The Undivided Self - Ep 1

I read an article in the September issue of The Atlantic called "The Dark Side of Mindfulness" written by Olga Khazan. It's a good article and worth reading if you're new to meditation, or looking to up your meditation game but there is no dark side of mindfulness. There's only you.

I read an article in the September issue of The Atlantic called "The Dark Side of Mindfulness" written by Olga Khazan. It's a good article and worth reading if you're new to meditation, or looking to up your meditation game but there is no dark side of mindfulness. There's only you.

In episode 2 we spoke with Ann Strickland about setting an intention of Joy for her life and explained how yoga, her music and chanting have been some of the primary tools for her practice.

Like Ann, my favorite form of meditation is also chanting. It helps me focus my practice and gives my brain something to focus on.

Here are a few of my favorites mantras listed in Sanskrit and their English Translation where this is one. I've also listed the energies you are invoking. So what feels good to you. For some chanting in English might feel more comfortable. My last piece of advice, have fun. Establishing a meditation practice does require a level of discipline simply because you need to commit to sitting down. But after that let is all be easy. Like Ann has set the intention for joy in her life, you can set the intention that your meditation is easy and fun - or joyous!

Hugs!

Aham Prema - I am love.

Sat Nam - I am truth. Invoking this mantra peels away false identities, labels and societal expectations.

Om Namo Narayani - I allow for the Divine. We are invoking Wisdom, Abundance and Strength

Om Namah Shivaya - I bow to Shiva. We are invoking calm minds, this mantra is also said to balance the 5 elements of the body and brings deep inner peace.

Om - There's no English translation. This is said to be the primordial sound of the Universe. Calms the nervous system, reduces stress and promotes mental clarity.

Om Gan Ganapataye Namaha - (Ohm Gum Guh-nuh-puh-tuh-yay Nuh-muh-hah) - I bow to the remover of all obstacles.

This is the mantra for Ganesh, the Elephant God. We invoke this mantra to bring mental clarity and strength to dissolve blockages in your life.

Om Mani Padme Om (Buddist mantra) - The jewel is in the lotus. We invoke this to purify negative emotions and cultivate compassion.

So Hum - I am that. Sync this mantra with your breath. Inhale So, Exhale Hum. Brings relaxation and calm.

In this episode, Ann, a lifelong musician, chant leader, and psychotherapist, talks about the day she decided to stop defining herself by grief, how loss led her to yoga and then to chanting, and why singing together changes our brain chemistry. We also get honest about how a spiritual path changes everything, including who you spend time with.

Ann Strickland is a Seattle-based Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), musician, devotional chant leader, and dedicated student of yoga and Vedic philosophy.

Across her decades of work as a music director (including her longtime creative leadership at Grace Episcopal Church), her practice sits at the intersection of somatic psychology, sacred sound, community and spiritual inquiry. She’s curious about how to hold the complexity of life’s changes with open-heartedness and love, and loves creating spaces for others to do the same.

www.annstrickland.com

You can join Ann’s chanting practice here:

The Dayaalu Center: www.dayaalucenter.com

Bainbridge Yoga House: www.bainbridgeyogahouse.com

We are living through a time of profound environmental and social change. Each week, through honest conversations and solo episodes, I explore how to stay steady when life gets chaotic.

In Season 1 of The Undivided Self, I talk with people walking a contemplative path. We talk about what they've learned, how they changed as they grew into greater alignment with their heart and soul, and how they bring these practices into everyday life to stay grounded and present in a changing world.

In this episode the roles are reversed. My long time friend and coach, Ellen Newhouse interviews me about my experience transitioning from a road warrior workaholic to a mindfulness teacher and speaker.