Healing mantra for winter blues
Help the winter blues with a simple mantra
If like me you struggle with the transition from summer to winter then you’ll know it can be quite a difficult time of year. I have found that when I practice a mantra it really helps with my mental wellbeing making me feel happier and have more energy.
Here’s a little more information about mantras.
The word mantra is derived from two Sanskrit words—manas (mind) and tra (tool). Mantra literally means a tool for the mind.
Whilst studying in India I delved deeper into mantras, I learnt that when we practice mantras we are working with the expansive energy of the heart. Breaking the mantra down even further Man (heart) and Tra (expansion and liberation) meaning an expansion of the heart or in other words going beyond the mind.
Our heart centre is really special, the beating of the heart is the first sound we hear in our mothers womb so this is the first mantra we experience. The power of the mantra lies in our heart and it’s important to connect with the heart centre to allow a deep energetic experience.
Many mantras come from the Upanishads (a collection of texts and writen philosophy) and and Tantric tradition and are in the sacred Sanskrit language. Sanskirt is used only for mantras and sutras and not used for general conversation so chanting in Sanskrit enables us to really focus on the meditation as there are no memories connected to the words, allowing a deeper experience.
How to practice
All mantras are equally as powerful, the only difference is the way you use the mantras. There are many different ways to practice mantras. Out Loud, Softly, Silently and by Tuning In.
Out Loud: A mantra practiced out loud creates a build up of energy and can feel very powerful especially when practiced in a group setting. It allows a shift in energetic vibrations that can be felt or sensed in the space around you.
Softly: This is more of a personal or individual practice and the power can be felt within, creating inner strength and wisdom.
Silently: Silent mantras can sometimes be the most difficult to practice as you are more aware of the other distractions of the mind - thoughts. The intention of silent mantras is to create a subtle experience to our own consciousness and allow distraction to fade away allowing a deep stillness.
Tuning In: When you are able to tune in it’s really like you’re not practicing a mantra. You are aware listening to the mantra however it’s different to silently repeating it. It just happens. You are totally in tune with your own consciousness. Whereas silent mantra can sometimes feel difficult to master because of distractions, tuning in feels completely different, you have arrived at one with yourself and there is only stillness.
In the eyes of the universe nobody had a bad voice. There is no ego, no space for feeling nervous. Just open up your heart. We all have different sound vibrations and they are all equally as beautiful
Which Mantra?
Here are a few examples of a few mantras. It’s important to try a few and see which one feels good for you. There are also lots of other sounds and mantras as well. You should practice your mantra every day for at least 21 days, you will be amazed at the difference it will make to you life and your well-being.
Om
The first sound heard at the creation of the universe.
Om Shanti-Shanti-Shanti
Om-Peace-Peace-Peace
May there be well-being for all,
May there be peace for all.
May there be wholeness for all,
Mat there be happiness for all.
Sat Nam
Truth is my name.
On Namo Guro Dav Namo
I bow to the creative energy of the infinite.
I bow to the Divine channel of wisdom.
Om Mani Padme Hum
The jewel is in the lotus.
Alternative mantras
Other mantras that may resonate more with you could also look like the following:
I am enough
I am strong
I love myself
I believe in who I am
Choose one of these or create your own. Mantras are a very personal choice and I personally enjoy the traditional Sanskrit mantras however, if these don’t connect with you then choose one that is positive and will bring you joy.
A final note
…even if the mantras you are chanting do not feel believable to you chant them anyway. Your thoughts become your feelings and actions so please keep going with so much positivity and you WILL begin to believe everything you are telling yourself. You are LOVE, you are AMAZING and you are ENOUGH
I really hope this has been a useful tool to help with the winter blues. If you would like more information about mantras or meditation practices then please take a look at my instagram page for a FREE 7 day mediation plan (including mantras) it’s a great place to start to help bring some calm and happiness into yourself.
BIG love, Jen xx