Why  am I writing about mantras? 

Because I believe they can be useful when managing our MH problems.

What is a mantra? It is derived from 2 Sanskrit words. “Manas” meaning “mind” and “tra” meaning “tool”. So literally “tool of the mind”.

In our everyday language it can be described as an often repeated word, formula or phrase. Some say it can boost awareness and improve concentration.

My investigation into the subject suggests Mantras are good for the brain and the primary effect of chanting them is on our mind and nervous system. Scientists also believe they can bring peace to the mind. Reciting mantras reduces the stress in your mind by eliminating negativity. Daily repetition is usually recommended.

Mantras are mentioned regularly on the Moodscope blog. Mantras can be very personal words but I feel, if we are able, we may help someone else by bringing our favourite ones into the public domain.

Obviously a single mantra can be “owned “ by more than one person. And one person may use more than one.

So what do they look like and how can they be used? I know there are several Moodscopers (including me) who particularly like “Don’t believe all you think”. This is very useful if you trying to manage unhelpful or negative thoughts. The more you think about it, the more you realise it is true.

Someone who is finding it difficult to take breaks may find “I give myself permission to rest” useful. It helps reduce guilty feelings for not being “productive” all the time.

If you are looking for one that helps with anxiety this might be worth using “I am conquering my fears and becoming stronger every day”

Over the last few weeks I have used:

 “Don’t panic, stay calm, take rest, and it will pass”

I have found it very useful when random unpleasant thoughts or feelings come into my conscious.

I have just adopted “Not every day is good but there is good in every day”. It was our “thought for the day” on 24 March.

It brings me two realisations. Firstly, our lives consist of good and bad spells. It is totally unrealistic to expect no set backs. Secondly, even really bad events pass and a much better time will arrive.

Some others that I have found:

Pick yourself up, dust yourself down and start all over again.                                  

It’s not what you cannot do, but what  you can do.   

I am enough. I do not need to prove anything to anybody.

Be curious, not judgemental.

Perseverance not perfection is the key to success.

Work smarter not harder

Every journey starts with a single step. 

It might be worth adopting one or two of these if you think it would be helpful.

Or do you want to find some yourself?

Have you any unusual ones you wish to share?

Teg

A Moodscope member.