When I discovered meditation back in 1980, I tried out a myriad of techniques. One of which was mantra meditation. If you are not familiar with mantra meditation, a mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated continually throughout the practice time. The words could be everyday words such as “Peace” or “I am Love” to Sanskrit chants, “Om” or “Om Mani Padme Hum.”
For thousands of years, Sanskrit mantras and similar phrases have been practiced in a specific way to help to attune our mind, body, and spirit. The word mantra itself is derived from two Sanskrit words, manas for mind and trai meaning to protect or to be free from. A mantra then is a tool for the mind that frees our mind from distractions.
Ultimately you can use everyday words as I shared above or the traditional Sanskrit. It is the purpose and intention behind the words that will create change in the mind.
A mantra is also a tool for our concentration. Just as in mindfulness when we focus on the breath in and out, or if we using counting one to four, all achieve the same purpose to concentrate the mind on the business at hand.
We can still be aware of our thoughts, emotions and sensations, and gently kind the mind back to the repetition of the mantra. You can use mala or japa beads if that helps you to stay focused. You do not need to be perfect in your practice for as I said, it is your intention behind your meditation.
You can chose positive and inspiring words, those that promote healing in which to focus. This way you find your spirit uplifted, heal your heart and brighten your day as you navigate through life’s ups and downs. You can create your mantra to be whatever you need at a given time. They are simple words that can have a profound impact but only if you use them in your practice.
I do not particularly use mantras every single day, but I do find myself using them when my mind seems to wander more than normal. I also use mala beads to do the same. Even after all of these many years, my mind still wanders and this is perfectly normal whether you are new to meditation or have been practicing for years.
Using tools such as a mantra is something you can keep in your meditation tool kit. Mantra meditation, like other meditations, can help you on the physical level with concentration and focus and lower your heart rate and blood pressure.
Mentally and emotionally, mantra meditation can help relieve feelings of stress and anxiety and how to love and find compassion for yourself. It also can give you a sense of inner strength.
Spiritually, mantras can stimulate the chakras (energy centers), particularly the throat chakra so you can better express yourself. Also mantras can increase spiritual enlightenment and wisdom.
All of meditation can do just about the same.
By investing just a few minutes each day, you will be able to experience the many benefits that mantras can bring into your life. Why not give them a try and see how they can make your life’s journey a happier and healthier one?
I have started a new Mantra Meditation on Thursdays at 8:30 am Central Time. You can join us for this meditation and learn different mantras.
Below you will find a 5-Minute meditation using whatever suits you. Also, find the first session I presented before we decided to make mantra chant a regular occurrence.
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