This morning, my yoga teacher called to ask if I would lead chanting before we began our yoga practice. Quite frankly, I was in a grouchy mood and not feeling much like an en-Chantress. I considered saying no, but the word-for-the-day card I drew said OBEDIENCE. Seemed clear that I needed to say YES.
Now, I love my yoga class, but I would be lying if I said I always arrive with a burning desire to hold downward dog for six loooong breaths. Mostly, I arrive and depend on the gentle warm ups to ready my body and my brain for the more demanding positions.
It works the same way for your voice. A good vocal warm up will gently loosen your muscles, rouse your voice, and move you from a quiet, grouchy, introverted, or the-cat’s-go- your- tongue mode to something more freeing. Let’s call this “yoga for your voice.”
I thought about how my yoga teacher always begins our regular practice with an intention. So, why not do the same before voice yoga? Perhaps something like, my intention is to speak kindness today. But since I was feeling a bit cranky, I settled for: my intention is to hear my words before I speak. Much better. Right. Now you try. You don’t even have to get out of bed. Pick a vocal intention and hold it in mind as you follow this simple voice yoga warm up.
SWALLOW. Do it two more times. Now move your mouth around like you’re chewing gum. Swallow again. This time chew as if you have a big gum ball in your mouth. If that doesn’t click with you, imagine you’re Bessie the Cow chewing your cud. You may feel a little silly, but your mouth can get stiff during the night, especially if you grind your teeth, have bad dreams, or think too much when you should be sleeping.
YAWN. Don’t get in a big rush to do this. Wait a minute; take your time. If you’ve ever watched a cat do this, they don’t rush the yawn. First close your eyes, pull your lips slightly forward and as you begin to inhale, gradually begin to open your mouth as the air rushes all the way in. Listen to that rushing sound. Breathe in your intention. Do two more and bring your arms into the action (remember this is yoga!) Move them either out to the side (don’t hit your bed partner), up in the air, or over your head – just MOVE! Wiggle your toes.
SIGH. This should be your first morning sound: a big, deep, full, awesome sigh. The kind that will wake up all the animals sleeping with you. Do it again and stick your tongue out. Shake your head and shoulders. Have a sip of water. (Okay, you’ll want to get out of bed for that one!) “Take it further,” as my yoga teacher would say. This time, gargle some of that water.
NOTICE. Now close your eyes and notice the difference. As we’re taught in yoga, noticing the difference after you wake up your voice leads to heightened awareness of what makes you, YOU. Tell me what you notice.
If you are ready for more advanced voice exercises, sign up for the next blog. For the opportunity to get wild and crazy with voice yoga, check out my website in August for fall classes. In the meantime, “don’t forget to breathe,” as my yoga teacher would say.
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