Self Care Saturday - Meditation Mantras

What is a Mantra Meditation?

A mantra is a syllable, word, or phrase that is repeated during meditation to help settle the mind.  When we meditate, the mind becomes active with all sorts of thoughts or emotions. Mantra meditation uses a mantra to guide the mind back to the moment, without participating in the thoughts or emotions that arise. 

How do you practice Mantra Meditation?
Settle into a comfortable seated position in a quiet space. Check in and notice where tension or resistance may have found a home in your body. Allow it to soften as you pay attention to the breath.

Choose a mantra from above. For 10 rounds, with the inhale, say aloud the first  word. As you exhale, say aloud the second. For example, as you inhale, repeat, "Let," and as you exhale, repeat, "Go." 

After 10 rounds, continue to silently connect the mantra  with your breath, saying the words in your mind. 

As thoughts or emotions arise, simply return your attention to the mantra, again and again.

Continue, just like this, until  your meditation time is up (could be  1 minute, 5, or even 20 minutes).  To come out of your meditation, receive a few easy, calm breaths. Reflect on what you might feel - centered  or perhaps uneasy.   

Meditation doesn't guarantee a peaceful feeling. Take comfort in knowing that regular practice has immense benefits. Including how it helps you experience the present moment more fully, without distraction, and to consciously choose to stay connected.