Kirtan – Why this Ancient Tradition is Increasing in Popularity and Why YOU Should Give it a Try.

What is Kirtan? Kirtan is a form of yoga that has nothing to do with arm balances or stretchy pants.  It is a “performance” of sorts where the leader sings a chant and the audience responds.  (Think of hymn singing in church.)  The songs are created with short chants in Sanskrit and slowly progress in speed, then slowing down, ending with silence for meditative reflection. 

Weirded out or unsure?  Just wait until you read WHY this is such a great activity to participate in:

The Power of Singing – As a classically trained vocal performer, I have experienced first-hand the healing power of singing.  A Time Magazine article from 2013 stated “What researchers are beginning to discover is that singing is like an infusion of the perfect tranquilizer, the kind that both soothes your nerves and elevates your spirits.”  Here are a few notes on why singing every day is a great way to improve mental, emotional, and physical health.

How Singing Changes the Brain and Body **:

• It Releases Endorphins & Oxytocin – the hormones causing pleasure and reducing stress and anxiety.

• It Reduces Cortisol – lowering stress levels due to the guided group meditation that takes place breathing and singing in unison.

• It Reduces Depression – With all the feel good hormones going on, clinical studies have proven a reduced feeling of depression and loneliness in those that started a singing practice.

• Frequent Singing Improves Quality of Life – With all the de-stressing and feelings of pleasure, individuals that sing on a weekly basis experience an improved quality of life in comparison to how they felt before their singing practice began.

• It Always has a Positive Effect, No Matter What the Voice Sounds Like – This is a big win, since most people are embarrassed to sing unless they have a perfect voice.  Let it out!  It is good for your health no matter what it sounds like!

Now that we understand why singing is great, let’s explore why chanting is even better:

• Stop the Mind Chatter – All day long, interrupting thoughts are bombarding our mind, causing anxiety and stress: “What about this project at work, did I remember to do…?”  These thoughts may seem helpful, but if there is no ‘off’ switch it can become detrimental to an individual’s mental health.  Chants have no emotional or object connection, and when repeated over and over, the mind begins to think of random consonants and vowels vs words and ideas, helping us find that much needed ‘off’ switch for our ‘monkey mind’.

• Create ‘Good Vibrations’ – There is something sacred about how the Sanskrit language was created.  It was developed systematically to include the natural progression of sounds created by the human mouth.   Unlike the English language, singing in Sanskrit produces the best consonant and vowel combinations to feel the vibrations created in the entire body, cleansing for the chakras, or if you are not into that – just a really great vibe.

• Inspire the God/dess Within – Many individuals ask, ‘Is Kirtan religious?’  In short, No.  Even though in Kirtan we sing about Ganesha, Shiva, and other Hindu deity’s, the intention is not to praise the gods, but instead observe their attributes within ourselves.  Need to inspire some transformation?   Chant a bit with the word ‘Kali’ and I bet you will start to see the fire within your own being. 

Why I sing Kirtan – Five years ago, I attended my first Kirtan, not knowing what to expect.  The first 30 minutes I felt really uncomfortable, not having sheet music, not knowing too much about what I was saying, and trying to ‘let go’ with my vocal training.  After I continued to chant, I started to witness my need for perfection melting away, and my mind chatter calming down.  I left with a huge smile and had the best night of sleep.  Since then I have enjoyed chanting alone and in groups.  I feel it is an amazing form of vocal therapy, bringing me back to why I became a singer in the first place.  My mission with Kirtan at Tosa Yoga is to invite others in our community to join in this wonderful experience of peace and joy.

Want to experience Kirtan for yourself?  Join us at Tosa Yoga this Saturday, October 24th at 7:00 pm!  We will break down the what, how, why of Kirtan, show a quick 10 minute film, and spend some time chanting together.  At 8:30 pm we will end and have a fun potluck of community and celebration.

**Want to learn more about the positive effects of singing in a group?  The research and resources for the points above can be found in the book Imperfect Harmony: Finding Happiness Singing with Others written by Stacy Horn**

So go ahead – sing away in the car, the shower, or even at work.  Find a group to sing with, enjoy some Kirtan, and do not feel ashamed of your voice.  It is good for your health!

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