Surf & Yoga

28

May
2025

Yoga Vibes: Why Chanting ‘AUM’ Isn’t as Weird as You Think

Posted By : original/ 2000

INTRODUCTION TO YOGA VIBES:

Let’s talk about yoga vibes, shall we?

People come to yoga for all kinds of reasons—flexibility, stress relief, inner peace—but what keeps them coming back is the vibe.

The yoga vibe. It’s that grounded, peaceful feeling after a good flow session that makes the world feel a little more manageable.

But there’s one part of yoga that sometimes freaks people out: the chanting. More specifically, the sound “Om.” (Technically it’s “AUM,” but we’ll get to that.)

At Original Surf Morocco, we’re all about welcoming everyone to the mat—no incense required.

So, let’s unpack what this sound is really about and why it might not be as “cray-cray” as it seems.

Surf and Yoga Rereat

WHAT’S WITH THE “OM” IN YOGA?

Let’s be real.

A group of people sitting cross-legged, eyes closed, chanting in unison can look… a little intense. Especially for beginners who just came for a good stretch and some chill time.

Original Surf’s in-home yoga instructor, Louise, hears this all the time:

“Yes! It’s true—a lot of people are a bit intimidated by the ‘omming’ side of yoga, but I’ve never failed to convert anyone to the power of chanting this sound. Even though I still get shy doing it, if I see it through, it’s without a doubt the most refreshing and satisfying thing I can do each day.”

So what makes chanting feel so good?

BREAKING DOWN THE AUM: BELLY TO BRAIN

“AUM” is actually made up of three sounds that resonate in different parts of the body:

1. “Aaaaah” – THE BELLY


Take a deep breath in, and as you exhale, let out a primal “ahhh” from your lower lungs. It’s open, raw, and grounding—like a roar from the core. This sound connects you to your base energy, your physical presence.

2. “Oooooh” – THE CHEST AND THROAT

This one’s a little higher, coming from your chest and shaped by your lips into a more refined “ooooh.” It takes more control—more intention. It’s a bridge between your primal self and your thinking mind.

3. “Mmmmmm” – THE HEAD AND FACE

Finally, hum. Feel the vibration in your lips, cheeks, and nasal passages. It’s subtle, focused, and soothing—like massaging your brain from the inside. It takes full intention and mindfulness to do, which is kind of the whole point of yoga.

Put them together—aaaah-ooooh-mmmm—and you get the cosmic sound: AUM.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SOUND

Even if you’re not into ancient traditions, chanting has proven benefits. Controlled breath and vocal vibration help regulate the nervous system, reduce stress, and improve focus. In yoga philosophy, AUM symbolizes the three states of consciousness—waking, dreaming, and deep sleep—and the quiet that comes after is the state of pure awareness.

But even if you skip the symbolism, it just feels good.

“Just like singing or shouting at the top of your lungs,” Louise adds, “making a loud, deliberate noise is a powerful way to open up the body and clear the mind of the thoughts that whirl around inside causing stress.”

Dr. Bhargav discusses the positive effects and the science behind chanting the OM in a publication at Heart of Sound, check it out!

SO WHY SHOULD YOU TRY YOGA VIBES?

Yoga Vibes

Because it works. Because it’s fun. Because it connects your breath, body, and mind in one go.

You don’t have to be spiritual or experienced. You just have to be open. Think of it as a deep breath with extra flair—a way to shake off tension and start fresh.

And honestly, it’s a lot more chill than you think. Once you try it, you’ll understand why people keep coming back to that “yoga vibe.”

JOIN THE YOGA VIBES IN MOROCCO

Ready to give it a go? Our Surf and Yoga Package is the perfect place to start.

Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced yogi, we’ll help you find your flow in the sunshine, surf, and stillness of Tamraght.

OUR RETREAT PACKAGE INCLUDE:

  • Comfortable lodging at our surf camp (shared or private)

  • Daily breakfast & beachside packed lunches

  • 6 nourishing Moroccan dinners

  • 6 x 1-hour yoga sessions (option to add more)

  • Yoga mats provided

  • Group surf lessons (at least 4 hours/day)

  • All surf equipment (board & wetsuit)

  • Daily transport to surf spots

  • Transfers to/from Agadir airport or bus station (with 7-night booking)

Join us at Original Surf Morocco and experience the AUM sound first-hand at our ocean-view terrace. 

FINAL THOUGHT ON YOGA VIBES

Yoga vibes at the beach

A chant a day keeps the stress away—and might just connect you to something bigger. Whether you’re chasing perfect waves or perfect stillness, join us at Original Surf Morocco and feel the yoga vibes for yourself.

Namaste y’all.

FAQ ABOUT YOGA VIBES

1. What is yoga energy?


Yoga energy, often referred to as prana, is the vital life force believed to flow through the body. In yogic philosophy, prana is the energy that sustains life and is accessed and regulated through practices like breathwork (pranayama), asana (postures), meditation, and chanting. When your prana flows freely, you’re more balanced physically, mentally, and emotionally. This energetic flow is closely tied to the chakras, the body’s energy centers.

2. What is a yoga phrase?


A yoga phrase is a short mantra, saying, or affirmation often used during practice to set intention, inspire mindfulness, or connect with a deeper sense of purpose. Common examples include:

  • “Namaste” – A respectful greeting meaning “The light in me honors the light in you.”

  • “Inhale the future, exhale the past.”

  • “Let go.”
    These phrases help bring focus and presence to the practice.

3. What are the 7 types of yoga?


There are many styles of yoga, but here are 7 foundational or widely practiced types:

  1. Hatha Yoga – A gentle introduction to basic yoga postures and breath control.

  2. Vinyasa Yoga – A dynamic, flowing style that links movement with breath.

  3. Ashtanga Yoga – A structured and athletic sequence of poses practiced in a specific order.

  4. Iyengar Yoga – Focuses on alignment and precision, often using props.

  5. Bikram Yoga – A set sequence of 26 poses practiced in a heated room.

  6. Kundalini Yoga – Combines breath, movement, meditation, and chanting to awaken spiritual energy.

  7. Yin Yoga – A slow, meditative style with long-held passive stretches targeting deep connective tissues.

4. What is a quote for yoga?


Here’s a beautiful and timeless yoga quote:

“Yoga is the journey of the self, through the self, to the self.”
The Bhagavad Gita

It encapsulates the spiritual depth of yoga and its ability to guide personal growth and inner peace.