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.
MANTRAS AND AFFIRMATIONS FOR EACH CHAKRA
Here are some Chakra-specific mantras and affirmations that you can use daily - during your practice, on- or off- the mat.
1st CHAKRA VITALITY Security, Grounding, Survival Instinct
Mantra LAM
Affirmations I am safe and secure. I am healthy and strong. Life is good.
Items that support the 1st Chakra can be found here
2nd CHAKRA PASSION Creativity, Emotions, Sexuality
Mantra VAM
Affirmations I enjoy my life fully. I am passionate and creative. I am in control of my own sexuality.
Items that support the 2nd Chakra can be found here
3rd Chakra PURPOSE Personal Power, Gut Instinct, Optimism
Mantra RAM
Affirmations There are no failures. I learn from everything I do. I am confident and powerful. I release judgment.
Items that support the 3rd Chakra can be found here
4th CHAKRA COMPASSION Love, Self-Acceptance, Relationships
Mantra YAM
Affirmations I truly love and approve of myself. I forgive myself and let go. I am grateful.
Items that support the 4th Chakra can be found here
5th CHAKRA EXPRESSION Communication, Creativity, Integrity
Mantra HAM
Affirmations It is safe to express my feelings. I am heard. I communicate with clarity and positivity.
Items that support the 5th Chakra can be found here
6th CHAKRA INSIGHT Intuition, Wisdom, Psychic Sense
Mantra OM
Affirmations I trust my intuition. I am open to new ideas, people, and situations. I see and understand the big picture.
Items that support the 6th Chakra can be found here
7th CHAKRA CONNECTION Understanding, Cosmic Consciousness, Enlightenment
Mantra OM
Affirmations I am peace and harmony. I am connected, protected and supported by the Universe. I know my purpose.
Items that support the 7th Chakra can be found here
View our INTENTIONAL MALA COLLECTION by clicking here
The ROOT (1st) Chakra: VITALITY
The SACRAL (2nd) Chakra: PASSION
The SOLAR PLEXUS (3rd) Chakra: PUPROSE