Affirming the Self

By Elizabeth Erenberger

What is a Mantra and how is it useful? Why would it benefit us to integrate the practice of Mantras into our daily lives?

Mantra is a term which originates from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. One example of the traditional use of Mantras are the Vedic hymns. In this ancient practice the devotee will repeat words or sounds while performing prayer or meditation as a way of connecting with the higher power and inducing a trance-like state. When used appropriately mantras have been suggested to decrease stress, promote health and increase ones sense of connection with the world around them.

Mantras are very closely related to a new, more western term “affirmations.” In both practices, the individual identifies an intention while consciously and subconsciously tapping into the connections between themselves and the rest of the world. The idea is that the repetition of these words rewires the subconscious and allows new patterns to be created in the brain making room for more expansive possibility. “As thoughts pass by, let your intention remain…”-Unknown

For certain circumstances, one word may be all you need. Perhaps today you are focused on patience, reverence, gratitude, or strength. Other days there may be a phrase or verse that is most useful, and calls for your attention. Either way, once we begin to take responsibility for the power and relevance of our thoughts and words, we begin to the see the ways in which they truly begin to shape our reality. We can then begin to influence our own understanding and psyche by choosing the messages we wish to deliver to ourselves.

Not only is the power of this tradition centered in the words and phrases themselves, but also in the tonal expression. If you have ever attended a yoga class which ended with a group Om, you might understand what I mean. There is a deep medicine in the exploration of sound, octave and tonality. Throughout history and across the globe there are many ways that devotees use their voice to create the feelings of release, awareness and healing in various areas of the body. Sound can be intentionally “delivered” to a specific area in the body through intention and focus. Different pitches create different responses and reactions within the body, and are said to be able to shake loose stagnant energy.

By opening our voices in this non-judgmental, expansive way we begin to see that it is not always a singing, but often more a chant which emerges, free of technical confinement. Some prefer to hold their sounds for long periods of time, and speak slowly, often dragging out specific consonant sounds and rendering the original word unintelligible. Others prefer to keep steady rhythm and chant in a clear and decipherable pacing. There really is no wrong way to take on this exploration. By allowing ourselves to discover the range of possibilities within our own vocal range we release tension in the throat chakra, begin to redefine gender stereotypes, and broaden our understanding of ourselves and others.

Sound is a powerful healer. Your own words, thoughts and prayers are the ingredients that build your inner landscape, and define your reality; choose joy, choose harmony, choose to have a voice.

If you are interested in learning more about this practice, please feel free to check out online course excerpt Mantras and Mudras.