Gift Yourself a Holiday Mantra

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My daughter is currently playing the role of Martha Cratchit in A Christmas Carol at the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. In their version of Charles Dickens’ play, Ebenezer Scrooge pledges: “I will honor Christmas in my heart. I will honor Christmas in my heart. I will honor Christmas in my heart.”

He makes this promise following his famous spiritual awakening gaining insights into his past, present, and future self. As I have watched it multiple times already this season, I realized that Scrooge is using a mantra to remind himself of his intention. He gifts himself with this phrase as a reminder to not lose sight of his new perspective on life.

A mantra might also help you and me to stay focused on what is most important to us this holiday season.

The word mantra in Sanskrit means “instrument of the mind.” It comes from “man” which means mind and “tra” which means instrument. A mantra is simply a tool to help us to bring our mind back when it wanders away from our intended focus.

Mantras are helpful throughout the year, but especially during the holidays. It can be one word that describes what you want to remember. It can be a phrase of encouragement to yourself. It can also be a song lyric or scripture or quote that serves as your reset button. This week, see if you can land upon a mantra to capture what you want to remind yourself of during the holidays. Here are some ideas:

  • I am enough, I do enough, I have enough

  • Peace be with me

  • I bring joy

  • My purpose is to be the love in the room

  • I am choosing my wellness

  • Calm is mine to have

  • I can observe without judgement

  • I trust myself

  • I can leave when I want to

  • I am ready

  • I am equipped to handle it

  • I will stay aligned with my values

  • I have permission to rest

  • I am deserving of respect

  • I can have boundaries

  • My presence here is enough

  • This is not my responsibility

  • My feelings are valid

  • Deep breaths

  • Quiet mind

  • Be still and know

  • Love wins

  • Zero expectations

  • All will be well

  • Holy and sacred

  • All is calm, all is bright

When you feel holiday stress rising, repeat your mantra a few times. This will not only remind you of your intention, but also help your nervous system feel more safe and grounded. Stress rises when we feel unsafe or uncertain.

Repeating a mantra sends a message to your brain that things are under control and refocuses your thoughts on what is most important to you.

When you feel off-track, triggered, or upset in the weeks ahead, return to your mantra. Repeat it to yourself until you can notice your pulse slow a notch, your breath deepen, and feel a wave of calm. A mantra gives you an anchor to return to in the storms of pressure, people, and busyness.

Give yourself a gift of encouragement, intention, and focus with a simple phrase that brings peace to you.

Sending you love this week,