I’ve always loved singing… when I was a kid I would sing along to songs on the radio, even if I didn’t know them. Â I would listen to the words, and anticipate what was coming based on the line or even just the first sounds of the word. Â Okay, often it was a jumbly mess, but I loved it!
When I was in school and going to church regularly, I loved the singing of the worship. Â I loved to get lost in my voice. Â I always loved musicals and would come home from school and sing and dance around the house (with no one home, of course)!
Voice has resonance for me. Â I like to feel the vibration of sound in my throat, in my body. Â I like music and have worked with the muscles of my voice for a long time without knowing that I was refining them. Â Naturally, when I met mantras in my yoga training, we hit it off.
Well, actually, at first I thought the Sanskrit words were uncomfortable and strange and I didn’t know what I was saying. Â Meaning is important to me. Â But as I gained understanding, the unknown language with deep layers of meaning stuck with me. Â As I would chant/sing with my words on paper or with my eyes closed and feeling through my 108 bead mala, I found peace. Â Trust. Â A prayer in another form. Â One layer is the words and their meanings. Â Another the melody repeating over and over. Â Another in the vibration as it resonates in my body. Â Another is the history of the mantra and that I’m connection to unknown amounts of others who have said this prayer before. Â On great days, I feel unbelievably content and complete after reciting mantras (and who couldn’t use a little more of that?).
I’m working on practicing these types of formal Sanskrit mantras more in my life (check out this mantra for obstacles).  AND, I also have mantras that are informal (and don’t require singing!).  These are sayings or phrases that ring deeply true to me.  Mottos.  Inspiration.  Soul stuff.  I write them on my chalk board.  I breathe in and out thinking or saying them to myself.  I write them on cards to others and post them on my social media.  They come from ancient mystics, favorite books, comedians, friends, anything!  Here are a few that I’ve been chewing on lately.  If one rings true for you, grab it and keep it somewhere great – on a mirror, on your phone background, or just tucked into your heart.
We’ve talked a little about finding your own motivation and mantra before!  Have you seen our posts about beautiful message tucked in public places, inspirational quotes, a wonderfully uplifting song, motivational desktops, a great life manifesto, being darn tough, and picking your own mantra!  Let the mantra’s truth, the vibration of juicy awesome love-joy-compassion, fill you up.
“Do that which best stirs you to love.” -Teresa of Avilia
“I am doing well.”
“We cannot attain what we don’t pursue.” -Gioconda Parker, yogi
“Breathe in. Â Breathe out.”
“Change is the only constant.”
“Rule your mind or it will rule you.” -Buddha
…and, more ideas are online here!
Bonus: I find mantra paves the way into a meditation – try it out!
Look around online or in your life for your inspiring mantra. Â We’d love to hear what you find on the blog or social media!
