Chants and Toning.

Chants and toning, the utilisation of our own inherent vocal power. The vibrating of, and manipulation of sounds combined with visualisations. And of positive intention towards our desired achievement.
We are all magicians. It is spoken that if we think of a desired outcome with the correct intent, and with positivity; then it shall manifest. I am a firm believer that we can achieve anything if we establish the correct focus. I do subscribe to the theory and understanding that before we can create, we must have solid foundations to build upon.
We can use chanting and the toning of words and sounds, to empower and transform ourselves. When we vibrate a particular word, even a vowel. We are connecting, even re-connecting to a level of energy. We could interpret the universe as an infinite rainbow of colours and tones. We may never find that ‘crock of Gold’ at the end of the rainbow. But, we can place ourselves within that spectrum of colour and sound.
Through the practice of concentrated thought upon a colour or sound, we may find ourselves travelling the ‘yellow brick road’ leading us towards our destination. If we also combine that thought with the vibrating of words and sounds, then truly we may embed our spirit into our destination. Our practice and the exercising of our mind, could be viewed as a form of time travel. Even though truly, no time exists between ourselves and the destination we seek.

I have vibrated the word Om for many years. There are numerous texts concerning the origins and practice of its application. All can be interpreted differently, naturally we as individuals will do so.
Om for myself manifests stability of self, the mind. It centres and grounds the spiritual and physical bodies. Our connection to the Earth is nurtured and further strengthened. The channels that our life forces transit through are benefited. When we have solid foundations we can build upon, we can become the recipient of further stages of personal development. Greater enlightenment is possible for the individual(s) who partake in the practice of Chanting and Toning. We may understand life, our existence and the challenges that are placed ahead of us.
The pathway of the spiritual seeker often see’s many individuals and groups trying to ‘run before they can walk’. If we cannot truly host or accommodate the so called ‘higher energies’, then would it not be of benefit to work towards developing the capability to be able to?.
Everybody has their own method and technique. It is natural to introduce ‘adaptation’ into our lives and practices. I myself have practiced the following exercise over a period of years. It has evolved through adaptation to my own needs, and still it periodically incurs change. Change is natural; it is important. We as individuals are ever changing, always evolving. It would be unhealthy to ignore the call of change and try to stick to a fixed, rigid practice.
You are welcome to practice the following exercise, feel free to adapt it to your needs.

Standing with feet apart, hands by your side. The knees bent slightly and your pelvis thrust forward gently.
(Adopting this yogic position promotes comfort during the exercise).
Take your hands to assume the prayer position, held just away from the center of the chest.
The chin tucked in slightly, eyes closed or open.
Awareness is placed beneath the soles of your feet, feel the ground you stand upon.
Stand in this position for a few minutes, finding comfort in your surroundings.
Inhale through the nose, hold the breath briefly.
Exhale via the nose, slowly until the lungs feel empty.
With your awareness still under your feet, repeat the exercise for a short period of time to promote a further state of relaxation.
Then we begin with the combination of vibrating and visualization of the Om chant.
  So, we are inhaling through the nose, and holding the breath for as long is comfortable. It is possible through practice to extend the period of time you can hold the breath. Stress must not be placed upon the lungs.
Do not concern yourself if you find you cannot hold the breath, as I stated earlier this technique can be adapted to your needs and still be effective.

There are two ways that I perform this breathing technique, both are as effective as each other.

1. Inhale as spoken of previously, and then exhale slowly through the nose. The mouth is closed with the tongue pressed lightly against the roof of the mouth (tip of the tongue behind the front teeth).As you exhale, silently vibrate the Om chant. As you do so, visualise the Om symbol beneath your feet, where you should still have your attention focused upon. Vibrate the ‘silent’ Om chant for the duration of the outwardly breath (fading to silence as the breath comes to end). Inhale again filling the chest and diaphragm fully, your tongue still upon the roof of your mouth. Then exhale as above and repeat the exercise.

2. Inhale, and then exhale via the mouth. Your tongue should be at its normal ‘relaxed’ position. Purse your lips as if you were to be drinking liquid through a straw. As you exhale you speak the Ohm chant, as loud or as quiet as you desire (circumstances do not always allow for the speaking of words).Be assured if you have to silently vibrate the Om chant, it is always just as effective as speaking it normally! .Again the Om chant should be vibrated for the duration of the outwardly breath, and your awareness should be focused beneath the soles of your feet. You may wish to visualise the Om symbol again upon the Earth you stand upon, this is optional though. The symbol serves as further reinforcement of the connection you seek. Inhale as before through the nose and repeat the exercise.
This is truly a simple and effective method of promoting personal transformation. Practiced over time you will realize change.
I perform this regulary to begin and finalise my days. I also perform other known chants, more specifically the HU chant.
I have grown to acknowledge HU as a precursor to the transformation of thoughts and attitudes. Whereas I acknowledge Om as ‘earthly’ and ‘grounding’, the HU chant I perceive of a higher vibrational level of existence. When I vibrate Om my awareness is beneath my feet, with the vibrating of HU I find I focus my attention at a distance above my head. Eventually developing towards a unison of above and below, wholly complete.
Always I will ground myself with Ohm before I connect with the vibration of HU.

The toning and overtoning of Vowels is another effective technique to perform. Singularly or collectively together the letters A,E,I,O,U create effective empowerments. Overtones are produced by the amplification of the outwardly breath, manipulating the vocal chords and passage. It is an ancient and mystical technique, derived from several global traditions. I experience the toning and overtoning of vowels as powerfully refreshing, transformational and energizing.
Other chants and words may be exercised. It is best though to familiarize yourself with the initial energies that follow the connection you establish. If the vibration of your choice manifests a pleasant experience, then you should further your practice. If not then I would advise to proceed no further.

I do encourage Toning and Chanting as an integral part of my healing work with the Gongs. Specifically I enable the methods as a means of manifesting harmony between, and greater connection in groups of people. Toning and chanting also effectively ‘grounds’ a person before and afterwards, which is a vital element of the experience.

Kindest regards.