Meditation Mantras
Meditation mantras are wonderful to use and can deepen your meditation sessions to a whole new, peaceful and divine level!
If you’ve been around this blog for any amount of time, you probably already know that I dig meditating… Guided, mindfulness, or visualization, you name it, it’s my cup of peppermint tea!
But while meditation can seem simple once you get the hang of it, it’s often not easy to start. (Learn how to get started with my meditation guide.)
Sometimes even seasoned meditators struggle with staying focused and not thinking about their pesky grocery list — and that’s where mantras come in.
A mantra is a word or phrase repeated over and over during meditation.
In this post, I’m going to give you 21 meditation mantras, explain why you should use one (seriously, it makes all the difference), and how to use it.
What is a Meditation Mantra?
Meditation mantras are high-vibrational, spiritual or sacred words or phrases that you repeat during your meditation session.
They are designed to raise your vibration and change your brain in a super positive way (like muscle memory for the brain!)
Think of your mantra like a theme or keyword to live by.
But just like meditation, mantras have multiple benefits!
Why Use Mantras?
Meditation mantras give your mind something to do besides wander!
Have you ever noticed how hard it is to think of NOTHING? “Clear your mind”… oh sure, yeah, easier said than done!
Our brains are designed to constantly look for something — like a hunting dog in the woods. Even if the woods are OMG-gorgeous, that dog will keep his nose to the ground looking for something, that’s just their nature.
Mantras keep your mind occupied while you meditate, increasing meditation focus and depth.
It gives our brain the chance to relax and not wander.
Plus, when a mantra is running through your mind on repeat, it’s more difficult for “Ugh, I forgot to pick up milk,” to enter your mind.
Meditation Mantra Benefits
1. Mantras Empower You
You know that ah-mazing feeling you get after a good workout, yoga session or meditation?
It’s like you’re walking on clouds, until you turn around and see that your cat had a hairball on your antique Persian rug.
After that, even thinking back on your great meditation sesh’ won’t bring the feeling back. But using a mantra can change that!
Thinking of your mantra when you’re NOT meditating can rekindle feelings of calmness and peace long after your meditation session has ended.
My favorite mantra is, “It is well with my soul.”
Whenever I feel the need to connect more deeply with my Higher Self and come back to a state of understanding and calm, I close my eyes and say, “It is well with my soul.”
2. Meditation Mantras Add Variety
Souls like me who have been in the game awhile have tried a LOT of different meditation types and methods. There’s always something new and fun to discover in your mind, but sometimes the same old thing can get boring.
Mantras introduce a way to switch up the routine while still reaping all the benefits of meditation.
They are designed to transform your mind over time, and as that happens, even your old guided meditations will take on a new light.
How to Use Meditation Mantras
Just like meditation and all things spiritual, there’s no right or wrong way to use a mantra.
You don’t have to repeat them a certain number of times or meditate for X amount of months before you see a difference.
One you select a mantra from the list below, start your meditation as you normally would:
- Sit in a comfortable spot and bring your attention to your breath.
- As you sink into your mediation, start to repeat your mantra.
- Focus on each word (if there are multiple). Don’t think it so quickly that you miss the phrase or so slowly that other thoughts can come in.
Tip:
I love using mala beads (also known as prayer beads) when reciting a mantra. Mala beads resemble rosary beads and are used in a variety of ways:
- Primarily, they can be used to keep you focused. Remember, part of meditation mantras are to allow your mind to disengage.
- The other cool thing about mala beads is that you can use them to combine crystals into you meditation! Mala beads can be made out of all sorts of materials, including rose quartz, black onyx, and jade. If you’ve been wanting to start using crystals — this may be your opportunity!
21 Meditation Mantras
Okay, now for the nitty-gritty! Try one (or all) of these mantras on for size and see what resonates with you.
And don’t forget, you can always switch up your mantra as you gain more meditation experience.
- “Om” (a multi-meaning spiritual mantra)
- “Om Shanti Shanti Shanti” (traditional “Om” followed with peace of mind, peace of body, and peace of speech)
- “It is well with my soul”
- “Be still, and know”
- “I change my thoughts, I change my world”
- “So Ham” (pronounced “So Hum” meaning “so that”)
- “I am that I am”
- “Be the change you wish to see in the world”
- “Namo Amita Bha” (meaning “homage to the Buddha of boundless light”)
- “Let go, let God”
- “Ave Maria” (meaning “hail Mary”)
- “I attract joy, love, and light” (you can swap those nouns out for anything you want to attract!)
- “I am exactly where I need to be”
- “Be a warrior, not a worrier”
- “Commit. Succeed.” (This is a great mantra to use as you’re revving up for something)
- “Let it go” (try NOT to get the Frozen song stuck in your head… )
- “Progress over perfection”
- “Accept what is, let go of what was, have faith in what will be”
- “I can, and I will”
- “I am free from sadness/anger/pain” (insert whatever you’re struggling with)
- “Sat nam” (pronounced saaaaaaaat drawn out 8x longer than nam, meaning “truth is my name”)
Next read: 5 Meditation Alternatives to Quiet Your Mind
