“The mind is like tofu. It tastes like whatever you marinate it in.”
― Sylvia Boorstein
Weekly Focus: Japa (meditative repetition of a mantra)
Japa literally meaning “muttering.”
A japa can be seen as a meditation technique or even as a sort of prayer. This practice can help us to stay focused on the task at hand while meditating, keeping the mind from wandering astray. This creates a metaphor for the repetition of good practices in our daily lives. Japa reminds us that repetition and practice are essential to forming our best efforts. We come back to repetition in so many ways — it is the backbone of practice and ritual, the grounding support that keeps us steady. The act of repeating can help us solidify the fragments of who we wish to be.
All Classes: Mantra Meditation (silent or aloud)
The word mantra can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport or vehicle. Mantra is often a word or sound that is repeated, to aid in our concentration during meditation. While mantras are traditionally spoken in Sanskrit, creating sound vibrations that we may connect with to mindfully focus our thoughts and emotions, a mantra can also be spoken in English as well, either silently or aloud. You can utilize any sound, word or phrase that you feel a connection to, to help you find more intention and to manifest whatever you are looking for. Perhaps a mantra helps you to lessen your anxiety before a big presentation; it may help you find rest when you have trouble sleeping; it may give you confidence when you feel low; or it may encourage gratitude in your everyday life.
Here are a few mantras to try at home:
- “I am grateful.”
- “I am grounded.”
- “My mind is calm.”
- “Love surrounds me.”
- “My body is free of tension.”
- “I deserve happiness.”
- “I am good enough.”