Positivity and gratitude are rare commodities in today’s stress-filled world.
And many times, it is hard to find a serene moment or happy thought.
In fact, without even knowing it, our world is full of opposing ideas at work and at home, such as I am a failure or I am not nice.
These ideas, without intervention, are reinforced daily.
Luckily, thoughts can be guided and changed.
By incorporating a life-affirming mantra into the daily routine, our thoughts are soothed — reinforcing inner peace and creating a more positive environment.
What Are Mantras?
Words have power. And mantras, when used correctly, can affect significant changes in our bodies and the world.
But what is a mantra? Mantras can be words, verbalizations, or sounds that, when repeated, focus thoughts and energy.
Mantras can be thought of silently. They can be listened to, spoken, or even sung.
People of any religion can use mantras while walking, cooking, or cleaning. Some mantras are considered sacred or religious.
These phrases, such as the universal mantra, om, have been used for centuries to achieve enlightenment and focus.
In contrast, other mantras are simple phrases or action-based affirmations. Highly personalized, these self-affirming statements give us the strength and confidence to face the world.
Most people work with mantras daily, as many business and organizational mottos can also be considered simple mantras.
Famous mottos of organizations or businesses include:
- Carpe Diem – Odes, by the Roman poet Horace
- Semper Fidelis – U.S. Marine Corp
- In God we Trust – USA Dollar Bill
- Just Do It – Nike Corporation
While affirmations usually have a literal meaning, other mantras are sounds that tap into the body’s natural vibrations. Regardless of the phrase chosen, mantras are a tool to focus on our intentions and calm our minds.
How Do You Use Life Mantras and What Do They Do?
It is often hard to quiet our thoughts in today’s busy world.
When left alone, our thoughts run in circles, repeatedly reviewing our actions and worries. This state is referred to as a busy mind.
It is a real thing resulting from overstimulation of the brain’s default network.
According to researchers, this brain system is activated by default and linked to wandering minds.
This brain network is responsible for thoughts about your past and concerns for the future. It is also the region responsible for imagining what others think about you.
Many people attempt to soothe this part of their mind by self-medication. But a new study shows that simple word or phrase repetition quiets these internal thoughts and diminishes activity in the neuroplastic system.
Like a drumbeat, word repetition triggers the relaxation of the mind, allowing us to downshift, focus, and replenish. Good mantras facilitate a more focused state.
Usually, we think of using a mantra during yoga or a formal meditative state. However, the simple act of repeating a verbalization has a measurable effect on the body and mind.
Mantra meditation also imparts a “meditation high” due to the release of endorphins in the brain. These physiological changes to the body reduce anxiety, stress, and depression.
Recite a chosen mantra to benefit from its strength and meaning throughout the day.
Even if the time for more formal meditation or yoga sessions is scarce, take a few minutes while sitting in traffic or on the train and repeat a chosen affirmation while breathing deeply.
Like a cat’s purr, the repetitive mantra sounds will soothe the mind. These vibrations help quiet and calm the conscious mind, keep one present in the moment and open up the subconscious mind for change.
101 Mantras to Live By
The main difference between affirmations and a mantra is that mantras can be sounds or phrases designed to aid concentration.
But affirmations are centered around positive thinking. These unique phrases are mainly used to build confidence or change thought patterns.
Sometimes it is difficult to find the perfect mantra. Over time, this will become easier.
This article includes a handy list of mantras and positive life affirmations to help you begin your journey.
Popular Mantras
1. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi.
2. “Love is the only miracle there is.” – Osho.
3. “Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better.” — Emile Coue
4. “You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather.” — Pema Condron.
5. Elohim – Hebrew, meaning “who to turn to when in need of guidance in life.”
6. Love – repeated as one of the five mantras, is a powerful chant.
7. So Hum — The translation of So Hum (Sanskrit) is I AM.
8. Om shanti shanti shanti. A chant for peace.
9. I change my thoughts. I change my world. – Norman Vincent Peale
10. “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” – Serenity Prayer.
Famous Mantras
11. Om Vajrapani Hum. A chant to access the boundless universal energy.
12. Om Vasudhare Svaha. A chant for wealth and money.
13. Om Mani Padme Hum (ohm-mah-nee-pahd-may-huum) is a Sanskrit mantra commonly translated to, “the jewel is in the lotus.”
14. Aham Prema (ah-hem-pree-mah). A Sanskrit phrase that translates into “I am Divine Love.”
15. Ham-Sah. Translated from Hebrew to mean, I am that I am.
17. Lumen De Lumine. Encourages a feeling of strength and invincibility.
18. Sat-chit-ananda. Sanskrit, meaning – “to be present, to be conscious, in bliss.”
19. Om-Tat-Sat, a Sanskrit phrase meaning “all that is.
20. Bud-dho – develops thoughts of loving kindness
21. ho-oh-pono-pono. This ancient Hawaiian mantra means ‘I love you; I’m sorry; please forgive me; thank you.’
Daily Mantras
22. I will speak with confidence and self-assurance.
23. I can do anything but not everything.
24. My glass is half full.
25. Good things come through change.
26. Every day is a new beginning.
27. I do not judge myself or others.
28. I have the power to create change.
29. I know my worth.
30. I choose me.
31. Today I will smile.
32. I have the courage to say no.
33. I will say yes to myself today.
35. This is my path, and I walk it with joy.
36. In me, I trust.
37. I focus on how I feel, not what I want to achieve.
38. Honor my spirit and trust my instincts.
39. Acceptance, not resentment.
40. My growth is a continuous process.
41. Appreciate those around you, for tomorrow they may be gone.
42. Another day, another opportunity.
43. Choose forgiveness and release anger and resentment.
44. I choose to be happy.
45. Release; Peace; Tranquility; Love; Joy
46. One step at a time.
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I Am Mantras
47. I am.
48. I am enough.
49. I am grateful.
50. I can, and I will.
51. I am the change.
52. I am present.
53. I am radiant.
54. I belong and have faith.
55. I am deliberate and afraid of nothing.
56. I am bigger than my problems.
57. I am confident.
58. I am healthy, happy, and full of light.
59. I am doing my best, and it is good enough.
60. I am powerful.
62. I am an unstoppable force of nature.
63. I am grateful for this day.
64. I am free.
65. I will just look forward.
66. I am in control of my emotions.
67. I am healing more every day.
68. I am worthy of love.
69. I am my own hero.
70. I understand.
71. I am stronger than my excuses.
72. I am in control.
73 am aware of my thoughts. I am stronger than I thought.
Mantras for Life
74. The past holds no power over me
75. Love is everything.
76. Conscious breathing is my anchor.
77. Confidence comes from action.
78. Choose kindness.
79. Laughter lightens my load.
80. Less is More.
81. My well-being is my top priority.
82. It is okay to be still.
83. Be curious, not judgemental.
85. Balance in all things.
86. Peace in all things.
87. Work smarter, not harder.
88. Inhale the future, exhale the past.
89. Progress, not perfection.
90. Awareness precedes change.
91. The past, present, and future are one.
92. All in good time.
93. My energy, my choice.
94. Happiness is a choice, not a condition.
95. Everything I need is within me.
96. Disconnect to reconnect.
97. Deep breaths, open heart.
99. Be a voice, not an echo.
100. The sun will rise, and I will try again.
101. Thank You.
Simple life mantras are a powerful tool for managing life’s negative occurrences.
And whether you choose traditional chanting or a more contemporary approach that embraces positive affirmations, daily use of positive affirmations will result in a more settled mind and newfound inner peace.
