Five Reasons To Embrace OM

By Jen Stock

OM is part of the iconography found in ancient and medieval era manuscripts, temples,
monasteries and spiritual retreats in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism. The symbol has a spiritual meaning, but the meaning and connotations of OM vary between the diverse schools within and across the various traditions.

The OM is becoming more mainstream, turning into a sacred multi-cultural symbol of spirituality. The division in this country is at a boiling point these days. Many people are having trouble bridging the gap between their political and spiritual beliefs. Here are five reasons to embrace the OM, especially today:

1. SPIRITUAL ARMOR. The division in this country is at a boiling point these days. Many
people are having trouble bridging the gap between their political and spiritual beliefs.
The OM is a 24-hour sacred symbol we can rely on at any point in our day; it’s starting to
appear on clothing and jewelry in the marketplace. Sometimes the things we own and
wear can have a soothing impact for psychological health. The connection to body,
mind and spirit are what matters, and things we keep close to our bodies can be an aid
in that connection.

2. TAKE A BREATH. Take a moment to breathe! When responding to a question that
deserves the right amount of attention, the OM signifies at that moment to relax and
breathe; it will help alter your perspective in the right vain. While practicing yoga, the
asana or mat movement relies on the OM and taking deep breaths.

3. SOUND. The OM is the first and last sound of the universe. In addition, if you listen
closely, the sound of OM is the constant sound in the background of our daily lives. OM
is the eternal sound; it is the sound which is there in the universe all the time.

4. SPIRITUAL SYMBOL. The symbol OM visually consists of three curves, one semicircle,
and a dot. The large bottom curve symbolizes the waking state, A. The middle curve
signifies the dream state, U. The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep, M. The
symbol is multi-cultural, unifying recognizable and a new symbol for peace—we’ve
evolved from the peace sign to the OM.

5. YOGA. At the start and end of a yoga class, OM is recited in harmony with each other’s
vibration; this is reminiscent of unity and harmony is today’s society. Many cultures also
start and finish with the sound of the OM.