Mantras are words or phrases repeated to ground you in the present moment and guide your meditation experience. When you find the right mantra, you boost your meditation and provide the calm or motivation you need for any situation.
When choosing a mantra, it’s essential to step back for some self-reflection and ask yourself how things are going. What are your goals and intentions? What blocks are you experiencing when trying to achieve your goals? All of these factors should be taken into consideration when choosing a mantra.
What Are Mantras?
Before you begin choosing a mantra, it’s worth knowing what mantras are.
According to britanica.com, a mantra is “a sacred utterance (syllable, word, or verse) that possesses mystical or spiritual efficacy. Various mantras are either spoken aloud or sounded internally in one’s thoughts, and they are either repeated continuously for some time or just sounded once.”
Mantras have the power to improve your mindset and help you break free from negative programming, and achieve your goals. Reciting a mantra is thought to invite its positive meaning into your life.
Traditional Mantras
To tap into ancient wisdom and vibrations, you can choose from pre-existing mantras. These classics include:
- Ohm is the universal sound. It incorporates full use of the human voice. Ohm is translated as “it is, will be, and will become”; it is linked to the cycle of reincarnation.
- Om mani Padme hum, A Tibetan Buddhist mantra that means “Hail the divine jewel of the lotus”, This phrase invokes the energy of ultimate compassion.
- Ho’oponopono: A Hawaiian prayer that brings things back into balance through self-love and forgiveness. In the native Hawaiian language, “pono” means balance in your life. This mantra cleanses the body of guilt and shame and haunting memories. To use this mantra, you say, I’M SORRY, PLEASE FORGIVE ME, THANK YOU, I LOVE YOU.
- Aham Brahmasmi – A Sanskrit mantra that translates to ‘I am divine,’ or ‘I am sacred,’ which connects you to your Higher Self.
Mantras for Modern times
Today, people often craft their own personal mantras. These words or phrases can serve many purposes and invoke many feelings,
A few examples of modern mantras include:
- I am calm.
- All is well
- I can do it
- I deserve true love.
- The Universe is my supply.
Creating Your Mantra
If the idea of a mantra appeals to you, and you wish to create your mantra, then why not start now? Creating or choosing a mantra to drive personal improvement can help motivate us to live with purpose.
Knowing Your Intention
The first step to creating a mantra is determining what it will be for.
Only you can determine what your mantra will be for. It may be forgiving the past, breaking a bad habit, or overcoming a fear. It may also be a gentle reminder to yourself in stressful situations.
Find the Saying That Resonates With You
Once you’ve figured out what to use the mantra for, it’s time to list the mantras that you feel will support you with your goals or the situations you find most challenging.
When you seek to find your mantra, nothing is too short. A mantra may even be a singular word. If, for instance, you’re seeking more income, could you test it out? The mantra may be as simple as “abundance”.
Test It Out
Once you’ve crafted the ideal mantra, it’s time to put it to good use. When you’re meditating, repeat the mantra. Say it repeatedly; take time to feel the word in your mouth and consider its meaning. Focus on the sensation they created in you. Do you feel free? Loved? Happy? Filled with self-love?
Your mantra should align your mindset with the desired sensation.
Stay With It
While you can have a few different mantras for different situations, the key to a good mantra is its endurance. If you find yourself forgetting the mantra or wanting to change it constantly, then it’s time to rethink the mantra.
Use Your Mantra During Meditation
The process may seem daunting if you’ve never meditated before. However, there are no “rules” you can choose any position that’s comfortable for you! You can even perform your meditation in bed.
Once you’ve found a comfortable space, ensure you won’t be disturbed. Optimal sessions last between 3–30 minutes. Set a timer and close your eyes.
Focus on Breathing
Start your meditation with four to five deep breaths. Focus on how your breath feels coming in and going out. Once you are relaxed, begin to recite your mantra in tandem. You may say the phrase aloud or think it. Either way, your meditation focuses on embracing the meaning of your mantra and finding inner peace.
Redirect and Relax
If your thoughts begin to wander, don’t try to stop thinking. Instead, gently acknowledge them, let them be there and allow them to pass through and resume your mantra.
Gently Ease Yourself Out
Don’t jump up and check your emails when your timer goes off! Instead, take a few moments to consider what you’ve felt and thought of during the session. Remain mindful of your feelings and engage in self-love if needed.
Meditation is meant to be an exploratory practice. You can learn more about yourself and how you interface with the world around you through meditation. Enhancing the process with a mantra is just one of many ways to meditate, and it’s your opportunity to find the optimal solution!
