12 mantras to help you stay positive
Mantras are a word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid concentration in meditation.
Now if you’re anything like me or my clients, your brain has an amazing ability to pull you out of the present moment and future trip on scary shit that may or may not happen. Your mind may also be particularly adept at telling you that your body is subpar, you’re not as good at your job as you think you are, you’re not thoughtful, generous or patient enough and oh, the uncomfortable shit that’s happening in your life right now, it’s only going to get worse.
DAMN.
Now none of us are immune to the Itty Bitty Shitty Committee in our head (Hi there, everyone!) but what we can do is use mantras to shift away from believing what the committee has to say and instead land on something that feels better.
And while mantras are traditionally used to help practitioners focus during meditation, I find they’re incredibly helpful to refocus ourselves on what’s true and positive in the moment, whether we’re meditating or moving around during our busy day.
Our brains have an amazing ability to find the negative. In fact, according to Dr. Rick Hanson, our brains evolved to be more sensitive to negative stimuli rather than positive as a way to keep us safe and alive. And though that’s helpful when trying to avoid dangerous predators, our negativity bias isn’t as needed in today’s modern world.
Thankfully, the brain can change and with mindful habits, like mantras, we can carve new neuro pathways that support a sense of presence and peace rather than worry and fear. Over the years I’ve created countless mantras for clients as a way to reroute their negativity bias and reconnect them to the knowing that it’s all going to be OK.
The biggest changes I see in my clients and myself after using a mantra is both a sense of calm and a reinvigoration of our confidence to face our fears, be kind to ourselves and keep moving forward.
Here are my twelve most popular mantras. If you’re feeling negative towards your body, worried about work or doubting yourself, use these mantras as a way to come back to the present moment and the truth that you’re everything you need to be.
My 12 Favorite Mantras
For when life feels hard: Let the uncomfortable be OK. Like all things, it's only temporary.
For when you’re at war with your body: My body is trustworthy.
For when you feel off track: You're doing exactly what you need to be doing. Just keep showing up and be kind to yourself along the way.
For when you’re judging yourself: I allow myself to be unashamed of my imperfections.
For when you’re afraid to share your needs: Asking for what I need is not the end of the conversation but the beginning.
For when you feel stuck: I always have options.
For when you’re going a mile a minute: Slow and steady keeps me sane.
For when you’re afraid to speak: Just f*cking say it!
For when you don’t think you’re enough: I don't have to prove myself.
For when you’re judging others: We’re all doing the best we can.
For when you judge yourself for being sick or feeling low: I'm allowed to take time to heal.
For when you feel stuck in fear: I may not know how but I’m still going to try.
P.S. If you find you’re constantly being attacked by your Itty Bitty Shitty Committee, let’s schedule a clarity session. During our hour together we’ll look at the messages you’re getting stuck in and lay out a plan to get those voices to chill the f*cking out. I currently have 2 spots left in June so simply email me and we’ll get you on calendar.
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This conversation is between myself and an incredible woman named Ani, who shares how she learned how to be authentic, practice self-compassion, and take up space without guilt or shame through my 6-month group coaching program, Homecoming. Ani is a model for how to excavate internalized misogyny and live authentically without fear of others’ opinions. The conversation originally took place on my podcast, The Path Home.