We are all perfectly imperfect:

Mantra meditations can focus the mind and boost clarity

By Polly Campbell on February 22, 2012

If you find it super hard to sit in the silence and meditate, don’t give up just mix it up and try practicing mantra meditation.

What is Mantra Meditation?

A mantra is a phrase or word or sound that you repeat aloud or to yourself throughout the duration of the meditation session. It can also be repeated throughout the day as a focused reminder.

Some mantras are simply a single word to describe a specific quality such as peace or patience or love that you’re working to consciously develop in your own life. Others are a few words long and draw attention – almost like an affirmation – to a condition you’d like to evoke in life, such as “I am love.” Spiritual mantras often repeat the name of God in any one of its different forms.

Some mantras focus on particular vibrational frequencies thought to connect to the energies of higher consciousness. Self-help guru Wayne Dyer teaches about Japa meditation, which is the slow repetition of select sounds, such as OM, which create vibrational resonance with the body. In Hinduism, OM is believed to be the first sound of creation and it’s a popular choice with mantra meditators.

I’ve tried this aloud using both OM and AH and I. Loved. It. The vibration rings so deep and true that I did feel a shift in consciousness and an opening of awareness. I also found it easier to focus on the sound repetition rather than to stay attentive to my breath as required in other meditations.

Whatever mantra you use, choose something that inspires you, carries a specific meaning and evokes powerful emotion. And keep it short. You want it to be significant, but not distracting in its complexity. And please people – don’t use the mantra like a wish list. No, “Ohhhmmm, I am a size sixxxxxx.” Although, I can’t say I haven’t thought about it.

With your mantra in mind, sit quietly and comfortably, straight-backed and do some deep belly breathing. Then begin, slowly and deliberately repeating your mantra either in mind or aloud. Continue for the duration of the mediation. If your mind wanders, notice that and bring it back to the mantra. Repetition is key, so keep going.

When your time is up, let the words of the mantra drift into the air, sit in the silence, take some deep breaths and slowly connect again to the physical world.

If you’re finding it hard to sit quietly with your thoughts in meditation, try using a mantra meditation. Stick with it for at least 30 days. Do not give up. Seriously. Just do it. With practice, meditation gets a whole lot easier and more interesting. And the mental focus, clarity, and well-being that come from a regular meditation practice are definitely worth working for.

Posted in meditation | Tagged body, meditation, peace | 4 Responses

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