Mantras

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In Sanskrit, the word mantra means "tool for the mind."

The roots of the word mantra are manas, which means mind and tra which means tool or instrument. A mantra is a phrase that helps our minds focus on a positive thought.

When we are overwhelmed, facing uncertainty, or unsure of ourselves, mantras can help us return to helpful thoughts. I don't know about you, but 2020 has me feeling overwhelmed, facing uncertainty, and unsure of myself constantly! I'm finding that mantras are a lifeline and I want to share this tool with you. 

Repeating a phrase or word to yourself has been shown to have a physiological effect on our bodies. It can create a feeling of calm, bring reassurance, help us to feel safe, lower stress, increase optimism, and positively impact outcomes. By repeating a phrase to yourself, you are creating a neural pathway that not only creates a habit of positive thinking but becomes your default mindset.

Here are some examples of mantras:

  • I can do this.

  • I choose to be happy.

  • I am loved.

  • I can choose again.

  • Done is better than perfect.

  • It is good enough. 

  • You've come so far.

  • Take the next step.

  • At this moment I am fine.

  • Do the next right thing. 

  • Thy will not my will.

  • Head up, heart open.

  • Go slowly.

  • Don't force it.

  • Be you.

  • I release my fear. 

  • Keep showing up.

  • Let it go.

  • Family first.

  • It is not a competition.

  • I am okay right now.

  • I open myself to love.

  • I am doing my best.

  • I am worth it.

  • It will get better.

  • All is well.

  • I am enough.

  • I am not alone.

  • This too shall pass.

  • Breathe. 

The steps below will help you choose your own mantras. This week, experiment with mantras and see if it helps anchor you into what is true and important to you.

Creating Your Own Mantra

  1. Imagine yourself older and wiser, what advice would you give to yourself to make life easier and more peaceful? Write down what comes to mind.

  2. Now consider recent times and circumstances in which you needed some encouragement. Write down what you wish someone would have said to you during those times.

  3. Read over the things you have written and see if you can create about 5 short clear phrases that could serve as mantras for you.

  4. Review your mantras. Are they true, positive, encouraging, and helpful? If not, adjust the words until they are statements that are easy for you to believe when you need encouragement.

  5. Try it out. Practice using these mantras every day. The more often you repeat them, the more your brain will help you remember the thought when you need it most. Find the mantras that feel best to you. You might have one for overcoming fear, another for self-doubt, and one for when you find yourself in a conflict with someone. Find a few that work for you and repeat them often to yourself.

  6. Recognize that you can be your own life coach. Remind yourself of what you need to know when you need to know it. Encourage yourself when no one else is around to encourage you. Coach yourself through the fearful moments. Talk to yourself kindly and gently. This will lead to greater self-trust, fewer feelings of isolation, and an increased sense of worthiness.

Mantras are a great way to start a coaching relationship with yourself. Tell yourself what you need to hear. Tell yourself what you long for someone else to tell you. Coach yourself through the tough stuff. 

If you have liked these weekly emails, you might like the opportunity to join a community of like-minded people. The Compassion Fix Community is a place for you to learn and grow online while engaging in conversations and interesting dialogue during our covid distancing.

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Sending you love and peace,