Yoga for Beginners: Kirtan Tips

Ah, kirtan! If you're like me, it may be hard to remember what life was like before you found it. Whether you're there to chant the names of the Divine, groove to the music, and/or spend time with your fellow yogis, attending kirtan is an uplifting experience. For those who haven't tried it, it may seem a little strange or mysterious. Here's a brief kirtan primer, and a few tips to make your first kirtan experience a pleasant one!

What is kirtan? Often done in call-and-response fashion, kirtan is a kind of devotional chanting that originated in India roughly 500 years ago. It can be done to praise aspects of the Divine, or as a way to calm the mind of daily thoughts and concerns. The music can be traditional or modern, and done with a wide variety of instruments. While kirtan often uses Sanskrit and Gurbani mantras and hymns, you can also find people chanting in Hebrew, Arabic, and English. The act of chanting these mantras doesn't require you to become a Hindu, a Sikh, or anything else. Kirtan is for anyone who is interested in experiencing what it's like to chant with a group, and who wants to try out another type of yoga.

Come prepared. Kirtan can be a short or long experience, depending on who is leading it and where it's at. If you aren't used to using your voice for extended periods, bring a water bottle to keep your throat comfortable. If you are new to yoga and not used to sitting on the floor, a meditation cushion or rolled up yoga mat can make the experience more comfortable. Some yoga studios will also provide some chairs for people who have physical issues that don't allow them to sit on the floor. You may also want to bring some tissues or a handkerchief for those moments you inexplicably find yourself crying during a mantra. Don't be alarmed, it's perfectly normal (though not a requirement!).

Make a new friend. There is nothing wrong with attending a kirtan by yourself. Maybe all of your yoga friends are busy, or you are going to a studio you don't regularly attend. If you don't know anyone, feel free to smile and say hello. Yogis are a friendly bunch, after all, and tend to enjoy welcoming new faces to squeeze in beside them. If you've attended a festival, such as Sat Nam Fest, you probably walked away with lots of new acquaintances and friends, and know what I'm talking about! [And for the kirtan pros, reach out to anyone you see who looks alone, or nervous. If you can help put them at ease, it will make the kirtan experience much nicer for both of you!]

Close your eyes if you feel comfortable. Chanting is a way to calm the mind, and bring your focus from the world around you to the world within you. If you are looking around the room, you may be missing out on an opportunity to let the mantra work. If you feel nervous about closing your eyes, don't worry. Everyone isn't going to get up and sneak out of the room, or start pointing fingers at you. Of course these are silly examples, and the point is that kirtan is a safe space.

Let the music move you. Don't feel like you're a graceful person? Don't worry, a lot of us feel the same way. That shouldn't stop you from swaying in your seat, clapping your hands, and even getting up and doing a little dancing if you feel so inspired. When you leave kirtan, you won't regret throwing yourself fully into the experience, but you may regret holding back for fear of looking silly.

Sing. Some people like to sit in meditation during kirtan, and allow the vibrations of the mantras to carry them deeper into meditation. If you're one of those people, carry on. But if you are afraid to sing because you don't like the sound of your voice, or because you aren't sure how to precisely pronounce the words, I ask you to reconsider. Chanting and singing are powerful practices that work on many levels. You are creating sound through your voice, hearing the words through your ears, and feeling the vibrations in your body. The musical melodies can cut through your logical mind and open your heart. Joining your voice with the voices of others is a way of making the transcendent manifest. So open up and sing!