings.

Have you ever noticed a word that sounded just like what it meant? Not necessarily an onomatopoeia, but the sound and the meaning are intertwined. Something like "lullaby," which sounds like a lilting little ditty. Or "enthrall," with its unique consonant combination and yawning vowel that sounds darkly mysterious and enticing. Or come to think of it, maybe even "complex," which gives the mouth a workout with so many varied consonant sounds.

Words and their sounds can be sacred. According to Hindu teachings, "Aum" was the first word, the original sound of the universe, the primordial sound of creation. It has four parts. The first is the open "ah" sound, which originates from your diaphragm, resonates in your chest, and requires an open mouth. Then as the resonance travels up and forward into the face and the shape of your mouth closes a bit, you get the "u" sound. As the lips close, the vibrations can be felt in the top of the head with a warm, buzzy "mmm." The fourth part is unvoiced and often unthought of. It is the silence at the end as the sound echoes and you take your next breath in.

In the mouth, the sound of Aum travels from your throat to your tongue to your lips, moving from internal to external. So Aum, the sacred sound of the universe, links your awareness to Awareness with a capital A. It connects the individual to the universal. It also moves upward through the body's chakras, from concrete to subtle energies. So Aum connects the material to the spiritual, the earth to sky and space.

The letters A-U-M represents a number of sacred trinities, like dreaming, waking, and sleeping; the deities Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva; and the past, present, and future.

Aum is meaningful when written, of course. Its symbol also has four parts that stand for different states of consciousness.

But when spoken aloud, Om's impact deepens exponentially. The sound of the sacred syllable can touch you in ways nothing else can.

I encourage you to try speaking Aum aloud this week. I know chanting can be intimidating. Start with one round of Aum after a yoga class or at the end of a meditation. If speaking it alone feels uncomfortable, use this audio recording to chant Aum with the support of a group that can't possibly judge you! Really take time to feel the vibrations move through the mouth and the body. Maybe even write down some words about your experience with the sacred sound Aum.

Many Paths Wellness Offerings

• Yoga Class Spotlight! Restorative Yoga: Using props to support your body, poses are held for longer periods, allowing you to relax and release tension on a deeper level. This class is perfect for those looking to slow down, restore physical and mental balance, and rejuvenate their energy. Suitable for all levels - no yoga experience necessary. Tuesdays and Thursdays 7:30-8:30 pm.
• Bio-Mat session: Stress is the number 1 killer; it’s only that it works on your system over such a period of time that we don’t look at it that way. This quick 30-minute session helps to relieve stress and re-energize your body. Email Jessica directly at jessica@manypathswellness.com. We can even book your appointment right before or after a class, when you'll already be at the studio!
• Reiki Energy Healing for yourself or your pet: great for boosting your body’s own healing abilities to support well-being or recovery from illnesses, stress, mental/emotional struggles or even past or future stressful events. Reiki helps to balance your energy and chakras, helping you feel more balanced and centered. It’s like a massage for your soul and feels like being cradled in a warm cozy blanket.
• Private Yoga/Meditation Session (with any MPW teachers): Unsure how to approach your practice or even how to get started? We can help you get started or enhance your practice, giving you personalized guidance and support.
• Discovery Call: If your life or health goals seem to be taking a back seat, or you’re just not sure how to break through to your next step, know that you are not alone and there is support. I cannot share enough about the value of coaching, especially 1:1 coaching. Don’t stay stuck. Book a discovery call today. I’ll be the advocate for your dreams and show you that it IS possible.
• NEW! Bio-Well Scan: Book a Bio-Well Scan for $75 or a Full Before & After Scan set together with a customized Bio-Cor sound & crystal treatment session for $250!

Upcoming Events:

• Celebrate Bonds & Bends: Father's Day Partner Yoga Extravaganza: On June 16th, from 1:00-2:30pm, father-daughter duo Marty and Jo-Jo Steine lead a fun 75-minute partner yoga practice designed to be accessible for all skill levels. This Father's Day, step onto the mat with someone special- be it your dad, child, or a cherished one- for a uniquely delightful partner yoga experience! Explore the joys of synchronized stretching and posture alignment, discovering new insights into your movements and those of your partner. And the fun doesn't stop there! After you've twisted and turned, join us for a casual social featuring delectable donut holes! $40 per pair (please sign up as a pair).

• Retreat: We are thrilled to announce our annual Women's Summer Serenity Retreat in the picturesque setting of Big Canoe, Georgia, from August 15th to 18th. This retreat is a heartfelt invitation to women seeking a profound connection with nature, themselves, and a community of like-minded individuals. Last year's retreat was a resounding success, and we're excited to bring even more enriching experiences your way this summer. You truly deserve this rejuvenating escape!

Here's what one attendee shared about her experience last year:

"I absolutely loved my yoga retreat in the mountains! It was a truly magical experience that transformed my life. The closing ceremony opened my eyes—I didn't know I needed to hear those words or form those incredible connections. Thank you, Jessica, for your powerful guidance, compassionate teaching, and inspiring presence. I can't wait for the next retreat to renew old friendships and make new ones. Thank you again for everything!"

Join us for an unforgettable few days of tranquility, self-discovery, and joy. Remember, you are worth this amazing experience!

Do you have experience chanting? Have you noticed the divine power of vibration? Let us know! We'd love to hear how sound has shifted your practice.

We are also working on setting up a variety of workshops in the coming months. Please let us know if a sound healing workshop is something that interests you.

In love and light 💗,

Jo-Jo