In order to answer the ‘why’, many people will first have to answer the ‘what’. And then it is up to everyone to do something with a mantra (or not). It is very personal and must be applied as such. The idea that it is a hype because we try to seek out the spiritual in life is now outdated. Human evolution continues and so does his/her spirituality.

What is a mantra?

Mantra is Sanskrit and means sacred word or syllable. You usually say a mantra internally to yourself and sometimes it is sung out loud. It can be applied by regularly repeating the sentence and the words to yourself and thereby achieving certain results or mentally strengthening the result to be achieved.

Why a mantra?

By saying a mantra you open the heart and become more receptive to both physical and mental aspects. But popularly it is explained as if it is your inner wise voice and it gives you more strength to what you want to do (or not), want to achieve, etc., and it also has a positive effect on negative thoughts. Everyone has their own way of doing it and some people use a mantra every now and then, without being aware of it.

How to create and apply a mantra?

• Describe a few points that you are currently dissatisfied with and select the two or three points that you would most like to do something about.
• Make them sentences that start with ‘I am…’ and describe in the sentences the opposite of what you are dissatisfied with. Where you never talk about a denial. Example if you don’t feel safe. You don’t say ‘I am not safe’ but say ‘I am always safe’.
• Put the two to three points together and make a nice sentence out of it.
• When the sentence goes well, write or type it on one or more cards and place or hang it in places where you are regularly reminded of it.
• In addition to reading it when you see such a card hanging or lying, you can also say it at that moment. If necessary, repeat it a few times (let it become automatic).
• Apply it for as long as you feel good about it. If necessary, change the texts if you see reason to do so.

Hocus pocus?

If you experience it as hocus pocus, you are logically not ready for it and/or spirituality is still too far removed from you. Not participating in it yourself is one thing, but downplaying it when someone else does benefit from it is something else. Valuing everyone’s worth always applies, but certainly also when something intangible such as spirituality plays a role.

Finally

Every person is in a different phase during life and you cannot judge for the other person whether spirituality is appropriate or offers added value at that moment. Respecting others is one thing and if you think you should allow spirituality into your life, listen to your body and mind. It says a lot and can be a nice start.