How to Write a Morning Mantra.
Why is a Morning Mantra Important?
A morning mantra can focus you. Often, when we awaken, we are scattered. We are thinking about work, kids, dinner, a doctor's appointment tomorrow and everything else we have to do. We are so busy checking off a mental "to-do" list, it's no wonder we are often exhausted before we have even started! Beginning your day with a morning mantra can affirm your capabilities, remind you what is important and even more! The physical act can ground you. It will give you time to stop and collect your thoughts. It will allow you to breathe and effectively block out all those other thoughts crowding in your head. It will focus you and give you the necessary moment to stop and breathe.
What is a Mantra?
A mantra is a word or phrase that is repeated over and over again during meditation. While it is still used that way, more recently, it has taken on a new identity. It has become for many people, a lot like a personal mission statement. Whether you couple it with Yoga, meditation or just say it as a morning routine, a mantra is an affirmation, a statement by which you guide your actions.
Mahatma Gandhi
"The mantra becomes one's staff of life and carries one through every ordeal. Each repitition has a new meaning carrying you nearer and nearer to G-d."
What is your motivation?
Do you have a morning mantra?
Developing a Mantra.
The first Mantra I wrote was very simple. It was a mix between a prayer and a wishlist. It went something like this:
"Please let my children be healthy and happy and let me be successful."
As you can see, I was requesting these things. After awhile, I changed it up a bit. I began my mantra with what I could do to make my day successful.
"I will have a productive day by being positive and pro-active."
Next step was to make that into a simple statement that would not just ensure a productive day but would embrace the way I wanted to conduct my life. I wanted a statement that I could recite when I was tense. nervous or just needed a reminder of what really matters.
Your morning mantra can be whatever will motivate, inspire, affirm and remind you of your uniqueness!
Think of it as your own slogan or motto, your own personal trademark.
Keep it Simple and Keep it Real
Remember, this is a statement or saying that you will be using to help you to be a better you. Be careful to make it realistic. Try not to over complicate it. The following table will help you to organize your thoughts and priorities. By doing this, you can write or choose a mantra that will suit your own personal needs and lifestyle.
Do you need a kick in the pants or a gentle nudge? Mantras are not "one size fits all."
What kind of mood do I want it to express?
| When will I be using it?
| To Encourage and guide
| As a reinforcement.
|
|---|---|---|---|
Do I want it light?
| As a morning mantra.
| To give me courage.
| As affirmation.
|
Should it be serious?
| To be repeated several times throughout the day.
| To give me focus/direction.
| To keep me on my toes.
|
Do I need powerful words?
| As a motivator or reminder whenever I need it.
| To motivate me or calm me down.
| To keep me grounded.
|
Deciding what type of Mantra will work for you.
How do you know what to include in your Mantra?
Think about it. Think about a "good day" that you have had recently. What made it good? What made it special? What made it different?
Think about a "bad day" you have had recently. What happened there?
While you are thinking about this, keep it personal. Try not to put blame on everyone else for your success or failure. Your happiness is not contigent on others. YOU are responsible for your own expectations and reactions. Use your mantra to help remind you of this!
Watch Grey's Anatomy to see Dr. Shephards famous Mantra.
Some Famous Mantras
- "Everyday in every way I'm getting better and better."~Laura Silva
- "Love is the only miracle there is."~Osho
- "I change my thoughts, I change my world."~Norman Vincent Peale
- "Once you replace negative thoughts with positive ones, you'll start having positive results."~Willie Nelson
- “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” – Gandhi
And one of my favorite Mantras.....
"Dare, dream, do."~Walt Disney
The Morning Mantra as part of the Morning Routine
A morning mantra is a great way to start off your morning routine. It will help get you motivated and inspired. To learn how to incorporate it into a morning routine, please check out my hub, How to start and Stick to a Morning Routine.
What if you can't write your own Mantra?
First, it is YOUR personal mantra. It doesn't matter how it sounds to anyone but you. If you don't feel able to express what you would like to say, then feel free to borrow someone else's Mantra, song, poem or prayer. As long as you are not using it for any publication, you can even mix or match a few and make it your own. The point here is to find words that will encourage and inspire you.
