YH December 2018 | Page 21

EVERYONE actually shifts us into that state. The sound itself makes us an instrument for blessing, the vibration expands us beyond our normal limitations and self-interest. Can you imagine your heart as big enough to include ALL beings everywhere, and include ALL of yourself as well? Often, the frontier of peace that's least explored is the shame from our own past mistakes. Please include your past self in your prayers today, as well. A Simple Peace Mantra Practice 1. Wherever you choose to practice, close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths, engaging your low belly. 2. Mentally or audibly chant Aum three times to attune yourself with your heart. 3. Mentally or audibly chant Lokāḥ Samastāḥ Sukhino Bhavantu (May All the Beings in All the Worlds be Happy) for at least 5 minutes, or use a mālā to count as many repetitions as you wish. 4. As you repeat the mantra, your mind will probably wander. When you notice it, simply return your focus to your heart's wish for peace and use the mantra as a tool to connect to, and enhance, the "peace channel." Every effort counts! 5. Complete your chanting session with three mental or audible declarations of Śāntiḥ, followed by another Aum. Allow your sound to consciously dissolve and withdraw into silence on the M sound. 6. Rest in the silence for as long as you wish; it's in that spaciousness that your inner voice can guide you most clearly. *Detailed mantra instructions and audio/video samples are available at www.mantrasforpeace.com* About Author Anandra is a pioneer in the global yoga community, re-introducing the ancient practice of sound as a fundamental practice. She created the world’s first registered yoga teacher training based entirely on the transformational power of sound (including Sanskrit, mantra, Indian classical vocal meditation, and non- violent communication for everyday life). American by birth, Indian by soul, and global citizen by expression, she helps people transform their limiting belief systems and cultivate their most fulfilling contribution to the world. She divides her time between India, Japan, and on Kaua’i island, Hawai’i, and teaches mantra workshops and intensives worldwide. For more than 20 years, she’s been on “the path” and has been teaching and seeing private clients globally since 1999. Currently she’s mentoring change agents through her Leadership Resonance Program. Join a global community of peacemakers! www.mantrasforpeace.com Contributed by Anandra George Dec. 2018 www.yogicherald.com 19