Today I want to talk about chanting. Chanting can be one of the most challenging parts of the Sufi movement meditation class. It is also one of the most powerful.

The chants we use are names of God in Arabic. The combination of head movement and rhythmic breathing with the vocalizations of Arabic words in unison with others can take you to a deeper level of meditation. 

You might, however, be put off by the idea of chanting names of God. It could feel like I am pushing a religious practice on you. That is not my intention. After nearly 40 years of practicing this Sufi work, I still know very little about Islam or its religious dogma. The Sufi practices in my classes are for spiritual development. They promote by creativity and calm. They are not about religion

The chanting has an impact on the mind and spirit. My teacher told us “Do the chanting and see what happens!” If it brings about a positive change, that is the most compelling reason for doing it. 

The Arabic names of God that we use in the class are all positive attributes you would want in your life--like healing, compassion, mercy, illumination, insight, praise, guidance, etc.

Allah, for example, is the Arabic word for God. The sound “Ah” means life or breath. “Lah” means barren, dead, or empty. You put the two sounds together and it creates a dynamic force, bringing in life and releasing that which is used up and to be discarded. 

I like to think of the Sufi chanting as casting a spell over myself and the whole world, inviting more intelligence, gratitude and wellbeing. It’s like positive affirmations, only more effective in bringing a deeper change.

The words themselves are ancient and have a power in the sound and the way they are formed in the mouth and throat. The movement and breath joined with the chant and the group voices can put you in a deep state of meditation. You may even fall asleep. That is fine. It is a special sleep that allows the intention of the chant (and I will always give you the translation) to be absorbed.

It is ok not to do the chanting. If you do not feel ready or comfortable chanting, just do the movement part of the class. The movement and breath will slowly effect changes and develop your capacity for more of the Sufi work.

One more thing that might make the Sufi meditation practice easier:

Years ago when I was in graduate school, I took up Transcendental meditation. I was given a mantra and told to chant quietly to myself for twenty minutes, two times a day. I was very anxious in those days and was seeking something to calm me down. Most of those twenty minutes were filled with thoughts and worries. It was not until I did the Sufi work and stopped doing intoxicants (e.g. drinking and pot) that I was able to experience the powerful effect of chanting and meditation. 

Caffeine is another substance that can make it difficult to achieve the altered states of meditation. Try avoiding any stimulants before meditation and see what happens.

Sufi moving meditation class is this Friday, July 7 at 8 am Pacific time (PDT). The challenge I had with Zoom a few weeks ago has been resolved.

Zoom Link:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89999494833?pwd=V2pOS28yYUdXM3hkaW1rVWIvSjBUdz09

Meeting ID: 899 9949 4833

Passcode: SUFI

8 am PDT is early morning on the west coast! Here's a time converter link if you need to check the time in your location.

Be brilliant,

Dr. Michelle Peticolas

Life Transformation Coach

Empowering Women to Reinvent Their Life After Loss

Secrets of Life and Death

https://www.facebook.com/secretsoflifeanddeath.com