Power of the Mantra

Let’s face it ladies, much too often it seems we live in a cold cruel world full of criticism and negative news.   Every morning we wake up in a digital age where it is easy to lose ourselves in the dust of photo shopped perception of perfection. With continuous overexposure of what the perfect woman should look like, we subliminally accept that we will never be as perfect as she is or we continuously chase this perceived illusion of perfection. Truth is we can never catch up to something that’s not real. We cannot and should not lose the beautiful uniqueness that makes us who we are. However hard we may try to dodge this media hypnosis, it finds ways to sneak into our sub consciousness and undoubtedly affects our self-esteem. Time and time again we find ourselves wishing for thinner things, longer locks or smoother skin. No matter how fast we try to run from it, it seems to always catch up.

The trick to beating the beast of perfection is not in avoidance but in inner self-appreciation and self-love. One way to achieve this is by developing and utilizing a personal mantra. A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated to oneself to narrow a particular focus or reassert certain beliefs.   I urge you to give this exercise a try. The principle is simple, practice is essential. Here is how:

1. First step is developing a custom mantra just for you. This exercise requires you to search your mind, heart and soul to find positive and inspiring aspects of yourself. Consider all of your features including physical, emotional and intellectual characteristics. Write them down. Make sure to use kind, gentle and warm words to describe yourself, think of the way you would address your child or a closest friend.
2. Second step is developing a routine; begin reciting your mantra first thing in the morning for a minimum of two weeks. You can recite it once, twice or as long as it takes to put a smile on your face and I promise you, it will.
3. To the naked eye it may seem egoistic or selfish to practice self-worship, but I urge you to look at it in a different light. By practicing self-appreciation what you are really doing is cleansing your mind of marketing propaganda, ridding yourself of negative and hurtful inner thoughts, uplifting your positivity and therefore making yourself a healthier happier individual ready and able to share your best self with your children, lovers, family, friends and thus lighting up the world with your uniqueness.
4. To get you into the groove I am sharing my personal mantra that I wrote for myself. You are welcome to use it as it, customize it, and revise it or completely create something unique to you.

“I am a smart, creative, caring, loving, beautiful being who wants to make a change in the world. I see love all around me. I respect all beings equally. I value my fellow humans in every shape and form. I suspend all judgment of others. My purpose is to share love, compassion and understanding. I want to strip myself of all prior dispositions. I follow my heart, do what feels right and give the gift of kindness. I don’t need to be liked, approved or validated to feel whole. I am who I am and I won’t change to fit in or conform. “

With time and practice you will see how powerful this exercise is. I strive to recite it daily, preferably early in the morning before I get caught up in the hectic day ahead but I also reach out for my mantra when I’m feeling down, upset or going through a difficult phase in my life.  The mantra helps ground me, refucuses me on what really matters and reminds me of how much I have to offer.  I hope this exercise will help you find a deep and profound admiration for yourself, a deeper meaning for your purpose in life and help you discover all the wonder that is you. Whatever you do, do not underestimate the power of the Mantra.

Love, peace and unity

Alyana