When the word vibration comes up in yoga practice it can mean the energy we put out to others by our presence (“She has a good vibe”) or our words. It can also mean the beautiful vibrations created by many of the amazing musicians and chanting singers available to us in our yoga practice or meditation. There is no question that the vibration of sound (or silence) alters how we feel. It can shift our consciousness, or mental vibration, so that our mind feels more at peace and our body feels more relaxed, or energized, depending on the sound.

Another type of vibration is that which is felt emanating from parts of the body, referred to as the Chakra System, which suggests specific areas along the spine. At any given moment we may be exuding energy, or vibration, from one center, let’s say the heart, and the next moment, as we tune into our inner voice, the third eye point between the eyebrows. The energies at the top and bottom of the spine are affected by the holes there and what goes in and out of them, giving and receiving energy. Just as change is constant our vibration is constantly changing too. We think of more evolved humans as having a more constant vibration; for many this is a practice which takes time. One incident can throw us out of the constant calm we might think we have achieved.

The aura, or electromagnetic field, is another aspect of chakra or vibration which is subtle yet extremely important. Things that deplete the aura, and thus what we are radiating out to others energetically and is affecting us internally, would include drugs, alcohol (which is a drug), lack of sleep, poor eating habits and negative self talk or talking negatively about others. A person can literally feel these things drag them down. Our mind is another vehicle, which can bring down our vibration. Someone might exercise and eat well yet their mind is full or worry and anxiety, tension and fear. Others can sense this. Meditation is a useful and often essential tool for turning this around. With practice, meditation can switch off the trigger and signals of anger, worry, sadness and fear to a better place for our mind to reside in. We learn ways to be more resilient when these emotions arise, as they do because emotions are normal for any human being.

Asana can remarkably line up our psyche and vibe as well. Often asana practice (physical poses meant to bring ease into the body with practice) can line up the psyche so that not only our body, but also our whole attitude, can shift after good asana practice. By feeling more aligned with yoga practice we can then self examine from a more clear perspective to make real progress with ourselves.

One of the challenges in maintaining good vibrations are the demons from our past. While one person remains mired in old negative emotions, another uses childhood wounds to push to the other side of the darkness to truly clear the way for present moment living. The mind may be our worst enemy but it is not when we realize that we do not have to be a slave to our mind. Yogi Bhajan, master of Kundalini Yoga, said, “The real wealth of a human mind is contentment,” yet many of us need tools and techniques to stay, as he calls it, self exalted. Most people practicing yoga are not enlightened and always content, though some people think it should be that easy. We continue to practice so we can move toward the first sutra of Patanjali with hope: “Yoga is experienced in that mind, which has ceased to identify itself, with the vacillating waves of perception.” One moment we feel betrayed,

victimized or less advantaged. The next moment we are joyful, grateful and feel honored, and so we continue our yoga practice through it all.

Yogi Bhajan says this:

“There is no fulfillment in the mind of a person who does not surrender. Instead of surrendering you do a very powerful compensatory process – emotional compensation – that takes you through hell. Is there any chance you can be you? But once you surrender, the karma surrenders, you are free, you are liberated, and you are fine. You are yourself, you say what you feel, you do what you feel, and you are an elevated self.”

And that, my friend, is what creates good vibrations!

This is an excellent 11-minute meditation to work on your vibe:

Synchronization Meditation
Taught by Yogi Bhajan

Sit straight. Eyes look at the tip of the nose. Place the fingertips of each hand together with the other hand. Form a “teepee” and place it in front of the torso at the level of the solar plexus. Fingers are spread and facing forward. Inhale deeply through the nose. Hold as you mentally chant “Saa taa naa maa” once. Then exhale by segmenting the breath in eight equal strokes. Breathe out through the rounded mouth. The exhale is not from the tip of the lips; it comes from the middle of the mouth and is generated from the navel. By the eighth exhale, pull the navel point all the way back towards the spine.

Continue for 11 minutes. Increase the time slowly to 31 minutes.

Comments/Effects: Past Projections can tempt, hypnotize, and distract us. A deep memory holds the impact of trauma, of disruptions of our identity. This Projection goes away from that. It is cautious about intensity from the past. Too much of this Projection, and depression, detachment, and lower learning develop. Too little and nostalgia, procrastination, and regrets dominate. When balanced, you become a rapid social learner. You are quick to avoid past temptations, and are able to let go of things that do not concern or serve you now.

The past is dropped. The five elements clear to reveal your real self. You see all without being caught up in any of it. Let go let it flow.