A New Way To De-Stress: Vedic Chanting

How do you deal with stress? Busy seems to be the new normal but stress can be extremely damaging to our health. There are so many ways to calm the mind such as meditation, yoga and exercise and of course making sure you’re listening to your body nourishing it with healthy, real food. One thing you may not have heard of is Vedic chanting. This is actually not that new but is fast becoming a popular way to combat stress and improve mood. We spoke to our founder Kate’s beautiful Mum, Debby Badger who is a yoga and Vedic chanting teacher to find out more…

 

What do you love about Vedic Chanting?

For me chanting has helped me to find my voice, to express myself in ways I have previously struggled. I have gained inner strength to teach and become more self-reliant. Apart from my improved self-confidence, chanting has also improved my bodily health. Long standing issues that have affected my wellbeing such as constipation and insomnia, have both improved significantly.

I believe chanting brings positive change to all layers of who we are: body, breath, mind, emotions and spirit, and increases our capacity for a joyful life.

What is Vedic Chanting?

Vedic chanting is an important tool of yoga for health and healing. It is chanting the mantras of the Vedas and is usually taught in a “call and response”- where the teacher chants and everyone repeats.

What are the Vedas?

The Vedas are a collection of hymns or mantras which are the foundation of all philosophy in India. The mantras have been transmitted from teacher to student over thousands of years following an oral tradition. The language of the Vedas is Sanskrit and the particular pronunciation of Sanskrit sounds affects the body bringing health and healing.

How could chanting these mantras benefits us?

When we chant, we are chanting on our out breath (exhale). The more we chant, the greater the output of air, so this leads to a greater intake of air. Over time the breath becomes longer and deeper bringing in more vitality leading to a longer life. Extending our breath helps to cleanse and purify our system. The way we breathe is very important for our health and vitality.

When we are chanting Vedic mantras, our mind becomes single focussed. Emotions are more settled when our mind is calm and focussed. We are then able to experience our true capacity for joy, as the sacred mantras of the Vedas nourish our spirit.

Chanting Vedic mantras connects us with our own voice. It builds confidence and inner strength. We know our bodies are made up of a large percentage of water. When we chant the Sanskrit sounds create vibrations influencing our body, bringing balance and creating positive energy.

There are many health benefits for our body with the practice of Vedic chanting. Chanting may help with digestion and constipation problems and even hormonal problems as emotional blocks are removed from these areas. Most importantly, chanting connects us with ourselves and brings a sense of wellbeing and joy.

 

At KOJA we believe eating good food sets the foundation for health but it's also important to find a way to reduce stress that works for you. It can be tough finding time for yourself, especially for all the hardworking mums out there, but it really is essential to your health and wellbeing.
What do you do to relax, unwind and de-stress? We'd love to hear from you. 

 

 

Debby Badger has been practising Yoga for twenty years, teaching Yoga since 2009 and teaching Vedic Chanting since 2012. She is passionate about the health benefits of Vedic Chanting and has devoted her time teaching and sharing the benefits of regular practice with her students. If you are interested in learning more please check her website for more information: www.vedicchanting.com.au