Humming Into Stillness: How Bhramari Breath Awakens the 'Mmmm' of AUM

Humming Into Stillness: How Bhramari Breath Awakens the 'Mmmm' of AUM

At Sense Greater Peace, we honour the power of vibration—not just as sound, but as a deeply felt experience. In our last exploration, we uncovered the layers of AUM, a sacred sound that reflects the vastness of consciousness. Today, we take this journey further by exploring a simple yet profound practice that deepens AUM’s resonance in the body: Bhramari Pranayama, or Humming Bee Breath.

But why does humming matter? And how can it awaken the ‘Mmmm’ of AUM in a way that is both grounding and expansive?

Let’s explore the link between these two vibrational tools and discover how to integrate them into a heart-centred practice for inner stillness, clarity, and peace.

The Connection Between Humming Bee Breath & AUM

Bhramari Pranayama is a breathing technique that uses a gentle humming sound to calm the nervous system, quiet the mind, and create a deep internal resonance. The ‘Mmmm’ vibration of this breath mirrors the final sound of AUM, amplifying its effects.

Here’s how they are linked:

Activates the Vagus Nerve – Both Bhramari and AUM stimulate the vagus nerve, signalling the body to relax and shift into a parasympathetic (rest and restore) state.

Enhances the ‘Mmmm’ Resonance – The ‘Mmmm’ of both practices creates a deep, internal vibration that stimulates the skull, brain, and third eye centre, leading to a profound sense of stillness.

Deepens Awareness – Humming focuses the mind inward, preparing it to absorb the full power of AUM’s sound, particularly its closing ‘Mmmm,’ which represents deep sleep and infinite consciousness.

By combining these two practices, we create a bridge between sound, silence, and self-awareness—enhancing the meditative quality of AUM and allowing its vibration to settle into our being more fully.

A Guided Practice: Merging Bhramari & AUM

Try this simple yet powerful ritual to harmonise the body, mind, and energy field through breath and vibration.

Step 1: Prepare Your Space

• Find a comfortable seated position, either cross-legged on the floor or in a chair with feet grounded.

• Close your eyes and rest your hands gently on your knees or lap.

• Take a deep inhale and exhale with a long sigh to release tension.

Step 2: Begin with Bhramari (Humming Bee Breath)

• Inhale deeply through the nose.

• Close both ears by pressing gently on the tragus (the small cartilage flaps in front of your ear canals) with your thumbs.

• As you exhale, softly hum, keeping your lips sealed and feeling the vibration expand through your head and chest.

• The enclosed space of your skull acts like the Sydney Opera House, amplifying the sound and deepening the resonance within.

• Repeat for 5-7 rounds, each time tuning into the sensation of the sound moving through you.

Step 3: Transition Into AUM

• Inhale deeply and begin to chant AUM in three parts:

  • Aaaah – (as in father) Feel the vibration in your belly.

  • Ooooo – (as in shoot) Let it rise through your heart and throat, expanding the resonance.

  • Mmmm – Let the sound settle into your head, feeling its vibration behind your third eye.

• Pause in silence after each round, absorbing the vibration.

• Repeat for 3-5 rounds, letting the experience deepen naturally.

Step 4: Rest in Silence

• After your final chant, sit in stillness for a few moments, noticing any shifts in awareness or energy.

• Observe how the humming and chanting have softened your body, quieted your mind, and expanded your inner space.

How to Weave This Into Daily Life

Morning Grounding: Begin your day with 3 rounds of Bhramari followed by AUM to set a tone of calm clarity.
Pre-Meditation Ritual: Use this practice before silent meditation to deepen your connection to stillness.
Evening Unwind: Wind down with this technique before sleep, allowing the vibrations to ease mental restlessness.

The more you practice, the more you’ll notice how the combination of humming and AUM creates a doorway into inner stillness—an effortless return to the present moment.

Final Thought: Let Your Sound Be a Pathway Home

Bhramari and AUM are not just techniques; they are invitations. Invitations to return to your breath, your vibration, and your deepest sense of self. The gentle hum of Bhramari prepares the body to fully receive AUM, helping you experience its resonance in a new and profound way.

I’d love to hear your experience—how does the combination of humming and AUM feel for you? Try the practice and share your reflections. Let’s explore together.

With warmth,
Sue xxx