Mantras
Ever wonder what you’re chanting during yoga that always seems to instill a profound sense of calm? Mantras–whether chanted, whispered, or silently recited– are a powerful meditation and therapy tool. Mantra is a sound vibration through which we mindfully focus our thoughts, our feelings, and our highest intention. Mantra is a Sanskrit name and has been translated in English in various ways: a hymn or song of praise, sacred message or text, charm, or incantation, or any sound, word, or phrase.
Our minds are full of noise, useless and even harmful thoughts that are on replay much of the time. A meaningful mantra created by you can slice through these thoughts in any moment. Neuroscience confirms some of the health benefits of this ancient practice, such as its ability to help free your mind of background chatter and calm your nervous system.
So, how do you get started finding a mantra? Here are some examples but you always can choose your own mantra. The universal mantra is OM, pronounce it AUM.
Find a comfortable position, sitting down, laying down, standing up, with your eyes closed or open. Start to repeat your mantra silently or loudly, once on the inhalation, once on the exhalation; if it is a short mantra. When thoughts or feelings enter your mind, try to simply notice them, and then return to repeating your mantra. See if you can set aside 2, 5 or 10 minutes daily to practice. Several traditions suggest you to stay with one mantra for several days, even months before switching to another one.