“So Hum” Meditation

Image by Tosaporn Boonyarangkul

The most difficult aspect of meditation is stifling the thoughts that run rampant through your mind. It is not until you try to meditate, in fact, that you realize just how noisy your mind is.

But there are many ways to still those pesky thoughts. My favorite such method is one that I learned from a book by Deepak Chopra. It’s called the “So Hum” mediation. Follow these instructions and you will soon be meditating like a pro, your mind relatively silent.

Step 1: Go to a quiet place where you will not be disturbed for 20 minutes.

Step 2: Close the curtains or the blinds.

Step 3: Sit in a comfortable chair. Make sure that your spine is straight and your feet are flat on the floor.

Step 4: Close your eyes and begin breathing slowly and deeply.

Step 5: Concentrate on each breath as you inhale and exhale. With each exhale, feel the tension leave your body. Relax your muscles.

Step 6: As you slowly inhale, say the word “So” silently to yourself.

Step 7: As you exhale, say the word “Hum” silently to yourself.

Step 8: Continue breathing like this for 20 minutes, saying “So,” on the inhale and “Hum” on the exhale.

Step 9: If your thoughts wander (and they will) gently bring your attention back to your breath and to your repetition of “So” and then “Hum.”

The “So Hum” meditation calms your soul and quiets your mind. Try it and start meditating--for real.