If you’ve ever done much research about meditation, you’ve probably come across the word mantra a time or two. So, what is a mantra exactly? It comes from Hinduism, and in that tradition, a mantra is a word or a sound repeated as a prayer. You could chant a mantra out loud with music in a kirtan setting. You could also repeat a mantra quietly to yourself during meditation to give your mind something to do besides wandering off to think about your to-do list or what you’re having for dinner.
But you don’t have to meditate to benefit from a mantra. I’ve found this to be particularly true during the most challenging times in my life. I know when I was pregnant with my daughter, suffering from nausea, hormones, sleepless nights (I snored like a freight train), and all the other pleasantries that come along with growing a baby, my fuse was short. Little things set me off in big ways. A friendly email from my boss suggesting we have a phone call sent me into hysterics because I was sure I would be fired, for example. To keep myself from flipping out about every little thing I had to come up with a way to calm myself down so I could approach situations with a more even keel. Having a mantra, a saying that I could repeat in my head to calm myself in trying times, really saved me from a lot of unnecessary stress.
See also 5 Things I Learned Practicing Yoga for Two
But you don’t have to meditate to benefit from a mantra. I’ve found this to be particularly true during the most challenging times in my life. I know when I was pregnant with my daughter, suffering from nausea, hormones, sleepless nights (I snored like a freight train), and all the other pleasantries that come along with growing a baby, my fuse was short. Little things set me off in big ways. A friendly email from my boss suggesting we have a phone call sent me into hysterics because I was sure I would be fired, for example. To keep myself from flipping out about every little thing I had to come up with a way to calm myself down so I could approach situations with a more even keel. Having a mantra, a saying that I could repeat in my head to calm myself in trying times, really saved me from a lot of unnecessary stress.
See also 5 Things I Learned Practicing Yoga for Two
I use mantras even more now that my daughter is a bit older. As much as I adore being a mom, there are times my sweet, angelic girl makes me want to pull my hair out. This morning, for example, it took me a full 45 minutes to get her dressed and her hair untangled so we could go to the beach. Only then she decided she’d rather stay home and play with her toys.. WTH? Peace. Begins. With. Me… See how that works?
Here are a few mantras that work for me—just little reminders that help me get through. I’ve been known to write them on sticky notes and put them up in places I’ll see them often (and, yes, sometimes I do meditate on them as well).
Here are a few mantras that work for me—just little reminders that help me get through. I’ve been known to write them on sticky notes and put them up in places I’ll see them often (and, yes, sometimes I do meditate on them as well).
Peace begins with me.
Be here now.
Just breathe and be.
I am calm. I am confident. I am connected.
I am enough, just as I am.
I don’t have to be everything to everybody. I just have to be me right now and trust that everything is as is should be.
Om namah shivaya. I bow to the inner Self.
See also 5 Common Meditation Mistakes
Om namah shivaya. I bow to the inner Self.
See also 5 Common Meditation Mistakes
Of course, the mantras that work for me might not work for you at all. Take a few minutes to jot down a mantra or two that you find moving or inspiring. I love affirmations, (as you can see from above), but short quotes work wonderfully, too. It doesn’t even have to be serious. It can be fun—which reminds me of another one I think of often, which I learned from one of my teachers, Richard Rosen: What if the hokey pokey really is what it’s all about?
What mantras, sayings, or quotes give you strength during challenging times? Comment below—I know I’d like to add a few more to my repertoire.
Read more …
10 Ways Your Stressing Yourself Out
Pregnancy Yoga: 5 Poses New Moms Can Practice at a Wall
5 Common Meditation Mistakes
Read more …
10 Ways Your Stressing Yourself Out
Pregnancy Yoga: 5 Poses New Moms Can Practice at a Wall
5 Common Meditation Mistakes
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