Creating and Using a Mantra

A mantra is defined as “a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation” or “a statement or slogan repeated frequently.”

What we say to ourselves in our own heads or aloud can be very powerful. It can contribute to self-loathing, guilt, and shame if we are hard on ourselves and berate ourselves. And, on the flip side, if we say positive things we can harness that same power and turn it for good. We can grow and develop self-love, confidence, and pride.

Changing from negative self-talk to positive self-talk takes a whole lot of awareness and practice. It may feel robotic, silly, strange, or awkward at first.

A simple place to start is developing a positive mantra. This is a word, or a few words, or a sentence that you can repeat to yourself regularly, in the place of negative self-talk, or when you are feeling anxious, depressed, or upset.

I recently listened to a lecture where the speaker closed with, “Be kind. Be calm. Be safe.”
What a lovely example of a mantra! You could even twist that to make it your own by repeating in your mind or aloud, “I am kind. I am calm. I am safe.”

It’s important to develop your own mantra and have it come from your heart.
Practice saying it, feeling it, and believing it and see if it doesn’t help your present and future outlook on life.