Yoga

Om Exhalation

1. Inhale deeply

2. Open your lips and make the sound “OM” while exhaling

20 seconds of “oh’ and 10 seconds of “mmm”

5 Facts You May Not Know About ‘OM’

By Melanie Levine

1. The sound of OM encompasses all words, all sounds in human language
 
OM is a matrix of all sounds, when in its diversified form gives rise to all words used in language.
 
Linguistically, all audible sounds are produced in the space within the mouth beginning at the root of the tongue and ending at the lips. The throat sound is A, and M is the lip sound; and the sound U represents the rolling forward of speech articulation which starts at the root of the tongue, continuing until it ends in the lips.
 
To pronounce OM correctly, remember, the sound vibration is pronounced “oom” as in home.
 
2. AUM and OM
 
In Sanskrit, the sound “O” is a diphthong spelled “AU”. A diphthong is the blending of two vowel sounds where both are normally heard and make a gliding sound. As a result, the difference between OM and AUM is simply one of transliteration.
 
3. AUM represents the 3 Fold Division of Time
 
            A – is the waking state
            U – is the dream state
            M – is the state of deep sleep
 
At the end of AUM is a pause, a silence. This represents the state known as Turiya, or Infinite Consciousness
 
4. The visual symbol represents the meaning of AUM
 
The symbol OM visually consists of three curves, one semicircle, and a dot.
 
The large bottom curve symbolizes the waking state, A.
The middle curve signifies the dream state, U.
The upper curve denotes the state of deep sleep, M.
 
The dot signifies the fourth state of consciousness, Turiya.
 
The semi circle at the top represents Maya and separates the dot from the other three curves. It signals to us that it is the illusion of Maya that is an obstacle to realization of the Highest.
 
 
5. OM is associated with Ganesha
 
The physical form of Lord Ganesha is said to be that of OM.  The upper curve, of OM, is identified with the head or the face of Ganesh. The Lower curve his belly. The twisted curve, on the right side of OM is the trunk.
 

http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-2776/5-Facts-You-May-Not-Know-About-OM.html

Om Namah Shivaya

( pronounced as Aum Num-ha Shi-why)

Om Namah Shivaya is known as the great redeeming mantra also known as five-syllable mantra

The meaning :  
It means  “I bow to Shiva.” Shiva is the supreme reality, the inner Self. It  is the name given to consciousness that dwells in all. Shiva is the name of your true identity- your self. 

According to Hindu mythology there are three Gods who run this creation. The Brahma - who creates the universe, the Vishnu - who preserves the Universe and the Shiva- who in the end destroys the universe. Among the three deities, Shiva, though considered as destroyer, also symbolize the  - the inner self which remains intact even after everything ends. 

In this mantra the chanter bow to Shiva- his true self.

              Om Namah Shivay is a very powerful mantra. This mantra is free of all restrictions. It can be repeated by anyone, young or old, rich or poor and no matter what state a person is in, it will purify him.

http://www.meditationiseasy.com/mCorner/techniques/Om_namah_shivaya.htm