5 mantras to use to feel good every day

What is a mantra?

Mantras are sacred sounds, phrases, or formulas that you repeat to yourself over and over again to create a positive thought. It is about creating an anchor in your mind and reaping physical, spiritual and psychological benefits.

Having a tough time during the day? An important meeting? A stressful date or a difficult awakening: there are many occasions that can make us waver. Sometimes reading positive quotes in which we recognize ourselves can re-motivate us and get us back on the right foot.

Some mantras dilute the negative thoughts that prevent us from moving forward in life, others soothe tensions, calm intense emotions. Some mantras awaken our energy and creativity. Whether it's to improve self-confidence or to relieve stress, a simple little phrase can change everything.

Where do mantras come from?

The mantra is an age-old ritual found in many traditions, particularly Hindu and Buddhist. Complementary to body practice, this vibratory song helps channel energy, elevate the spirit and regain self-confidence. Mantras are sacred syllables or phrases used as vehicles to reach a heightened state of consciousness, they are also supports for meditation in Tibetan Buddhism. Sometimes they mean nothing, sometimes they are sentences with spiritual meanings, sentences of devotion to a divinity for example.

Here are the 5 most famous mantras that can help you on a daily basis:

Om: One of the most universally recited mantras. It is considered the sound of the creation of the universe. Aum (usually spelled Om) is believed to contain all vibrations that have existed or will exist in the future. If you practice yoga, your teacher has probably already started the class with this mantra which helps to bring thoughts together and create a collective state of inner listening. This creates a common vibration: the group is immediately in osmosis.

Om Namah Shivaya: It means “I bow to Shiva”: it is about bowing to one's deepest inner self. You can perform this mantra without any special ritual, just sit down with your back straight and pay attention to this sentence when you say it. Its regular practice will allow you to get closer to the inner divine nature that is in each of us.

Sat Nam: This mantra, which means “Truth is my name. I am the truth”, is often used in yoga, allows to recognize the light that exists in oneself and in the other and connects us with our deeper self.

Om Shanti: This mantra has the meaning “Universal Peace” and invites the protection and serenity of the Universe or God. This mantra also invokes protection and peace in the material world, drawing on the beneficial energies around you. Recite or sing Om Shanti during a time of trouble or simply to generate a sense of inner peace throughout the day.

Om Gum Ganapataye Namaha: It can be generally translated as “Hail to Lord Ganesh.” Om Gam Ganapataye Namaha is a mantra for Ganesh who is the Lord of prosperity, beauty, grace and compassion. This mantra is used to sweep away inner and outer obstacles that can prevent a person from moving forward. This mantra will give you the strength to break them and realize yourself.

Why use mantras daily?

When you are subject to stress or in the grip of negative thoughts, it is interesting to use it to settle down and rebalance your inner turmoil. The more you recite the mantra, the more you become imbued with its message and its positive energy. It is also a way to reach a moment of mindfulness to deliver a benevolent message to oneself.

No need to repeat existing mantras to feel real benefits. You can create your own mantras and adapt them to your situation and your needs. They will be more personal and will guide you all the more. Positive affirmations like, “I will succeed”, “I am strong” are revisited mantras. These are short positive sentences (i.e. without negation), do not say “I am not zero” but say “I am capable of anything”. When they are repeated in a loop regularly and long enough, they have a powerful power to reprogram the brain. Repeating this type of sentence before an important meeting, for example, can give you courage and calm your stress, by setting a course to follow.

Ask yourself what you need. Be as specific as possible. If you can't, try to find out what emotions are inside you that you would like to get rid of. FillFill yourself with positive energy by inhaling and let go of negative emotions by exhaling deeply. You will already feel better.