Mantra is an ancient word from Sanskrit, broken into ‘man’, meaning to think and ‘tra’, meaning tool.
Mantras have been used for thousands of years for a range of different functions and are closely associated with meditation and devotion. The most common mantra used in meditation is the sound ‘OM’, but there are many other sounds and words that have been used to accomplish specific goals or states of mind.
Today, mantra meditation is still a popular way to calm the mind and bring you into a deeper state of awareness in the present.
Today, we discuss mantra meditation and what you should know before you get started.
It Can be Performed Silently or Aloud
A mantra refers to a sound or word repeated over and over, but it doesn’t have to be performed out loud. Most of us are accustomed to seeing mantras being chanted out loud, but you can also perform them silently for the same type of benefit.
You can also do your mantra meditation alone or in a group. For many people, chanting mantras out loud makes it easier to focus, as silent mantras require a deeper level of concentration to stay focused. Chanting your mantras out loud can also help to stimulate the vagus nerve, which offers a range of helpful benefits.
Choosing a Mantra Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
Like many things in life, getting started is often the most challenging part of mantra meditation.
A lot of people get stuck on which mantra to choose, but you don’t need to overcomplicate the process. If you want to be traditional, you can chant ‘Om’ or ‘Aum’ as you meditate. This mantra has been used for thousands of years, so you know you can’t go wrong if you use it. Alternatively, you can also choose a word or short phrase that is specific to your life or situation.
If either of those ideas doesn’t work for you, try “I am That I Am” or “ I Love You; I’m Sorry; Please Forgive Me; Thank You”.
It is as Simple as it Seems
This process of mantra meditation doesn’t need to be complicated, and it really is as simple as it sounds. Here’s all you have to do:
- Find a quiet place where you can get comfortable and won’t have disruptions.
- Start with a few deep breaths, paying close attention to your breathing and focusing on the sensation of the air going in and out of your lungs.
- Continue to breathe slowly and start using your mantra.
As you continue, you will want to gently redirect any wandering thoughts and continue to breathe easily, settling into a rhythm with your mantra. In the beginning, you may want to set a timer to ensure you don’t meditate too long or for too short a time.
You can do your mantra meditation in virtually any position, but in the beginning, you may have end up falling asleep if you decide to do it lying down.
Mantra Meditation May Help Reduce Hypertension
It’s no secret that hypertension is a severe health issue that kills approximately 10 million people around the world every year.
But there is research to show that mantra meditation can help to reduce blood pressure in people with hypertension, whether they are being treated with pharmaceuticals or not. This is exciting news, as such a simple and basic practice can have potentially profound health effects.
Mantras Can Have Psychological Benefits
Mantras can also help boost your mental health.
They can help improve your focus on tasks, relieve stress, and possibly even reduce anxiety levels. Mantra meditation is also a great way to get to know yourself better, boosting self-knowledge and finding out what you’re really all about.
Anytime you can take part in a basic practice that doesn’t require anything in the way of equipment or added expense that has a positive effect on your mental health, it’s at least worth looking into. You may find that your life changes in ways you never thought possible.
The Chicago Mind Solutions Difference
Chicago Mind Solutions works with individuals, offering neuropsychological testing and non-invasive treatment for many mental health conditions. For more information about our treatments and teletherapy options, please contact us at (224) 723-5050 or email info@chicagomindsolutions.com.
