Despite the insane amount of appropriation that has occurred from colonization from the West, society still can’t help but “other” beliefs and practices they think are “woo-woo.” Which is insane, considering for centuries, white folks thought taking too many showers was unsanitary and that there weren’t better solutions to popping a squat in the streets to defecate.

But I digress.

The derision towards the woo-woo is still prevalent and arguable, still as damaging as its always been. While, as a white person, I have limitations to what I can discuss inside my own lane, I think it’s undeniable that Hollywood and society in general has ruined a lot of yogic practices, including breath work. More specifically, for the purpose of this blog, the sound, “Om.”

When I began my breath work journey, I knew that the sound, “Om,” was extremely beneficial. However, any time I did it, I felt so stupid. Me being me, I tried to explore this feeling. It’s not like anyone was in the corner throwing dirty socks at me, screaming, “YOU’RE SO STUPID WTF.” It was internal and I didn’t understand why. After some mental cataloguing, I realize it’s because of all the TV shows and movies I’ve seen that make it seem so hokey.

Which is so ridiculous, because the sound “Om” or “Aum” is considered to be the primordial sound of the universe. It can coax out higher vibrations from within yourself, while attracting higher vibrations externally. I mean, who doesn’t want to strike out the cobwebs of negative energy from inside themselves?

So going forward, any time I feel stupid, I just think, “Do I really want to be influenced by actors and actresses like this?” and the answer will always be no.

Om away, my friends. Namaste!