I Know You Are, But So Ham I

If I just made you think of Dr. Seuss’s Green Eggs and Ham, my sincere apologies. If I just made you wonder about my grammar skills, just roll with it! There is a method to my madness.

I know you are, but So Ham I.

Let’s hone in on "So Ham."

First, it helps to know that "Ham" is pronounced "hum." In yoga mantra, it has a similar resonance to "Om" but a different pitch. Within the chakra system, the "hum" sound is associated with the Throat Chakra. This isn't surprising, as humming vibrates your throat and is wonderful for vagal toning; calming the nervous system through the vagus nerve.

But what does it mean?

So Ham is Sanskrit for "I am." Just that. I am. You are. And in that state of being, you and I are each perfect in ourselves. Some would say the invisible word you can tack onto the end is "the Universe." I am the Universe.

Most commonly used in mantra and meditation, it allows for a deep connection with your breath. You maintain mindfulness by inhaling "So" and exhaling "Ham."

Give it a try. Sit still and comfortably. Relax and slow your breath. Inhale (So), exhale (Ham). You don't even need to say it out loud; you can simply think it.

This mantra becomes deeply meaningful to me during major life transitions. Think of the shifts we all face: moving, marriage, divorce, birth, death, illness, aging, or injury. We often struggle with these transitions because of our attachment to identity.

"I am a mother. I am a technical writer. I am a teacher. I am a sister. I am a partner. I am a yogi. I am a runner."

When you lose the roles you "perform" for the benefit of others or your own material comfort, it can feel like a crisis. Who am I if I can’t be a runner? Who am I if I am not a technical writer?

When you strip all the labels away—all of them—who are you? You are still the beautiful "you" that came into this world. Is it worth trying to figure out exactly who that is? After nearly 57 years on this planet, I’m learning that it isn't. It’s not worth the energy to define myself for others, or even for myself.

For a few minutes each day, I simply get to be. I am. "So Ham." I am. It is a wonderful way to connect with your personal divinity every day before you start putting the labels back on.

Namaste my friends,

Kris