How do I find my mantra?

 Mantra 101 – How To Choose a Mantra

Defining 'Mantra'

[mantra] noun:  a word or sound repeated to aid in concentration.

Deeply rooted in various Eastern religions, mantras have been used to unlock powers within. By focusing the mind on one word and nothing else, the mind stills and we enable what is usually hidden to rise to the surface.

Mantras not only shed light on the darkness of our subconscious, but it allows us to infuse our identity with the mantra being used. Science has revealed the power of language shapes our thoughts... and our thoughts shape our personality.  

Therefore, we can choose mantras based on the personality traits we desire and use words as personal tools to better ourselves.  

Quest For Truth

We all are seeking truth. 

Whether you are living the traveler, entrepreneurial, or 9-5 lifestyle, we are all using our experiences to come to some understanding of truth.  

Along our path we will each fail, feel lonely, and doubt our decisions. It's inevitable.

But setting a mantra gives you something to come back to, focus on, and discover strength in.

While this seems simple in theory, in practice, the work is hard. Setting your mantra can be seemingly unapproachable. Sitting with your mantra can be uncomfortable.

Here are 5 ways to find YOUR unique mantra: 

Give yourself the permission to be strong.

1. Inspiration  

Mantras are a deeply personal experience but being inspired by other people’s mantras allows you to play with different mantras. 

Whether you start by chanting “OM” or borrow words from others that you feel drawn to, playing with various mantras can help you find something that speaks to your inner truth.

Typically, the best way to find your mantra is to ask yourself what it is you need. Let the deficit guide you instead of being a weakness but don't become too attached to one mantra you think is right.

It's important to try new mantras on and see how they fit. You may be surprised.

2. Surrender

My (current) mantra is, “I am enough”. 

It comes from a place where I often feel like I am not enough. Surrendering to my mantra in moments of self-defeat often changes my perception and helps me shift my mindset to one that is encouraging and empowering. 

By changing the way you speak to yourself, you allow yourself to show yourself kindness.

But this can only be accomplished through surrendering. Trust that you and your mantra are enough and give in to its healing power. 

‍When was the last time you told yourself you were enough?

3. Commitment  

Your first mantra may not be the best one, but commit to it for a few days. Settle with it. 

You will find that sticking to a mantra, even for a short time, allows you to go deeper inside the mantra. You develop a relationship with it.

When you commit to a mantra – even if it is not your perfect mantra – it will begin to serve you.

4. Repetition 

One of the best mentors I have ever had instructs her students to repeat their mantra 20 times to themselves. If the mind wanders during that time, simply pull it back to the mantra.

Don't judge yourself for losing the mantra but exercise the art of forgiving yourself if you lose it. Then, simply return to it. 

Repeat. Come back to the simplicity of repetition.

5. Become

You and your mantra are one. 

In the moments that life is hard or you feel overwhelmed, know your mantra is within you. You can come back to it at any moment. The only thing you need is the permission from yourself to return to it. 

Live your mantra and your mantra will come alive.

Go find your truth. You got this!

Trust

Mantras work in mysterious ways, but remain open to the possibility that your mantra will be there when you need it. 

The work that you today on your mantra will build the foundation for your life tomorrow.