4 Mantras for Increased Self Love

 

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserves your love and affection.” Buddha.

Isn’t it strange how normal it is to be our own worst critics? It’s not uncommon for there to be a sense within us of “unworthiness” or “not good enough”. But, how often are we actually taking the time to unravel that lie and tap into our innate divinity? 

Usually, in childhood – we make mistakes, “fall short”, or don’t get validated in the way we need at the time; we end up interpreting those moments into limiting beliefs about ourselves. Then we live our whole lives like those things are true. Not only that, but we continue to experience situations that reinforce those beliefs or self talk throughout our lives. 

No more! I’ll say it again, “You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe deserves your love and affection.”-Buddha

There’s tons of ways to practice self love and to begin understanding self forgiveness and self compassion. Mantras are a super powerful way to increase your self love and a beautiful practice to incorporate into your life. 

What Are Mantras And Why Do They Work

Mantras are syllables, words, phrases or longer chants that may or may not have specific meanings, but are recited for the energy and transformative power of their sound vibrations. The word mantra is derived from two Sanskrit words—manas (mind) and tra (tool). Mantra literally means “a tool for the mind,” and was designed to help practitioners access a higher power and their true natures. It’s said that over time the repetition of a mantra practice will seep into the subconscious mind, further instilling the vibration of that mantra. Mantras can be repeated aloud through chanting, whispered, or internally repeated.

Linking Breath To Mantras

The breath is a life giving force. It’s current moves energy around the body and the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide expels waste. When we join our breath with the calming repetition of mantra recitation, we are able to deepen our meditative state. It helps quiet the fluctuations of thoughts in our mind, allowing us to tap into our higher consciousness. Steadying the breath to a comfortable flow of inhales and exhales helps to quiet the background chatter that often leaves us feeling a bit discontent. Linking the breath to the repeated mantra creates space between you and your thoughts. It gives access to who you really are in this present moment. It empowers you to focus the mind on a single phrase without being inundated with the inner self critic.

Supercharge Your Mantras

Use a beautiful set of Mala beads to practice your mantra 108 times whenever you sit. 108 is the holy number, the one that’s said to be sacred and auspicious. To use the mala, you turn each bead in between your middle finger and thumb and repeat your mantra once on each bead. When you reach the guru bead, pause, and take that as an opportunity to honor yourself for taking the time to meditate. Don’t worry if your mind wanders; when you catch yourself straying, simply bring your focus back to your mantra and mala. 

 

4 Mantras for Increased Self Love

-Ong Namo Guru Dev Namo: I bow to the Creative Wisdom. I bow to the Divine Teacher Within.

Ong means subtle divine wisdom or infinite energy; all-that-is. Namo means “I reverently bow/greet/salute”. Guru means teacher– giver of wisdom.

Affirmation: I acknowledge and honor myself, my wisdom, and my inner knowing.

-Aham brahmasmi: I am wholeness.

The literal meaning of Aham Brahmasmi means “I am Brahman”. Aham means “I”, that cannot be deserted or abandoned since it is constant, unavoidable, ever present. Brahman means ever-full or whole. Asmi means “am”.

Affirmation: I am whole and complete. I have everything I need within me. I lack nothing. 

-Aieem namah: My true nature is love and joy.

Aieem represents the divine essence of universal wisdom that operates throughout all consciousness. Namah speaks about unveiling the true essence and dissolves illusions and limiting consciousness.

Affirmation: I am love. I am joy. That is who I am. 

-Om Bhavam Namah: I am pure potentiality.

Bhavam roughly translates as “truth” or “knowledge of reality,” while namah refers to one’s ability to surrender the ego-mind to the universal, and open an individual sense of self to receive a higher awareness of All That Is.

Affirmation: I am absolute existence. I am a field of all possibilities.

 

Remember, this is your practice; do what feels good to you!

Let us know which mantras are your favorite!