#pattern of focus and relax w reward to ease your brain in and out of work easier

[delighted-mirage]

love staying up way too late and writing whatever the fuck I want. mentally drunk but without the alcohol or liver failure, just bad decisions to in fact post the rants and brain and mood failures in the morning. incredible.

[inthatstateofgrace]

5 Mood-Boosting Mantras to Get You Through Any Challenge

You must live alone, at least internally, in a quiet place. – Bhagavad Gita

Have you ever caught yourself repeatedly reciting a word, phrase, or affirmation in your mind? Perhaps you’ve told yourself “you can do this,” over and over as you nervously walked into a job interview, or repeated that “everything will be OK,” even when it certainly didn’t feel that way. Though this may seem like a mindless coping method, it is actually considered by many religious and spiritual traditions as a means of harnessing and focusing the mind. In Sanskrit, such affirmations are known as mantras, or “tools of thought.” A mantra can be understood as any sound, word or phrase that alters consciousness through meaning, tone, rhythm, or physical vibration.

The Meaning of Mantras

In modern society, the word mantra has almost lost its meaning. It is thrown around as a flippant cliché, far removed from its sacred origins. Traditionally, mantras are believed to have spiritual and psychological powers. When chanted with devotion, certain utterances are thought to create powerful vibrations within the body and mind, igniting intentions and enabling deep states of meditation. But the truth is that we need mantras now more than ever. A chaotic mind slips all too easily into negative thinking patterns, allowing negative energy to take over actions and behavior. Mantras enable us to see that we can manifest and harness the power of our intentions and energy, and that the positive affirmations we tell ourselves can become a reality. Repetition of a mantra is also a simple way to bring presence to your innate, positive qualities.

Since each mantra has a distinct meaning and vibrates on a unique frequency, each one is also believed to have distinctive healing effects; and not only spiritually, but on a physical, molecular level. When chanting mantras aloud, the vibrations and movements of the tongue stimulate some of the key glands of the endocrine system, which is responsible for governing and regulating hormones in the body. What’s more, the soothing and harmonious combination of sound, breath and rhythm – an inevitable outcome of mantra chanting – has a profound impact on the parasympathetic nervous system, otherwise known as the “rest and digest” system. This, in turn, slows the heart rate, relaxes muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, and triggers the body’s healing response. When the physical body is at ease in this way, it is much easier to connect with your mind and consciousness on a deeper level.

The Benefits of Chanting Mantras

By focusing on the repetition of a specific set of words or sounds, mantra chanting can also act as an object of concentration, helping to bring the mind into the present moment. As such, mantras are commonly used to still the mind for meditation, much in the same way that some practitioners concentrate on the breath. A great way to retain focus and remain present whilst practicing meditative mantra chanting is to count each repetition on a garland of beads. Known as mala in Sanskrit, these prayer beads are used throughout religious and spiritual practices to mark the repetition of devoted recitations. Meditative states can be used to connect to the Divine within, and mantras are an effective way to maintain that connection.

Although mantras are typically chanted in Sanskrit, modern versions are increasingly used throughout all aspects of yoga, often to encourage a sense of connection to your intentions for the practice. For example, silent repetition of “I am present” during an asana class can motivate you to stay focused on the movements of the body, preventing your mind from running away from the classroom and straight into the arms of your to-do list. In this way, mantras can be used to cultivate a particular state of mind, allowing their meaning to gently seep into our subconscious and transform negative energy into positive power. Whether it’s an inspirational quote, a favorite lyric, or the wise words of a grandparent, if it leaves you feeling grounded, centered or uplifted, you can consider it a mantra.

5 Mood-Boosting Mantras

If you’re having trouble merging mantras with your practice, why not give one of the following mood-boosting mantras a try? Each is specifically designed to tap into and nurture a particular aspect of being: happiness, peace, prosperity, love, and connection with the Divine.

To get started, find any comfortable seated position, close your eyes, regulate the breath and simply repeat the mantra aloud in whichever rhythm feels natural to you. There is a modern version paired with each mantra just in case you’re not comfortable with reciting Sanskrit, leaving you with no excuse to not give it a go!

1. A Mantra for Happiness

Sanskrit Mantra: Om Paraanandaaya Namaha

Modern Equivalent: Happiness is a choice

Meaning: This mantra serves as a reminder that happiness is our inherent nature; we were born happy, long before negative thoughts, labels, and desires colored our experience. In remembering that true happiness comes from within, the chase for external and material happiness becomes redundant.

Practice Tip: Smile as you chant this mantra – you will find it hard not to feel more joyful!

2. A Mantra for Peace

Sanskrit Mantra: Lokah Samastah Sukhino Bhavantu

Modern Equivalent: May all beings everywhere be happy and free

Meaning: Used for centuries as an invocation of peace, this mantra reminds us that we are all connected with one another as part of the same universe. By radiating this sentiment out to the world around us, we are able to step away from the ego and concentrate on universal well-being.

Practice Tip: Take a deep inhale and try vocalizing the whole of this mantra on the out breath.

3. A Mantra for Prosperity

Sanskrit Mantra: Om Gam Ganapataye Namah

Modern Equivalent: I can overcome any obstacle

Meaning: This is the mantra of Lord Ganesha who is known in Hindu tradition as the remover of internal and external obstacles. This mantra can be used to stoke the fire of transformation and blaze your way to success.

Practice Tip: Try doing the Ganesha mudra while repeating this mantra. It is believed to boost self-confidence and courage, helping you to overcome any obstacles in your path to prosperity.

4. A Mantra for Love

Sanskrit Mantra: Om Mani Padme Hum

Modern Equivalent: Love pervades all

Meaning: A Tibetan Buddhist prayer of compassion, this mantra is said to contain all the teachings of the Buddha. This mantra instills a sense of loving-kindness toward all beings, reminding us that the power of love is innate in everyone.

Practice Tip: Om Mani Padme Hum is not directly translatable into a simple phrase. Try focusing on the vibrations of this mantra rather than getting lost in its meaning.

5. A Mantra for Connection With the Divine

Sanskrit Mantra: Om Namah Shivaya

Modern Equivalent: I am one with universal consciousness

Meaning: One of the most popular Hindu dedications to Lord Shiva, this mantra is used to connect to the Divine within and to draw attention to omnipresent universal consciousness. When repeated with devotion, this mantra is thought to bring spiritual insight.

Practice Tip: Om is believed to be the sound and frequency of the creation of the universe. Try elongating this syllable for an entire exhale, paying close attention to the vibrations it creates within the body.

Mantras can help you remain present in the moment, focus your thoughts and intentions on what’s important to you and, ultimately, manifest beautiful things in yourself and the world around you.

———————-

Editor’s note: This is a guest post by Rachel Bilski. Rachel is a devoted yoga teacher and freelance content writer for Yogapedia, a yoga encyclopedia and resource that shares the philosophy and practice of yoga.

Need a yoga book…here’s what we’ve been reading…

The Harvard Medical School Guide to Yoga by Marlynn Wei and James Groves

Inner Engineering: A Yogi’s Guide to Joy by Sadhguru

Two Turns from Zero by Stacey Griffith

Go Go Yoga Kids: Empower Kids for Life Through Yoga by Sara J. Weis

The Teacher Appears: 108 Prompts to Power Your Yoga Practice by Brian Leaf

Ready to Run by Dr. Kelly Starrett

The Mindful Athlete: Secrets to Pure Performance by George Mumford

The Yogafit Athlete by Beth Shaw

Perfectly Imperfect: The Art and Soul of Yoga Practice by Baron Baptiste

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Lilias! Yoga: Your Guide to Enhancing Body, Mind, and Spirit in Midlife and Beyond by Lilias Folan

Yoga for Sports: A Journey Towards Health and Healing by B.K.S. Iyengar

A Killer Retreat (A Downward Dog Mystery) by Tracy Weber

The Mind Illuminated: A Complete Meditation Guide Integrating Buddhist Wisdom and Brain Science by Culadasa (John Yates)

Practicing Mindfulness: An Introduction to Meditation by Professor Mark W. Muesse (From The Great Courses series on Audible)

10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works–A True Story by Dan Harris

Krishnamacharya: His Life and Teachings by A.G. Mohan Learn more about A.G. Mohan at his website:  Svastha Yoga and Ayurveda.

Health, Healing, and Beyond: Yoga and the Living Tradition of T. Krishnamacharya by T.K.V. Desikachar

The Yoga of the Yogi: The Legacy of T. Krishnamacharya by Kausthaub Desikachar

The Science of Yoga: The Risks and the Rewards by William J. Broad

Core of the Yoga Sutras: The Definitive Guide to the Philosophy of Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

Light on Life by B.K.S. Iyengar

Guruji: A Portrait of Sri K. Pattabhi Jois by Guy Donahaye and Eddie Stern

Yoga Mala  Sri K. Pattabhi Jois

The Bhagavad Gita translated by Eknath Easwaran

The Path of Yoga: An Essential Guide to Its Principles and Practices by Georg Feuerstein

Yoga Cures: Over 50 Simple Routines for Radiant Health by Tara Stiles

Yoga for Transformation: Ancient Teachings for Healing the Body, Mind, and Heart by Gary Kraftsow

The Complete Guide to Yin Yoga by Bernie Clark

Fierce Medicine: Breakthrough Practices to Heal the Body and Ignite the Spirit by Ana T. Forrest

The Bhagavad Gita: A Walkthrough for Westerners by Jack Hawley

The Wisdom of Yoga: A Seeker’s Guide to Extraordinary Living by Stephen Cope

The Tree of Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice by T.K.V. Desikachar

Yoga as Medicine: The Yogic Prescription for Health and Healing by Timothy McCall, M.D.

There is No App for Happiness: How to Avoid a Near-Life Experience by Max Strom

Mindfulness in Plain English by Bhante Gunaratana

Meditations from the Mat: Daily Reflections on the Path of Yoga by Rolf Gates and Katrina Kenison

Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual by David Swenson

The Power of Ashtanga Yoga by Kino MacGregor

Ashtanga Yoga: The Definitive Step-by-Step Guide to Dynamic Yoga by John Scott

Here’s a short, but inspiring, clip of the author demonstrating and explaining Ashtanga yoga.

Being of Power: The 9 Practices to Ignite an Empowered Life by Baron Baptiste

40 Days to Personal Revolution by Baron Baptiste

The Yoga Bootcamp Box: An Interactive Program to Revolutionize Your Life by Baron Baptiste

Journey Into Power by Baron Baptiste

Yoga for Warriors: Basic Training in Strength, Resilience & Peace of Mind by Beryl Bender Birch

Teaching Yoga: Essential Foundations And Techniques  by Mark Stephens

Uncover a ton of teaching and practice pointers on the Mark Stephens Yoga website.

Yoga Anatomy by Leslie Kaminoff and Amy Matthews

Author’s website: Yoga Anatomy

Light on Yoga by B.K.S. Iyengar

Light on Prãnãyãma: The Yogic Art of Breathing by B.K.S. Iyengar

Yin Yoga: Principles and Practice by Paul Grilley

Yoga Beyond Belief: Insights to Awaken and Deepen Your Practice by Ganga White

Kripalu Yoga: A Guide to Practice on and Off the Mat by Richard Faulds

Yoga and the Quest for the True Self by Stephen Cope

The Great Work of Your Life: A Guide for the Journey to Your True Calling by Stephen Cope

The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation by Thich Nhat Hanh

Mindful Movements: Ten Exercises for Well-Being by Thich Nhat Hanh

My Spiritual Journey by The Dalai Lama

Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind by Shunryu Suzuki

Buddhist Boot Camp by Timber HawkeyeWhere

Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Real Happiness: The Power of Meditation by Sharon Salzberg

Yoga for Dummies by Larry Payne and Georg Feuerstein

The Yoga-Sutra Of Patanjali: A New Translation With Commentary (Shambhala Classics)  by Chip Hartranft 

Read Hartranft’s translation for free right here or via the author’s On-line Companion.  Excellent resource!

The Inner Tradition Of Yoga: A Guide To Yoga Philosophy For The ContemporaryPractitioner by Michael Stone

To learn more about the author, Michael Stone, visit his website.

Here’s a video of the author describing his approach to yoga.

The Inner Tradition of Yoga by Michael Stone from Toronto Body Mind on Vimeo.

Myths of The Asanas: The Ancient Origins of Yoga by Alanna Kaivalya, Arjuna van der Kooij

Visit the author’s website for more information on the Kaivalya Yoga Method.

Yoga Beneath The Surface: An American Student And His Indian Teacher Discuss Yoga Philosophy And Practice by Srivatsa Ramaswami, David Hurwitz

Learn more about Ramaswami at his website: Vinyasa Krama.

Read Ramaswami’s article My Studies with Shri T. Krishnamacharya published in Namarupa Magazine.

The Complete Book of Vinyasa Yoga: The Authoritative Presentation-Based on 30 Years of Direct Study Under the Legendary Yoga Teacher Krishnamacha by Srivatsa Ramaswami

Yoga Body:  The Origins of Modern Posture Practice by Mark Singleton

Book review and some good comments on mayaland.

The Subtle Body: The Story Of Yoga In America by Stefanie Syman

Read an interview with author Stefanie Syman at YogaCityNYC.

Listen to author interview on On Point Radio.

The Yamas & Niyamas: Exploring Yoga’s Ethical Practice by Deborah Adele

Book site:  http://www.theyamasandniyamas.com/.

Author’s blog.

Living Your Yoga:  Finding the Spiritual in Everyday Life by Judith Hanson Lasater

Author’s website.

Ashtanga Yoga: Practice And Philosophy by Gregor Maehle

Author’s website, 8limbs.com.

Yoga And The Path Of The Urban Mystic by Darren Main

Visit Darren Main’s companion website to the book.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Yoga: A Practical Guide to Healing Body, Mind, and Spirit by Deepak Chopra

The Athlete’s Pocket Guide to Yoga:  50 Routines for Flexibility, Balance, and Focus by Sage Rountree

Take a look at Sage’s advice on Yoga for Runners on Runner’s World.

Sage also has a great website and blog.

The Subtle Body:  An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy by Cyndi Dale

Visit the author’s website for additional exploration.

Hell-Bent: Obsession, Pain, and the Search for Something Like Transcendence in Competitive Yoga by Benjamin Lorr

Yoga: The Spirit and Practice of Moving into Stillness by Erich Schiffmann

Bringing Yoga to Life: The Everyday Practice of Enlightened Living by Donna Farhi

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali:  Commentary on the Raja Yoga Sutras by Sri Swami Satchidananda

Visit Sri Swami Satchidananda’s website.

The Living Gita:  The Complete Bhagavad Gita – A Commentary for Modern Readers by Sri Swami Satchidananda

  27 Things to Know About Yoga by Victoria Klein

Check out Daily Cup of Yoga’s Review of 27 Things. This is really a great little yoga book!

You will also enjoy reading Victoria Klein’s great yoga blog.

The Mirror of Yoga:  Awakening the Intelligence of Body and Mind by Richard Freeman

Author’s website:  Yoga Workshop.

I’m also a HUGE fan of Richard Freeman’s course on yoga philosophy, “The Yoga Matrix.”

The Yoga of Jesus: Understanding the Hidden Teachings of the Gospels (Self-Realization Fellowship) by Paramahansa Yogananda

How to be Happy All the Time by Paramahansa Yogananda

Man’s Eternal Quest: Collected Talks and Essays – Volume 1 (Self-Realization Fellowship)by Paramahansa Yogananda 

Journey to Self-Realization – Collected Talks and Essays. Volume 3 (Self-Realization Fellowship) by Paramahansa Yogananda 

Autobiography of a Yogi (Self-Realization Fellowship) by Paramahansa Yogananda 

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