Embracing Be Here, Now

"Be Here Now" is a phrase popularized by Ram Dass (formerly Richard Alpert) in his book of the same name. It signifies a state of being fully present in the current moment, free from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. It's about consciously choosing to be engaged with what is happening right now, rather than being lost in thought or distracted. 

Giving it Meaning: 

Being:

Emphasizes a state of non-doing, of simply existing and experiencing rather than constantly being engaged in activity.

Here:

Refers to being physically present in your current location, not lost in thought or imagination.

Now:

Focuses on the present moment, urging you to direct your attention to what is happening right now, rather than dwelling on past events or future concerns.

Essentially, "Be Here Now" encourages a mindful approach to life, urging individuals to cultivate a deeper connection with the present moment and find joy in the simple act of being. It suggests that by letting go of mental chatter and focusing on the immediate experience, one can find a greater sense of peace and contentment. 

an Invitation to explore how to cultivate this way of being within your own practice and daily life…

SO HUM

is a deeply profound and versatile practice in yoga, seamlessly blending into meditation, pranayama, and mantra practices. Its core meaning is "I am That," signifying the inherent connection between the individual self and the universal consciousness.

SO HUM

As a Meditation Practice: "So Hum" is a natural mantra meditation. When practicing, you silently repeat "So" on the inhale and "Hum" on the exhale, syncing it with the natural rhythm of your breath. The simplicity of the two syllables and their direct connection to the breath helps to quiet mental chatter, anchor the mind in the present moment, and gently lead you into deeper states of relaxation and awareness. The mind becomes absorbed in the effortless repetition, moving beyond thoughts to a more unified state of being.

SO HUM

As a Pranayama Practice: While not a complex breath-control technique like Nadi Shodhana or Kapalabhati, "So Hum" is considered a form of meditative pranayama because it refines and deepens the breath through focused awareness. By silently aligning "So" with the inhalation and "Hum" with the exhalation, you naturally extend and smooth out the breath. This mindful breathing helps regulate the flow of prana (life force energy), calming the nervous system and preparing the body and mind for deeper meditative states. It often encourages a more subtle and internal experience of the breath.

SO HUM

As a Mantra Practice: "So Hum" is a universal mantra because it's believed to be the innate sound of the breath itself. Every breath, without conscious effort, makes a subtle "So" sound on the inhale and "Hum" on the exhale. As a mantra, it serves as a powerful tool for self-inquiry and self-realization. By silently repeating "I am That" (So Hum), you affirm your interconnectedness with the universe, transcending the ego and fostering a profound sense of unity, peace, and belonging. It's a reminder that the essence of who you are is not separate from the ultimate reality.