MANTRAS AND AFFIRMATIONS

April 30, 2018

Words saturated with sincerity, conviction, faith and intuition are like highly explosive vibration bombs, which when set off, shatter the rocks of difficulties and create the change desired. ~ Paramahansa Yogananda

Both mantras and affirmations are unique, helpful and powerful ways to positively affect the mind, and their main purpose is to increase awareness, intention and connection to self.

WHAT IS A MANTRA?

The translation of the Sanskrit word, mantra, is “instrument or tool of the mind.”

Commonly used in Hinduism and Buddhism for thousands of years, mantras are words, sacred sounds, prayers or phrases used in meditation. Believed to raise physical vibration and positively affect body and mind they help to focus concentration, deepen meditation, achieve inner peace and connect to a higher power.

Using mantras helps to slow down our “monkey mind” - it is difficult to repeat a mantra and think uncontrollable thoughts at the same time.

There are many different mantras. For example, many people are familiar with a Sanskrit word Om or Aum - the most important mantra of all. Translated as the Universal Sound or Vibration of the Universe, it is completely non-denominational in that it symbolizes the creation itself.

In our Modern ŌM meditations, we use mantras, or sacred sounds, that are specific to each chakra and are believed to vibrate these energy centers back into balance.

WHAT ARE AFFIRMATIONS?

Affirmations are positive statements, the process of affirming something to ourselves. They have different origins than mantras, although both are often used interchangeably. It is the meaning that matters, not the sound.

Positive affirmations were developed in the 1970’s by neuroscientists, using psychotherapy and linguistics to consciously change thought patterns towards more desired outcomes.

Affirmations are generally phrases or sentences addressing something we wish to have or be as if we already have it in the present moment.

It is such an easy way to help strengthen the connection between your unconscious and conscious minds. The stronger this connection, the more resilient you become when dealing with challenges and unexpected circumstances. An example would be "I am focused and energized", or "I don't worry about things I don't control".

HOW TO USE MANTRAS AND AFFIRMATIONS

While mantras are usually used in meditations, affirmations can be stated anytime. Either way, it is actually quite easy, and you can do it anywhere, any time. Make them part of your morning routine, practice them when driving, you can even set off random alerts as reminders of your intention!

Just remember to breathe deeply while imagining your mantra or affirmation touching every cell, tissue, muscle, and fiber in your body.

- Choose your mantra or affirmation.

- Sit with your eyes closed in your most comfortable meditating position.

- Start repeating the mantra or affirmation, slowly, over and over again while deepening and expanding your breath.

- You may whisper gently, chant it out loud, or say it in your mind.

- Regardless of how you chant, do it with sincerity.

There is a scientific evidence that both methods help in many ways, such as

Reducing anxiety and stress
Increasing positivity
Improving problem-solving abilities
Improving relationships
Increasing confidence
Creating inner piece and clarity

Chose whichever mantra or affirmation (or both!) resonates best, feels good, and touches your heart, and repeat it as many times a day as you can. You will then create a new way of thinking, and a new belief that will become anchored in your subconscious and serve you for years to come.

The bottom line is both mantras and affirmations are great tools to use for creating positive and effective changes in your life.