Have you ever attended a yoga class where people began chanting “Om” and felt compelled to leave? If you find chanting strange and unappealing, let me explain the possible reasons behind it.

“Om” is a mantra, a Sanskrit word derived from two root words: “Man,” meaning “continual or constant thinking,” and “tra,” meaning “to be free.” Mantras are practices that help individuals free themselves from worries and doubts while expanding upon their own consciousness. Some people choose therapy to find this type of freedom and expansion while others go for an Om run.

“I’d like to build the world a home, And furnish it with love, Grow apple trees and honey bees, And snow white turtle doves.” Those memorable words are the opening lyrics to one of the most successful songs in history, written by British songwriters Roger Cook and Roger Greenaway. Its fame spread worldwide in the 1970s with numerous foreign language translations.