Day 3: Examples of Mantras I Use, How and When to Use Them, And Why They Work

Mantras. This is going to be a doozy. 

I have heard, read and been taught conflicting things when it comes to what mantras are and how they are used. And when it comes to using them in the traditional sense, I have little experience. 

“The word mantra can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport or vehicle. In other words, a mantra is an instrument of the mind—a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.” (Chopra.com)

In the more modern-day, mainstream, intention-type way, I do use them but I have yet to fully relax into the whole “I am filled with light and love… yadda, yadda, yadda,” without wanting to punch someone in the throat.

I love those who can, and am in awe of the peace they seem to find… but for me, it just makes me itch.

Mine sound more like, “Bays, don’t be a #&$$*, you can do this.” 

Or short and sweet ones like, “Don’t suck. Don’t suck. Don’t suck.”

I am sure if I had nicer ones to share it would make for a better story and I’d probably be a big Instagram sensation but……..

I am way better at the positive self-talk thing than I am the mantra thing. It’s just more me. Plus, I just can’t ever remember to say the same thing repeatedly unless I am under a weighted bar willing it not to drop on my face — so coming up with positive self-talk on the fly just seems like less pressure.

If I were an opinion-giver, which clearly I am, I would tell you to not sweat the details. Pick a style best suited to you. I think if you are using it in the name of self-betterment, at some point it’s all a wash as to which is the best approach — kind of like diets.

I use my positive self-talk “mantras” when the going gets tough, when I want to invite something new into my life, see my life go in a different direction, need clarity, calm or just need to get inspired. Again, this is the more ‘intention’ approach vs. the traditional method.

Like anything else you do over and over, you start to live it. Your mantra or message becomes imprinted in your mind and your actions naturally start to follow. It’s pretty awesome… and some weirdly amazing things happen when I’m in practice of doing it on the daily. Sometimes it feels like some really freaky Jedi stuff.

Lastly, it keeps me focused on creating something for myself vs. letting my mind take over and handing me something that I may not like so much.

So that’s about it. Any questions, let me know. I am happy to answer. 

Have a blessed night.

(And thank you, Anne, for the question.)