Exploring Mantra and Positive Affirmations

Hearing good things about yourself will make you feel good. Having compassion for yourself means you will want to seek personal empowerment. Using mantra and affirmations, to instill confidence and enhance self-esteem and self-belief, is an easy way of creating positive changes in your life.

What Is Mantra?

Mantra is an energy-based sound that is chanted out loud or repeated quietly in your head. Mantra – the Sanskrit word meaning 'sacred utterance' - sets an intention to create positive action in your life. The repetition of the mantra generates positive thought energy waves that influence your thoughts, feelings and beliefs. Sanskrit mantras are composed of letter sounds that correspond to the chakras, or energy centres, in the body. The use of mantra energises our life force energy and stills the mind so that we experience inner peace.

What Are Positive Affirmations?

A positive affirmation is a statement that programmes the subconscious mind to improve self-esteem, self-belief and confidence. It is a simple self-talk technique that empowers the individual to change negative thought into positive belief. Used daily, a positive affirmation helps build steps towards improving your life.

How To Use Affirmations

Writing out a positive statement about yourself, that is strong and loving, and repeating this sentence out aloud will enable the message to sink into your subconscious. Any words of kindness, love and compassion will encourage you to feel more loving towards yourself and others. A simple statement like ‘I am kind and loving and fully accept myself’ works wonders towards boosting self-esteem and confidence.

Write the affirmation on a piece of paper or card and attach to the door of the fridge, or other place where you will frequently notice it. This will remind you of the positive feelings and experiences that you are now beginning to draw into your life every time you look at this. Setting aside reflective moments where you can slowly repeat the affirmation to yourself aloud or in your head - perhaps whilst soaking in the bath or washing-up the dishes – will ensure your attitude continues to strengthen and empower you.

Keeping an affirmation in your pocket, or handbag, is also a good way of perking up your mindset if your confidence or self-belief takes an unexpected knock.

How To Use Mantra

To receive the most benefit from mantra practice it is important to allocate around 30 minutes a day to chanting this positive energy message. Sit comfortably in a quiet place and centre your thoughts. Close your eyes and start chanting the mantra aloud or silently. As you repeat the mantra remain aware of the meaning and intention. Stay focused and centred and chant the mantra for the full allocated time. After 30 minutes stop chanting. Stay quiet as you open your eyes and become accustomed to your surroundings.

Once you are using mantra regularly you may decide to adapt mantra practice to fit in around your daily tasks and responsibilities. Mantra can be chanted anywhere at any time, and is a personal way of providing a state of calm and full self-awareness.