From Um to Understanding
Rethinking Language and Honoring Tradition in Yoga Teaching
I love a play on words. I delight in how figures of speech allow us to express ideas creatively and poetically. And I'm not the only one; when I told him about my idea for a public speaking for yoga teachers course, my friend and yoga student, Tim*, quick-witted and ready with a pun, suggested this catchy title: From Um to Om.
It was perfect. It captured a new yoga teacher's journey from having no clue what to say to purposeful, mindful teaching. From my understanding of Om, at the time, it was a fitting metaphor for the qualities we aim to nurture in ourselves as yoga teachers. So, I didn't think about it much more and instead hired a graphic designer to create a logo and a lawyer to file a trademark.
There wasn't a single lightning bolt moment of realization that trademarking a sacred concept within the yogic tradition directly opposes the practice itself. Instead, my awareness of unintentionally appropriating Om unfolded over time. And yes, here I am, finally catching on to something I probably should have known from the start. I recognize the ridiculousness of framing moments like these as revelations when they're just long-overdue acknowledgments of what's been clear to many for ages. So, while this isn't groundbreaking news, my delayed "aha" moment was a necessary part of my larger, often uncomfortable process of learning and unlearning.
Om or Aum (pronounced ah-uu-mm) is much more than a sound. It's the sound - representing the original cosmic frequency from which all other vibrations emerge, giving it profound spiritual significance in yogic philosophy. Beyond a casual "om" we may chant in class (though even this is becoming rare), the sound holds a profound purpose, inviting us to connect with the energy of creation. In chanting "Om," we attune ourselves to this vibration and can begin to hear the hum of Om as the wind blows through the trees, a creek bubbles over rocks, and in the cacophony of bird song.
Om's essence further resonates in how it's chanted. According to the Mandukya Upanishad, an ancient Vedic text, and expanded upon by Patañjali, a sage who wrote the foremost yogic text called The Yoga Sutras, each part of Om (Aum) activates different states of consciousness: the "A" vibrates at the solar plexus, awakening the energy of the area, the "U" resonates through the heart and throat, sustaining momentum of energy, and finally, the "M" hums at the crown, leading to the dissolution of energy. The silence following the "M" is called Anahata Nada or "pure silence" by the ancient Hindu scriptures, the Vedas. This progression of sound and silence mirrors the journey of life itself: creation, preservation, and transformation. When practiced with intention and attention, chanting Om becomes a meditative practice of aligning ourselves with the rhythm of nature and connecting with that which is bigger than ourselves.
Understanding this completely changed my perspective on how yoga teachers use sound and their voices to share the practice. Just as Om connects practitioners to a universal frequency, our voices serve as channels for energy and intention and resonate with students. Words are more than mere sounds; they're vibrations that can shape the environment, mood, and experience of the practice.
With this awareness, I knew I needed to change the name From Um to Om and ditch the trademark. I wanted to keep the original spirit of the name - helping yoga teachers build confidence in their teaching to share something meaningful - while finding language that respects the roots of yoga. So, I renamed the program to From Um to Inspiration. Inspiration, after all, is the real goal—empowering teachers to communicate in ways that uplift and resonate. This shift keeps the focus on transformation, guiding teachers toward the authenticity and intentionality that makes their voices impactful. It's about creating an inviting space for all yoga practitioners, regardless of background, while staying true to the integrity of the practice and honoring its origins.
Words hold incredible power, not only in yoga but in every form of communication. My experience with renaming this program has reflected the same process newer teachers go through as they turn hesitation and filler words into meaningful messages. It's an important reminder to be mindful of language and the impact it can have. Whether it's a calming cue or a grounding intention, every word, when used well and with purpose, has the potential to influence how students feel and connect.
Growth in teaching yoga comes with humility and a willingness to learn; embracing feedback is a big part of that process. Taking in new perspectives and adjusting course can make us feel vulnerable, but it's also what makes us stronger teachers. Each piece of feedback—whether from students, teachers, peers, or our own reflections—offers a chance to deepen our understanding and refine our approach. Teaching isn't about having all the answers; it's about staying open, evolving, and showing up better every time for those we're guiding.
As I move forward with From Um to Inspiration, the name stands as a commitment to intentional teaching and mindful speaking. It's a reminder that our words matter, carrying the potential to inspire and connect on a deep level. My hope is that this space encourages you, too, to embrace growth, respect tradition, and stay open to learning on your path. Let's keep refining our voices and showing up with purpose—one mindful choice, one intentional word at a time.