Mantras and Mindfulness in May
Mindfulness and Mantras for Mental Health
Taking some ‘me time’ is important for our mental health. Practicing daily mindfulness also helps with mental health as it strengthens your mind-muscle. As the old saying goes, “If you don’t use it, you lose it”. Mindfulness and Mantras are used in Yoga and meditation and they can be also practiced daily.
Our mind is powerful, so learning to use it wisely can be very beneficial. Mantras and mindfulness will build your mental resilience. Let’s begin with what Mindfulness and mantras are.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being fully awake and aware of our thoughts, actions, feelings, and everything around us. We aim to detach when we need to and be more present. We can practice mindfulness when we eat, move, meditate, work, and exercise. Mindfulness teaches us to slow down and connect more with our body, mind, and living.
What is a Mantra?
A mantra is similar to a prayer, where we repeat a word, a few words, or short sentences that have special meaning to enhance well-being. You don’t need to be religious or a yogi to work with mantras! These mantras can be repeated anywhere, any day, and your choice of how many times a day. They are also similar to affirmations, where they use positive wording to remind us what we would like to achieve. Over time they can change the way we feel, and help open our minds and hearts.
Repeating positive mantras can help you let go of any negative self-talk! What are some mantra examples? There are traditional mantras we use in yoga and meditation. My favorite four mantras for yoga and meditation are below.
OM: The Om (Aum) is a universal mantra and is the energy of being. The sound of the universe.
Shanti: The word ‘Shanti’ means peace. It is generally repeated as “Öm Shanti, Shanti, Shanti”. Bringing peace to all beings on every level.
So Hum: The So Hum mantra meaning is “Ï am that I am”. You sound out the “So” on the inhale slowly and the “Hum” on the exhale. This is a very powerful mantra for the mind.
Om Mani Padme Hum: The meaning behind t his beautiful mantra is praising the jewel of the lotus. Working towards compassion and kindness in our hearts. Repeat this on exhale. You may even want to sing this mantra aloud!
I’ve gathered up more mantras that are perfect for anxiety, depression, and mental health. Here is my list of mantras for anxiety. Read here for more information on reducing Anxiety with your breath.
“Ï will be ok”
“I trust the process of Life”
“I am enough”
“Let go”
“I have the power to heal”
“I find calm within myself”
“I choose to feel calm and peaceful”
“I can get through this”
Some more mantras for depression are below. Repeat these powerful mantras every day on your exhale, especially when your energy is down.
“I am loved”
“My light is needed in this world”
“I am resilient”
“I am worthy”
“I am loving and kind”
“I am stronger than I think”
Build mental strength with these daily mantras. Even my favorite word “RELAX” I use in yoga classes is a great mantra if feeling stressed. When you focus on simple breathing in meditation you can repeat the following; “I am inhaling and”, “I am exhaling”, with every breath.
During Kevala Health's online yoga classes you do at home, we use specific mantras for each yoga pose. Here are some Mantras for yoga poses below.
Child Pose: Repeat the mantra “I surrender” on the exhale.
Twist Pose: Repeat the mantra “I release my fears”.
Backbends: Mantras “My heart is light and free” or “I am loving and accepting”.
Forward bends: Repeat the mantra “I am calm and peaceful”.
Warrior poses: “I am strong and disciplined” on the exhale.
Tree pose: “I am grounded and healthy”.
Triangle pose: “I am confident and positive”.
Chair pose or squats: “I am strong and focused”.
Downward-face dog: “I am open-minded and friendly”.
During May, Kevala Health’s live online yoga classes, focus on mindfulness, meditations, and mantras. Learn how to build mental resilience with their 14 days free of unlimited yoga or pilates classes.
Practice both mindfulness and mantras to help you improve your mental clarity and strengthen the mind.
Follow this LINK, to a Kevala Health-guided Chakra meditation with affirmations for each of the seven energy centers.
