Sacred Sound: Myth & Meaning of Mantra & Kirtan

I've had the honor to study with Alanna Kaivalya on a few different occasions at Tranquil Space in D.C. She was invited to the studio for both my 200 and 500 hour teacher training…..and let me say…she is AMAZING, in that very approachable, down to earth, full of knowledge, passionate (but not in that too crazy kind of way), woman who has an amazing voice and excellent hands on assists!

The New World Library reached out to me and asked if I would be interested in a free copy of Alanna's new book, Sacred Sound, Discovering the Myth and Meaning of Mantra & Kirtan. I know, I know…this might seem strange…and I almost deleted the email. But, I actually had met Alanna and fully appreciate her insights into the yogic world through movement, music, the mystical myths surrounding the Indian stories we often hear about in yoga classes and many of our yoga poses are named after (think Hanuman). So…I took them up on their offer.

I've just started to read the book, and have been thoroughly enjoying it. She describes the history and meaning behind many mantras, such as OM, Guru Mantra, Lokah Samastah, Saha Navavatur; and she provides great ideas for when to chant them - tips & tricks of the yoga trade if you will!

If you are a student or a teacher who has been a bit shy about mantras (I am definitely in that category…I love chanting OM…but anything outside of that mantra is a bit intimidating), this book will be perfect for you.

Here are a few of my favorite quotes so far:

"The simple act of thinking a mantra is a start to a genuine practice"

"Mantra is fuel for the inner spiritual fire"

"Mantras are beneficial compilations of vibration that help to uplift you"

"Mantra may start out as a little gem that lightens your day, but after years of saying it, it may also become a bright light that guides you through the darkest of times"

I look forward to integrating a new mantra introduced in this book to my students over the next several months. If you are in the Louisville area and are interested in learning more, join me at Infinite Bliss or Shine for my next class.