Do you have a personal mantra?
You should.
Research shows that thinking of a word or phrase that affirms our values—and repeating it over and over—produces powerful physiological changes. It can lower our cortisol levels, enhance endurance and reduce perception of effort during physical exertion. Perhaps even more compelling, a mantra can quiet the mind…This isn’t a bad thing—as long as we’re thinking thoughts that are beneficial. But too many of us beat ourselves up, ruminating on the same negative beliefs. Mantras can create and strengthen new neural pathways that are positive and not toxic. And that can make our brain much calmer and happier…
The earliest mantras appeared 3,500 years ago and were repetitive prayers or hymns. By the time meditative yoga developed, in the last few centuries B.C.E., mantras were being used to calm and control the mind. Modern mantras are still a sort of a prayer—for what we wish to be. They’re effective because they’re repetitive and simple, making them easy to turn into a habit. We don’t have to search for the positive thought to call up; we already have it.
People invoke mantras during times of stress…Some are just one word: “Breathe.” “Shine.” “Love.” Others are phrases: “This will pass.” “You’ve come this far, now push to go further.” How can you choose the best mantra for you? Not just any clichéd motto—“Just do it!”—will do.
Picture yourself older and wiser. Now think about what advice this evolved version of yourself would most want to give you right now to make your life better. Write it down. And distill it into single word, phrase or short sentence. “Make sure that it rings true for you, that it makes you feel good, empowered, reassured, and hopeful…Choose several. ‘Having one mantra can become monotonous or routine and it can lose its meaning…But don’t have so many mantras that you have to struggle to recall them. Keep it short. It needs to be easy to remember. Make sure it is positive. But not unbelievable. “If it’s too positive, it can feel hokey—‘I’m good enough, smart enough and people like me…Trigger your mantra. Practice thinking about what’s bothering you and then saying your mantra. This will train your brain to call up the word or phrase as a habit when you are stressed. Picture your new neural pathways. Loretta Breuning…suggests you picture electricity flowing effortlessly through your neurons.
~ Elizabeth Bernstein, excerpts from One Habit to Make You Happier Today. Repeating a positive phrase, or mantra, to yourself creates new pathways between neurons in your brain, conditioning you to feel calmer and healthier
Image: stefan beutler (via Newthom)
Live & Learn 
compassion always.
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Is that your mantra?
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yes.
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Deep.
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Sounds very much like Catholic ejaculatory prayers (see http://infomory.com/what-is/what-are-ejaculatory-prayers/); only Catholics aren’t just relying on their own brain chemistry to come to the rescue. 🙂
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I think you are right Sarah:
“When there is a sudden need for inspiration, guidance, or help from God, many people also resort to reciting ejaculatory prayers. Â There are also people who usually say these prayers in silence because most of the prayers talk about personal struggles, triumphs, or requests. Â Ejaculatory or aspirations prayers are also considered very intimate because it speaks of people’s inner feelings and desires.”
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Hmmmm….
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Peace.
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Peace. Peace. Peace. I think this works Barbara.
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Tomorrow is another day.
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That works!
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Keeps me going on bad days.
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THIS IS JUST A PHASE, this is just a phase, thisisjustaphase….
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I LIKE IT!
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😉😆
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This one nearly always helps me:
Breathing in, breathing out
I am strong.
I am wonderful.
I am enough.
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I like it Christine. Especially the close…
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Picture your new neural pathways. Loretta Breuning…suggests you picture electricity flowing effortlessly through your neurons. This leaves me out. I have post polio syndrome.
I’ll try Dante’s quote from “The Divine Comedy”: “In His will, is my peace.”
-Alan
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Post polio syndrome. So sorry. But I can see how you find serenity with your mantra…
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I say Om mani padme hum a lot, but I have many others that I’ve been taught too. It’s a great way to focus and keep away from our busy mind. It really works. 😌
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Had to hit Google Translate. “Do you believe me”. Who are you asking?
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I’m not sure I understand your comment? 🙄
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Om mani padme hum = “Do you believe me?” So, I ask, who are you speaking to when you ask that question?
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Ha Ha! no it doesn’t mean that! The interpretation is difficult to download from Sanskrit to English, but I have been taught it means compassion and love for myself and others, and I say it to those in pain and to those who cannot see they are hurting others. Here is one meaning below.. The words really have a beautiful vibration to them and is received gently by others.
https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-meaning-of-Om-Mani-Padme-Hum
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ahhhh, did not know that. Learned something today.
(Note to Self: My life coach is laughing at me. Have I hit a new low?)
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No! Stop it! It’s impossible to know what that means and I’m learning something everyday too which is exciting …considering we are old ha 😂
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That’s mine, too….many years. There are several very tracts with this set to music. Check out Deva Premal’s version.
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The two of you are so far in front…
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No, not far in front. All on a path. See this – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq22rIFTkY4
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Thanks for sharing…
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Need to noodle on this a bit. I like the idea, but at the moment, I got nothin’. Hmmm, maybe my mantra should be ‘Seek’ ☺️
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Wow, wordless. That could be a first!
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I too have several, acquired over the years, from yoga and modern sages like Tolle.
The two that come to mind are “everything changes”. We think things will stay the same, but they never do.
And ” I inhale peace. I exhale release” this is powerful for the middle of the night, when I have so many things on my mind, or sitting to meditate.
P.s. Traditionally Mantra is a way to focus the mind in order to let go of overactive thinking. The rhythm and focus brings you inwards. Prayer is different, it is asking for something that we want from the Universe or God.
Both work ❤️
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oooh, I like this Val: “I inhale peace. I exhale release”. borrowing that! Thanks…
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Wow, I learnt a lot from this David. Firstly that I don’t have a mantra and how it might help. This is going to need a lot more thought, but meanwhile I am going to see how I get on with a nice gentle “slow down!”.
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Glad you found this useful Michael. I have been working this on and off for several years. Problem is I deploy it in highest stress periods as opposed to working it consistently during all cycles. I have work to do but I believe this works.
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That’s my thought too David. Shouldn’t just be used in emergency!
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ah ha, mantras. yes. they do work. I have several. usually I hit the naughty ones first though. then…. I remember my other ones. But, yes. they do work. 🙂
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🙂 And the least you can do is share the ones that work for you!
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ok ok! well, one that I quite like is “Calm. M e a s u r e d. Purpose-full.”
And I know this one sounds,
selfish, but isn’t meant to be.
It is: “I do not, HAVE to…..”
David, you’d make a great attorney. lol You’re very good at getting the truths out people! 🙂 cheers, Debi
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Smiling I like “calm. Measured. Purposeful”. There is rhythm here. Thanks!
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“Wait” is my go-to mantra. The affirmation on my bathroom mirror says, “You are worth every moment of the struggle.”
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Love that Sandy. So good.
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Or let your feet on the ground be your prayer in each moment: a living mantra. As it were.
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Exhale, just exhale. ☺
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