Build a Mantra with Meaning

How do you speak to yourself? I have always been a lover of quotes and affirmations, but lately I have been prioritizing not just creating quotes and affirmation, but speaking them. Speaking to myself has shown me just how powerful my voice is. Yes writing is powerful too, but there is something about hearing my own voice that empowers, encourages, and validates me.

This is why I love mantras. They are short statements or words that you repeat. Sounds simple right? No, mantra work has depth and requires purpose and intention to impact you. Originally, mantra was found in Hinduism and Buddhism using sound and words while meditating to help them focus.

A mantra is a sacred word, sound or phrase, often in Sanskrit, recited within a wide variety of religious and spiritual traditions such as Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga. The word mantra is derived from two Sanskrit roots; manas meaning ‘mind’ and tra meaning ‘tool’. As such, mantras are considered to be “tools of thought,” used as a means of harnessing and focusing the mind.
–Yogapedia

You may have heard of mantra before, but have integrated its benefits into your daily routines and self-care practices? Here are some reasons that mantra may be for you:

reduce stress and anxiety
reduce anger and frustration
provide focus and concentration
helps redirect negative thoughts and feelings
uplift your mood
promotes positive vibes and energy
builds inner-peace
promotes positive self-worth and self-image

Mantra is definitely underestimated in supporting a quality mental health, self-worth, and healing. Mantra is a great coping skill for depression, anxiety, and for day-to-day stress. Mantra can also assist with boosting self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-empowerment. In those moments when I am feeling insecure, anxious, or down, mantra helps me to remember my worth, values, and to be kind to myself.

There is plenty of quality information out there about mantra that can provide you with examples and ways to strengthen your practice. You may have practiced mantra before, but did that mantra resonate with you? Here are three types of meaningful mantras:

1. Grounded Mantra (Root Chakra)

I am safe. I am here. I am enough. (repeat as many times as you need)

2. Empowerment Mantra

I matter. My voice matters. My story matters. (repeat as many times as you need)

3. Energy Booster Mantra

with your hands on your heart or in the air (say your name), You got this. (say your name) You are qualified. (say your name) You are capable.

Try to recreate your own Grounded, Empowerment, and Energy Boosting Mantras. What words do you need to hear to feel grounded, empowered, and energized?

Here are some tips for reciting and creating mantras:

take three deep breaths before you begin reciting a mantra
repeat the phrase at least three times but more is welcomed
there should be purpose and intention in your words
make it short and sweet
it should be something you can memorize so that you can say it wherever you are whenever you need it
try looking into a mirror when you say a mantra
touch yourself: put your hands on your heart or hug yourself
put your hands in the air or try other power poses when you recite

Mantra is for you but they also should reflect you. When creating a mantra or reciting one, the word or phrase should speak to you. It should be a reflection of what you need to hear in the moment its spoken. If there is no intention behind why you are saying the mantra, you may not witness its benefits or see an impact in your mood. Here are some empowering one-line mantras that you can recite to yourself:

I am brave and bold.
I know that I have purpose.
I will face my fears by doing it scared.
You are powerful. (hands on heart)
I am more than enough.
You are worthy because you exist. (hands on heart)

If you spoke these words and they resonated with you, repeat them, memorize them, and recite these words repetitively throughout your day or in those tough moments when you need to feel grounded, empowered, or just need an emotional energy boost. Create your own one-liner mantras and use them when you need to.

I am here for your heart.