Negativity is a warning signal that there is something wrong in the mind. Many are so accustomed to a daily bombardment of negative thoughts. However, it does not need to be like this. Constant, intrusive negative thoughts are not the norm in a healthy and happy spiritual being! (and we are all spiritual beings with a birthright of peace, love and happiness)
One way people confront negativity in their minds is by trying to think their way out of the discomfort. Let’s say a colleague, friend or family member made a hurtful comment. The reaction might be to play the conversation over and over, imagine what you should have said, or perhaps analyze and try to figure out why the comment made you upset. None of these will fix the issue. Using the mind to calm the mind seldom works and simply leads to a vicious cycle of rumination. Same too with the frequent comparisons we make when confronted with social media—he looks happier than I do. She always has such great skin. How can they afford such exotic vacations? On and on, the thoughts continue.
But then how do we heal our minds and overcome negativity?
There are many ways, but mantras are among the most powerful. The word Mantra derives from the word “Mann,” meaning mind, consciousness, the inner self. Mantras are healing balms gifted to us from the universe. They pacify what in Ayurveda is known as Vata mind…or that what becomes irritated—read stressed, down, unhappy, agitated, angry, etc.. One translation of the word mantra is to “free the mind.”
Mantra could be the word “love” or any other phrase repeated to oneself. Word repetition will quiet the mind because it distracts the mind and allows the brainwaves to regulate into a more orderly pattern.
However, there are certain, precious God-given vibrations embedded in the most sacred mantras that work on an additional level. Sacred mantras have the additional benefit of creating specific harmonizing sounds that foster various higher-level spiritual states. So Hum, for example, is a mantra embedded with the resonance of peace and protection. If you feel scattered or threatened by life or a specific situation, this mantra can help regulate one’s energy until it vibrates more harmoniously.
Mantras can feel like magic.
Mantras are not magic and won’t work instantly, but they can feel like magic, especially once you have used them for a while. Just like any skill, it takes time for the mantra to change deep-seated patterns which may go back years or even lifetimes. Persistence and daily practice are key. It is much better to perform a mantra for ten minutes once each day rather than seventy minutes all at once at the end of every week. Some people like to repeat mantras a specific number of times (108 in Vedic and Buddhist traditions) but what is most important is your dedication to the practice. Mantras are not just for the church, temple, meditation room, etc., they are to be used anywhere while living daily life when you want to keep your mind in a positive state.
People often ask if mantras need to be spoken out loud. There is an extra healing aspect of allowing the physical body to vibrate to the sound of the mantra, but there is also such a thing as a “mental” vibration. If faced with the decision of either doing the mantra silently or not doing it at all, always choose the first option! With that said, any time there is an opportunity to speak or sing a mantra out loud, there are additional benefits.
If you already keep a religious or spiritual practice, start with the mantra most closely linked to your tradition. If not, pick the one that you gravitate toward. Use it for several days. Mantras grow and build in their power over the hours, months, days, and years however, you should notice a “lightness” of your mind within two or three sessions. If you find that your negativity is not decreasing, you might try one of the other mantras to see if it is a better energetic match.
Three Powerful Mantras
Christian Mantra: Jesus is Lord of All
Vedic mantra: Om so hum (I am that).
Buddhist Mantra: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu (May all beings be happy and may the words, thoughts, and actions of my life contribute to that happiness.) Click here for a video with the correct pronunciation.
The next time something triggers you in social media, on the news, in your daily life or just the Monday ‘blahs’ do not try to think your way out of these painful feelings (or just as bad—to “medicate” them with unhealthy, addictive behaviors). Instead, repeat one of these sacred mantras and feel true energetic healing begin at the deepest mental and physical levels.
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