2 hours, 1 mantra

The last two days we have learned more about mantras, and sang them as well. Now we go into a more individual practice. Today, each one of you will pick one mantra, to chant for 2 hours.
So can I pick any mantra?
Any mantra you like
So when I get bored, I can just pick another mantra?
No, you chant one mantra for 2 hours
So, I chant for an hour, then come back for another hour?
No you chant for 2 consecutive hours
Do I have to chant two hours in a row?
It's really really easy: 2 hours, 1 mantra, that's it.

Really really easy indeed. Some walk away after one hour, hurt their throat singing, forget words and melody alltogether or are intimidated by a spider. Others find 2 hours way to short, keep singing the mantra in their dreams afterwards, or have the feeling someone is singing along with them.

I sing Hari Om in our classroom, the Radha room, looking at the lake and the mountains. Sometimes I sing loud and clear, sometimes soft in a whisper. I feel happy, I feel bored, I feel bliss, but most of all I feel grateful. Grateful for being at this place, the people, the teachings, the food.... and for myself, for allowing myself to just be here.