At Home in the World
At Home in the World
Buzzing Like a Bee
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Buzzing Like a Bee

A Joyful Breathing Practice

Most spiritual traditions include vocalization as a ritual that bridges head and heart, inner and outer, self and other. We sing, we chant, we recite sacred texts. We do this in bright happiness and also in deep grief. Waves of sound pour out of us as expression, as benediction, as prayer.

This 18-minute session explores one of the simplest vocalization strategies: humming. The ancient yogis found humming so powerful that they elevated it to a formal practice called bhramari breath, or buzzing bee breath. The instructions are simple: Soften your body, close your mouth and hum as you exhale.

The practice is easy, portable and deeply steadying. It can be considered a breathing practice, a meditation practice, and even a movement practice as we explore the subtle sound vibrations rippling through the body. In just a few moments of focused practice, bhramari breath has the power to calm the mind, soothe the spirit, and offer a gentle buzz of uplift and delight.

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