Affirmations or Mantras: which to use and when

You’ve probably heard both terms used, especially if you are into personal or spiritual development. But what are affirmations and mantras? and how can you use them in your everyday.

First you need to know that they ARE NOT THE SAME THING.

WHAT ARE THEY?

• Affirmations are statements; normally positive in nature

• Mantras are sounds.

OKAY, that seems simple enough, right. Often times people use the word “mantra” when they actual mean an affirmation. They are also used in different ways.

HOW CAN YOU USE THEM?

• Affirmations normally start with “I AM” and can be written down or said out load. You can find or create affirmations to support anything you would like to focus on creating more positive thoughts or patterns around. From loving your body or building confidence to cultivating more gratitude or surrender. Whatever you choose to focus on; here are a few tips to follow: Do what feels right. If you don’t love your body, then saying I AM IN LOVE WITH MY BODY is not going to make you feel better. If you want to move towards loving your body and you don’t have a good relationship with it, then start small. Try something like “I APPRECIATE WHAT MY BODY DOES FOR ME” A few other things to remember are * keep it short * make it specific * stick with it. Start by picking one affirmation and saying it a few times during the day for a week.

• Mantras, being sounds are normally said out loud while doing meditations or kundalini yoga. The vibrations you make while saying the mantra, are said to help you change your vibration so that you are aligned with the universe. Traditional mantra meditation uses Sanskrit hymns and chants that have been practiced as part of Vedic tradition. (** according to britannica.com Vedism is the oldest stratum of religious activity in India for which there exist written materials **)

EXAMPLES OF EACH

• Affirmations
  • There are TONS of affirmations online. I like to start by searching Pinterest for ideas. You can then tailor them to what you are looking for.
    • I am creating the life of my dreams
    • I am grateful for all that I have
    • I am worthy of everything that I desire
• Mantras
  • Om (ohm): The simplest to repeat, yet a powerful acknowledgement of connection between all beings.
  • Lokah samastah sukhino bhavantu (lo-kah sah-mah-stah sue-kee-no bah-vain-to): Asking for peace and contentment for all living things.
  • Om namah shivaya (Ohm nah-mah she-vah-yah): an acknowledgement of the power, beauty, and unique perfection of another being.