I’m reading this book, Conscious Loving, that is one of the few self-helpy kinds of books that I’ve ever enjoyed. It’s a great blend of insight, advice, anecdote and exercise that is really inspiring me to take an active role in my relationships with other people and the world in general. A great deal of it centers around looking at how our relationships reflect and replay subconscious habits and patterns established in our childhood which, when focused upon, can be seen for what they are and altered in the here and now. How freeing! No more need to blame other people for being the cause of my problems! Of course this is easier read than done, yes?
One thing that I find a great tool to take out of the toolbox and utilize is that of mantra. Mantras are essentially statements, words that have power. They are repeated many times to bring about a change in one’s perception, even energetic field. If you think about it for a moment, chances are there are already a number of mantras that you repeat to yourself every day and don’t realize it. Do any of these sound vaguely familiar? “Man I hate traffic/grocery shopping/exercising.” or “Why is it always me that does the work?” or “I can’t have that/I don’t deserve that.” or “_____ is so much cuter/stronger/better than me.” Maybe it’s just me that has these sort of statements rattling around in my head on a day-to-day basis, but I’m pretty sure I’m not alone.
With the practice of mantra, you turn a subconscious habit into a conscious one. Repeating a mantra like Om Namah Shivaya, giving honor and thanks to the auspicious divine quality and innate wisdom in all things, all beings, is a way to acknowledge simultaneously one’s own grace and divinity as well as that of all other things in the universe. It’s a powerful statement to make from three tiny words. I have come to the habit of periodically reverting to this mantra when I’m feeling stressed out or uncertain or incapable of doing something I want to do.
It’s important to say the mantra a lot. You have to figure, for every time you’ve said something contrary, you have to say something positive at least twice to equalize, then counteract it. It’s math. Negative one plus two equals positive one. But there are a lot of times over the years you may have said these contrary things to yourself, so you have a bit of catching up to do! Or rather, I know I do. So using a mala, (those necklaces that you see us hippie-yoga-type folks wearing with our Om t-shirts and Lululemon pants) is a great way to keep yourself on task in trying to say them a lot.
Another tool to use is affirmations, which are not really any different from a mantra except that often they are not in Sanskrit, and usually are pretty specific sentences that one repeats once a day (or more). Doing this in front of a mirror can be helpful – awkward at first, but helpful.
Here’s a great long affirmation that covers pretty much all the bases from Gold Star Coaching:
All is well in my world. I love my life and see it getting better every day. I experience joyous relationships with the wonderful, amazing, uplifting people in my life. I feel good and look good. I love and appreciate my body and enjoy vibrant good health. I’m exhilarated and excited as I begin each new day. I have an occupation that thrills me. I experience ever-flowing prosperity and abundance. I expect and believe that something wonderful is just about to happen. I stay connected with Source, happily creating my ideal life. Everything I desire flows to me easily and joyfully. I make feeling good the most important thing and I’m getting really good at keeping my vibration high by choosing thoughts that feel good. I’m filled with appreciation, always looking for more to appreciate and enjoy. I love my life. I love myself. I love my family and friends. I’m a magnet for amazing prosperity, vibrant good health and loving relationships. I’m a successful, confident, prosperous, loving, generous, happy person.”
What might happen if you said this to yourself every day? How might your life change? Is anyone willing to challenge themselves to do this every day for a month and let me know how it goes? If so, I’ll do it with you. Let me know.
