RESOURCES
Best Rituals
three center sounds
by Slote
This ritual can be done by any number of men together; it can even be done by a man alone, but is definitely more fun if it's done in a circle or with others. Yo do this ritual we draw upon the Chinese understanding of energy physiology which describes 3 main energy centers of the body, one in the head, one in the center of the chest, and one in the lower abdomen.
Each one of the three "center sounds" stimulates, opens, and cleanses one of these energy centers. The upper center is activated by a high sound that can be written as "JIIIIEEEEAAAAAAHHH". The middle center is activated by a medium tone which can be written as "SSHHHEEEEEENNN". the lower center is activated by a tone at the bottom of your voice register that can be written as "YEEOOOOOHHH" (you may want to start this sound where you think the bottom of your voice register is and then drop it a tone further down half way through to the real bottom of your register.)
Sing each of these sounds a few times slowly together. To start with i suggest you sing the upper sound once, the middle sound three times, and the lower sound 9 times. then you can be more flexible and express yourselves together. It is nice to coordinate with the others in your team so that you are all singinging together, although you can also do it more freely with some men at different centers or chanting together in different breathing cycles.
Each of the sounds can be said vigorously or more softly. what is important is that the sound is directed with intent to open the area of the body that it is aimed at. To do this the body must be relaxed and the sound allowed to tumble out without straining or forcing a loud yell. breathe from your lower abdomen. over-all it is important that you sing more of the bottom tones "YEEOOOHHH" than the top tones "JIIIEEEEAAAHHH" to keep your energy strong and grounded.
In all likely hood you will notice yourself feeling a bit squeamish or self conscious about making these funny noises. This is natural and in fact it is a good sign that you are beginning to open up areas of yourself that have been tight, hidden, or over-burdened. leverage the safe space and camaraderie of the men in your circle to continue the exercise through your self-consciousness. Look in the other men's eyes, smile to yourself and enjoy the funny exercise. if you can laugh together that is good too. perhaps your whole team will end up laughing together which is nice.
When you feel your team is about finished take a moment to repeat the lower sound a few extra times and bring your hands together at the lower abdomen. If you have time take a few moments in silence and rub your bellies to allow the energy to regain it's natural balance and normalcy before going onto the next activity. You can also swallow any saliva that is in your mouth as a kind of "immortality elixir" which is good for you.
Each one of the three "center sounds" stimulates, opens, and cleanses one of these energy centers. The upper center is activated by a high sound that can be written as "JIIIIEEEEAAAAAAHHH". The middle center is activated by a medium tone which can be written as "SSHHHEEEEEENNN". the lower center is activated by a tone at the bottom of your voice register that can be written as "YEEOOOOOHHH" (you may want to start this sound where you think the bottom of your voice register is and then drop it a tone further down half way through to the real bottom of your register.)
Sing each of these sounds a few times slowly together. To start with i suggest you sing the upper sound once, the middle sound three times, and the lower sound 9 times. then you can be more flexible and express yourselves together. It is nice to coordinate with the others in your team so that you are all singinging together, although you can also do it more freely with some men at different centers or chanting together in different breathing cycles.
Each of the sounds can be said vigorously or more softly. what is important is that the sound is directed with intent to open the area of the body that it is aimed at. To do this the body must be relaxed and the sound allowed to tumble out without straining or forcing a loud yell. breathe from your lower abdomen. over-all it is important that you sing more of the bottom tones "YEEOOOHHH" than the top tones "JIIIEEEEAAAHHH" to keep your energy strong and grounded.
In all likely hood you will notice yourself feeling a bit squeamish or self conscious about making these funny noises. This is natural and in fact it is a good sign that you are beginning to open up areas of yourself that have been tight, hidden, or over-burdened. leverage the safe space and camaraderie of the men in your circle to continue the exercise through your self-consciousness. Look in the other men's eyes, smile to yourself and enjoy the funny exercise. if you can laugh together that is good too. perhaps your whole team will end up laughing together which is nice.
When you feel your team is about finished take a moment to repeat the lower sound a few extra times and bring your hands together at the lower abdomen. If you have time take a few moments in silence and rub your bellies to allow the energy to regain it's natural balance and normalcy before going onto the next activity. You can also swallow any saliva that is in your mouth as a kind of "immortality elixir" which is good for you.
