man·tra Noun/ˈmantrə/
1. (originally in Hinduism and Buddhism) A word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation.
2. A statement that is frequently repeated; a characteristic formula or refrain.
I am finally learning the power of mantras. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I feel that in the western world we are ashamed to think of ourselves in a positive light as it may be thought of as conceited and therefore we often repeat negative phrases in our head without being aware of the damage that they are doing - the negative energy they bring into our days. Things like, ‘oh of course because I am in a rush everything is going to go wrong’, ‘I know that person doesn’t like me’, ‘what is wrong with that person’, ‘I’m never going to succeed’ etc.
After attending the Florida Association of Realtors Conference in Orlando, one of our seminars, by Zan Munroe, suggested we start our day by giving thanks/gratitude for five things in our lives. It enables us to start our day focusing on the positive, and there is strong belief (which I strongly also believe) that the more you focus on what is positive in your life, the more good will come. Of course, the more you focus on negative – the more negative you will receive.
So, I have started to give thanks for five things in my life, everyday, or just about. I may not remember to do it right when I wake up, but usually driving in the car to work. It sets my intentions for a positive day ahead. I find that it also helps me to cope better when circumstances in my day do not go as I had hoped or planned. My mind goes back to all the things I have to be thankful for and puts that moment of stress or frustration into a better perspective. Do I still get irritated and frustrated? Sure! But I am learning not to let little things ruin my day or get the best of me.
I also have a new hand soap that I have in my bathroom that is called “Go Forth & Conquer.” I have no choice but to read it every morning while I am brushing my teeth. Sometimes when I am super tired and I wake up really not wanting to get ready and get moving that saying, as overheard and overused as it is, boosts my energy and I am ready to face the day.
And, when I am feeling a little unsure of a decision throughout the day, I am learning short pep phrases that I repeat to myself, ‘Well it was the best solution you thought of at the time so don’t beat yourself up about it’ or ‘You are going to succeed and you ARE smart’. Sometimes that other voice on my shoulder says ‘Oh stop thinking so highly of yourself’ but I am learning to tell that person to pipe down, and that if I cannot belief in myself who else will!
So surround yourself with positive phrases and speak positively to yourself. Do not be afraid to think that you look really pretty when you look in the mirror, or that task you just completed you totally kicked ass on!
And when you step out into the world, smile at everyone and hope that everyone can enjoy their day as much as you. Your positive energy will be contagious - the positive energy that you give off will make the world a better place.
We can never know how much a simple smile can do. ~ Mother Theresa
