Photo by Flickr user Mr. Mystery

In last week’s blog post I referred to Deepak Chopra’s idea of using the repetition of a simple, uplifting word like “happy” to help a child calm the mind. Another suggestion of his was using sound -- see the CNN clip meditation and toddlers.

Of course, there’s the classic and frequently parodied "om." It’s a classic because it is very effective. The O sound opens the mouth and throat and the M creates resonance. The vibration relaxes the mind and the body.

If that doesn’t appeal, however, simple vowel sounds - long a,e,i,o,u - work. Try repeating different letters, including the consonant m, to experience the impact on your state. With small children, especially, sounds like these are very delightful and can be the basis for a game to distract and calm them. I suggest you (and your children) experiment with sound to prepare for meditation and see what enhances the experience.

Another use for sound:

Many of my meditation students enjoy having the constant twang of the tamboura in the background when meditating. There are also wonderful CDs with nature sounds, instrumentals specifically for meditation and guided meditations available. Crazy Wisdom, 114 S. Main St. in Ann Arbor, is a great local resource.

As a mental health professional, an owner of a fitness studio, a writer and a wife, mother and grandmother, I have found meditation to be helpful in every aspect of my life. To find out about my meditation classes this fall, contact me at susanmmorales@yahoo.com or check out my websites: susanscottmorales.com and bodiesinbalancefitness.com