When we think of the word “mantra,” images of ancient cultures and spiritual rituals come to mind. It makes perfect sense since the term is Sanskrit in origin, and the concept arose from traditional Buddhism and Hinduism practices. But mantras have evolved over the centuries and are more critical than ever in our modern everyday lives to help lift our mood and make life a little easier.
What exactly is a mantra anyway? That’s a good question. No one definition applies to qualify something as a mantra. It can either mean a sound, a syllable, a word, a phrase, or even a song or melody. In yoga, the simple sound of “om” can set your mood. A mantra can have spiritual or religious meaning, but it’s not required. The only thing that seems consistent about mantras is that they hold some meaning and purpose to the person using them.
This flexibility is what makes mantras such a great tool to have in your back pocket. By creating a set of mantras, you can always have one on hand to help you through any situation in life. They can be customized to your own needs, and they only need to make sense to you. Whether you need strength, positivity, hopefulness, self-love, calm, or comfort, there’s a mantra for that.
It’s all in the power of words. We tell ourselves things all the time, mostly in a subconscious way. We each have a script that we recite over and over in our minds, allowing us to make sense of life in a way we’re familiar with. We might not be aware of this script, as it keeps playing in the background and eventually becomes white noise. But what are we telling ourselves? Are we making life easier or harder? Do we tell ourselves things that lift us up or tear us down?
It's not easy to stay positive when things get rough. And, quite honestly, sometimes our frame of mind makes a situation more challenging than it needs to be. If we dig deep, we might discover that we are setting ourselves up for hard times by constantly telling ourselves negative things. What if we can turn it around and make life easier with just a few empowering words?
With the appropriate mantras, you can! The following is a list of short and sweet mantras that could come in handy the next time your mood isn’t where you want it to be. All you have to do is repeat the phrases below that apply to what you’re feeling and watch your outlook transform. By redirecting your mind to these positive thoughts, you really can conquer anything.
- I choose to be happy.
Knowing that happiness is a decision is one of the most empowering concepts around. It’s not always easy to implement, but using this as a daily mantra will make it a reality.
- I am strong and capable enough to handle anything.
You know this is true because you’ve been through tough times before this moment and made it through. Remind yourself that you do indeed have the tools you need to cope.
- I deserve good things.
It’s all too easy to blame ourselves for a tough predicament, but the truth is you’re being too hard on yourself. You deserve all the happiness you can get your hands on.
- I love myself just the way I am.
Though we’re always trying to improve ourselves, we are worthy of our own love right now and always. Perfect doesn’t exist, so accepting you’re imperfect will set you free.
- I can create the life I want.
You have the power to live your life the way you want. Live according to what you value most, and you will build the life you dream of.
- I am grateful for everything I have in my life.
Gratitude is a potent sentiment. Remind yourself every day of the long list of things you’re grateful for, and you’ll no longer dwell on what you don’t have.
- I am filled with positivity.
Your cup can always be half full. Shift your focus with this mantra when you catch yourself looking at the emptiness in the glass.
- I see the good in everything.
Most of the time, we view things that happen in terms of good and bad. The reality is that most situations are a little bit of both. So choose to see the good that’s happening.
- I can let go of negative forces in my life.
Identifying the things in life that hold us back from being happy is vital to staying positive. Once you recognize them, you can work on replacing them with positive forces.
- I grow stronger and more confident every day.
Personal growth is an ongoing journey. Every day comes with a lesson that propels you forward with more strength and confidence than you had yesterday.
So, now when things don’t seem to be going the way you’d hoped, remember that you have the power to turn your mood around. By repeating these simple phrases, you can change the script In your head that prevents you from moving forward with a positive outlook. Once these phrases become ingrained in your mind, it will take less and less effort to pull yourself out of negative spaces. And this means many more bright and sunny days on the horizon!