Quarter 1: Mindfulness and Mantras
Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose with kindness and curiosity. Practicing mindfulness helps increase self-awareness and self-regulation and helps us get to the heart of a matter.
Mindfulness is a practice of paying attention to the present moment on purpose with kindness and curiosity. Practicing mindfulness helps increase self-awareness and self-regulation and helps us get to the heart of a matter.
Formal Practice Examples: yoga, meditation journaling, etc.
Informal Practice Examples: deep breathing, reciting a mantra, taking a walk, quick brain break, etc.
This year we will develop a variety of both formal and informal mindfulness practices with the goal of creating a toolbox you can access whenever you are feeling overwhelmed, and you need to refocus yourself.
- As our first mindfulness tools for our toolbox, we are going to explore Mantras and Meditation.
What is a mantra? A mantra is a word or sound repeated to aid concentration in meditation or a statement or slogan repeated frequently.
What is the power of a mantra? Simple words and phrases have the power to interrupt negative thoughts and put us on a better path. Think of it this way...you are the only person who is with you 100% of the time. What you say to yourself are the most powerful words anyone will ever say to you. A mantra helps us to speak positivity into becoming our reality. Studies have been done showing that chanting mantras can reduce stress levels and even change our brain's chemistry. Mantras can be used as part of a larger meditation or yoga practice or can stand alone as you start your journey of taking time for mental wellness.
What is your mantra? Your mantra can focus on any area of need that you identify. Below are a few suggested themes to consider:
- Building self-confidence
- For strength and willpower
- For enduring tough times
- For manifesting love
- For seeking happiness
- For radiating gratitude
When can you use your mantra? You can incorporate your mantra into a yoga or mediation practice or you can simply start and end your day with a few quite moments of reflection where you repeat your mantra to yourself. During times of stress, you can repeat your mantra to bring focus back to your body and a sense of calm.
Visit https://www.uclahealth.org/marc/mindful-meditations for a series of meditations - they range from 3 to 19 minutes