General Guidelines for Using Chanting in Public Yoga Classes

Practice before you try to teach others – Practice a lot so you feel connected to the chant. Your direct experience will allow you to share the chants from a place of deeply rooted connection.
Be confident in the pronunciation – This comes with practice and with continuing to be a student of yoga and Sanskrit. Remember, if you mispronounce, no worries. Just keep practicing and trying to use your mouth and voice to create these Sanskrit sounds with confidence.
Learn the meaning of the chant – It is imperative that you know the meaning of the chant before leading the chant for others in a public setting. Meditate on how the chant and its meaning resonate with you and impact you.
Be confident to explain the meaning of the chant in at least two different ways (saying the meaning with different words) – Before you share the chant with others or invite others to participate in the chant, it’s important to share the meaning of the chant with the individual/group.
Use your direct experience to inform how and when you teach – Chanting has many impacts and benefits and some of those are entirely individual. Share from your direct experience and allow your direct experience to guide when it will be most suitable to share the chant with others.
After posture practice can be an ideal time in most public classes – Students have done the physical work to open their body, calm their mind and increase their receptivity. This can be an ideal time to share a chant with students and help them carry the meaning and resonance of the chant with them off the mat.
Inform students of the chant, meaning and intention prior to starting a chant
Invite students to try (cause that’s how we learn) or, just listen, whatever feels best for them – make sure it’s always an option for folks.
Chant slowly
Repeat the chant with students, with your eyes open to reassure uncertain students
Over emphasize the shape your mouth is making, it will help students learn the proper pronunciation

Interested in starting or deepening a chanting practice?

There are many benefits to chanting – here are some of them!

Three chants I use at the opening of yoga courses and teachings

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