Exploring Mantras

In this week's blog, I’ll be exploring mantras and the benefit of mantras both on and off the mat.

With spiritual practices like yoga and meditation becoming more popular, it seems like everyone is talking about mantras. But what’s a mantra??

WHAT ARE MANTRAS?

A mantra is a word, sound, or phrase repeated to aid in your concentration. They are a living force that are believed to have high spiritual and creative power.

Mantras can also be used as an affirmation and to help keep you connected to a particular state of mind. When using a mantra, it's believed that only the positive intentions and actions will fill your mind and negativity will be eliminated.

WHY ARE MANTRAS IMPORTANT?

Mantras can be a great way to help keep you focused and connected to a particular state of mind. You can choose a mantra based on how you're feeling or what you are needing in life. Whether you're looking for positivity, health, happiness, self love, or if you simply want to find balance, finding a mantra and sticking with it can help you cultivate that in your life.

HOW DO THEY HELP?

In a vinyasa flow yoga class, mantras can be used as a silent repetition to help keep the mind focused and present.

Off the mat, when you have difficulty focusing, your mind keeps wandering, or you’re in a stressful or uncomfortable position, a mantra can help you feel grounded and at ease.

Studies have shown that mantras can reduce stress levels and change your brain's chemistry.  They interrupt your negative thoughts and experiences and give you something more positive to focus on instead.

Mantras help you maintain a connection to the state you wish to cultivate. Choosing a mantra in the morning can help set the tone for the rest of your day.

At the beginning of most yoga classes, the teacher will share a theme or invite you to create an intention or pick a mantra to use and help support you throughout your practice.

SOME POPULAR MANTRAS:

Endurance/Strength- "This too shall pass."

Love- "I am love."

Manifesting Love- “I am attracting all the love I dream and desire.”

Calmer mind- "Smile, breathe, and go slowly."

Being present- "Be here, now."

Allowing the universe to guide you- "I am open to receiving universal gifts."

Creating happiness- "Today I choose joy."

Release- "Close your eyes, clear your heart, let it go."

Empowerment- "I am capable of wonderful things."

Building Self-Confidence- “Today you are perfect.”

Strength and Willpower- “Forward progress, just keep moving.”

Enduring Tough Times- “you are the sky, everything else is the weather.”

Neutralizing Body Image- “I am strong. I am beautiful. I am enough.”

Radiating Gratitude- “I am grateful for all the things unfolding in my life & all that is yet to come.”

Starting the Day- “I am fullfilled, I am fearless.”

Ending the Day- “Less is more.”

MY FAVORITE: “It’s a great day to be alive.”

17 Reasons to Do Yoga in 2017

Yoga is an ancient practice with origins stretching back thousands of years in India. It was designed as a way to help the yogi achieve a more positive outlook on life and a focused, more permanent sense of serenity and peace. Nowadays we also use yoga as a way to help build strength and increase our flexibility. If you think yoga might not be for you, I urge you to reconsider.

I have practiced yoga for a long time now and could not be more grateful that I was introduced to the practice when I was because of all the amazing benefits it has given me. In fact, I love it and believe in it so much that I’ve decided to open my own studio.  

Yoga’s benefits are available to everyone (really everyone)! You may need to find the style or teacher that suits you and your situation, but once you do, yoga has the capacity to change your life for the better. I swear!!!

Below are some of the many reasons why I think everyone should do yoga.

17 Reasons why you should start doing yoga in 2017!

1. People of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities can do yoga and adapt it to suit their individual needs.

2. You can still do it when you’re nearly 100 years old.

3. It’s a great workout. You can adapt the practice to your own speed and ability.

4. It helps you become more in touch and aware within your body.

5. It can help your breathing. A big part of yoga is the breathing exercises, or  pranayama. As someone with asthma, it really helped me to breathe consciously.

6. It can improve your posture and help you walk a little taller, especially if you're hunched over at a computer all day.

7. It improves mental health. Yoga is a great way to clear your mind, and alleviate stress.

8. It’ll help improve your sleep. Yoga is an effective treatment because it addresses insomnia’s physical and psychological aspects.

9. Sculpt muscles. Yoga uses the weight of your own body to build muscle mass and strength.

10. It’s great for injury prevention. Flexible, well-stretched muscles will heal and recover more quickly after working out or getting strained.

11. Yoga is a judgement free zone. Check your ego at the door and get on your mat. Do your best that day and know that our practice may look different everyday and that's ok.

12. It helps calm your mind. Yoga helps you to slow down and breathe. This leads to greater concentration as you work your way through each pose and creates a calmness that lasts the rest of the day.  

13. Yoga allows you to become more present in the moment. Put down your smartphone for 60-75 minutes and get on the mat. Let go of your day and settle in, it’s time to take care of you!

14. It’ll push your limits. There are many types of yoga classes, some gentler than others, but when you find the class that matches your abilities (and pushes them), you’ll amp up your cardio and build whole-body lean muscle mass. Find a class with Power, Vinyasa, or Flow in the title, and you can skip the gym that day.

15. The more you practice yoga, the better you become at accepting whatever life throws your way. Yoga can help you stay present and positive, even through the hard times.

16. Yoga helps you to make better choices. Becoming healthier and experiencing all the benefits of yoga will make you more aware and able to choose things in life that support a positive journey.

17. Yoga makes you feel better. It’s just that simple. It’s why so many people get hooked on yoga. You will always feel better after a yoga class.

Enough reasons for you to try it out?!?!