In a world where everything is fast paced and largely driven by technology, it’s easy to become disconnected from our surroundings–even ourselves. We spend so much time with our eyes glued to screens, worrying about what we have to do next, that we forget to live in the moment. We miss out on what’s happening around us–andto us–because we’re so disconnected from ourselves, our surroundings and everyone around us.
Of course, there are days when things get away from you, your attention is pulled in every which direction and you’re unable to focus on one thing at a time. We’re not saying that you have to be 100 per cent connected 100 per cent of the time. But what would happen if you started with a simple five minute daily routine that allowed you to focus on your connection to yourself and the aspects of your life that are most important to you? You may just find there’s a ripple effect; that you’re able to take that concentration you have during your practice and channel it throughout your day. You may just find you’re more focused, even when the phone is ringing, you’re getting email alerts, and your colleague needs you to sign some documents. You may just find that things are a little easier, a bit simpler, and that you feel a whole lot calmer.
A mantra is much more than just a phrase to help pick you up when you’re having a bad day. It’s a way of being, a form of inspiration to guide you into your best life. The next time you find yourself feeling a little–or a lot–disconnected, recite one of these mantras to yourself to help bring you back down to earth. You may choose to repeat the mantra throughout the day, or you can take mini meditation moments by closing your eyes, breathing deeply, and reciting the mantra with every breath in and out.
I release any negative energy that is holding me back.
Similar to the Kundalini mantra below, this one is more pointed to releasing any negativity you’re holding onto that’s not doing you any good. You can always change up the message of this mantra by switching outnegative energy for anything else that may be holding you back. Some examples would be fear, anxious energy, stubbornness, controlling tendencies, or blind optimism.
Ek Ong Kar Sat Gur Prasad
This mantra comes from the Kundalini lineage of yoga and is known to stop or remove all negative obstacles. Kundalini mantras are most often chanted, but if you’re not comfortable chanting or saying a mantra aloud, then you can repeat it in your head. So long as you’re doing the work, you will see the benefits.
Inhale: I am aware of my in-breath / Exhale: I am aware of my out-breath
This is a very simple mantra from the Buddhist tradition that has immediate calming and grounding effects. It’s easy to do anytime: right before you go into a meeting, sitting on the subway, or right before bed. The simplicity of the message helps you to focus on one thing at a time: your in-breath and your out-breath. It’s that easy.
If you have a mantra you swear by, we want to hear it! Share it with us at #MyInnerFire or @myinnerfire.
