By Ally | Mantra

Mar 14

Welcome and Namaste 🙂

Today we are exploring the skill of concentration (vitakka or dharana - the ability to CHOOSE what you want to pay attention to). We've explored this concept before and we practice the skill of concentration every time we sit down to meditate. 

Today we will explore this skill through the practice of Mantra. In westernized societies the word “mantra” is becoming more and more popularized. 

The word mantra can be broken down into two parts: “man,” which means mind, and “tra,” which means transport or vehicle. In other words, a mantra is an instrument of the mind—a powerful sound or vibration that you can use to enter a deep state of meditation.

One of my favourite translations of mantra is "mind-protection" 

A mantra can be thought of as a seed that you are planting in your consciousness or for energizing an intention. Much in the same way you plant a flower seed, you plant mantras in the fertile soil of a meditation practice. You nurture them and over time and the become more and more powerful and present in your energy, your life and your experiences. 

Choosing a Sanskrit mantra can be extremely powerful because the language is ancient and vibrational in nature. So the sound vibrations themselves are infused with the meaning/quality of what they represent. A younger language such as English can work as well but will not be infused with any "vibrational quality" in terms of the actual sounds but may still hold a powerful meaning for you. 

Today I will encourage you to choose your own mantra. Here are some options: 

So - Hum    |    I Am All That Is

Ahem Prema    |    I Am Love 

Sat Chit Ananda  |   To Be Alive, To Be Conscious, To Be Light/Bliss?To Be One

I Trust, I Flow

I Change My Thoughts, I Change My World 

I hope that you find today's exploration helpful in your meditation journey.

Please let me know in the comments below how this practice made you feel.

I'd love to know what Mantra you chose today? 

How did it make you FEEL? Scroll down to join in with your reflection in the comments section! 

Would you like to join the challenge? Sign Up Below!

Would you like to join my next Online Journey of the Self? 

Check out my next Online Community Experience this Spring Equinox.

Share about your experience in the challenge on instagram! #meditatewithally

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About the Author

Ally Boothroyd is a yoga educator and meditation teacher with a passion for yoga nidra and the healing power of conscious rest. She is the founder of Sarovara Yoga, a yoga space and women's retreat centre in Ontario, Canada. A sanctuary on the water where she fosters local community and supports health, personal growth, emotional resiliency, authenticity, awareness, and awakening. Ally also leads Retreats and Yoga Teacher Trainings in Nosara, Costa Rica

  • Donna says:

    Good morning Alley, I chose the mantra Sat chit ananda, I think it best represents what I feel.
    I have to say I am enjoying these meditation sessions so much, I find the time flies, they almost end too soon.
    Thank you!

    • Ally says:

      Yes!!! I know what you mean. I wanted to keep them on the beginner-friendly side of things, and accessible for people who don’t have a whole hour each day, but I could easily sit and meditate for an hour! 🙂

  • Lisa says:

    I change my thoughts. I change my world. I completely believe this. Thank you for this meditation challenge!

  • Tara Lee says:

    Mmmm lovely! I trust; I flow. I had
    clarity in today’s Practice and focus. I chose my mantra as sense and support to my present circumstances. I felt a wall of support, security and peace. With thanks for your insightfulness, Ally 🙏 namaste

  • Jennifer says:

    I found this meditation very grounding and peaceful. I felt expansive and have a broader perspective which is helpful given all the smaller focus on the pressing news.

    • Ally says:

      Thank you for this reflection, Jennifer. Yes, meditation is an especially important practice for our individual and collective wellbeing at a time like this. For sure. Thank you for practicing with me. Xo

  • Wendy says:

    I chose I am Love and found it very soothing although my mind wandered a bit. Thanks for another wonderful meditation Ally.
    Namaste.

  • Joanne says:

    Thank you Ally for another beautiful meditation practice.I chose ; I change my thoughts I change my world ,this mantra seem to resonate with me today and I felt the ability to concentrate by repeating it over and over with the use of my breath.Our thoughts are so powerful and so important to find clarity . I am truly grateful for these morning sessions of meditation ,Thank you
    Namaste

  • Paula says:

    Thank you Ally
    As with both Equanimity meditations ( which I apologize for not posting after) I felt warmth, peacefulness and turned inward. My mantra was Sat Chit Ananda. I truly felt blissful 🥰🙏

    • Ally says:

      That’s wonderful Paula, I love that mantra. I find it very powerful. It was one of the first mantras that I fully felt the effects of in a very profound way!!!

  • Melissa says:

    I enjoyed this mantra meditation. At first I was concerned abo it picking the right mantra but the last one you said just ring true to me today so that’s what I went with. I change my thoughts, I change my world. I love this and it’s so true. The time went by quickly today and I was able to maintain focus.

  • Susie says:

    Thanks Ally, tonight I chose I trust; I flow as my mantra. Was a good fit with all that’s happening in the world. Your meditations have been such a bright light over the last 7 days! Xo

  • Stella says:

    I haven’t written in the comments for a couple of days but I have kept up with the meditations. They are helping me to feel calm and grounded during these strange times. I chose so hum – my mind was flitting about and worrying about the next few weeks /days/ months/the health and welfare of loved ones and people around me but now I am settled and I am ready for the day. Life will continue and Spring will still arrive. Positives can come out of any situation with the right mindset

  • Donna says:

    I chose I change my thoughts I change my world. This really resonated with me because of how I have already been able to put this into daily practise to reduce stress. I was able to focus on this and felt a lot of gratitude throughout the meditation. Thank you for this meditation!

  • Elizabeth says:

    I enjoyed today’s meditation very much; and needed it during this time of unknown in our society. Thank you

  • Stephanie says:

    I just have say..I LOVE mantra meditation. I’ve been using the mantra Sat Chit Ananda for the last year. This has stuck with me most of all, I find when I use anything else I fall back into this one without even realizing it! At times during this meditation I felt like a container..completely empty. I’m not sure how else to describe it, it didn’t feel wrong to be “empty” it actually felt very peaceful. I will welcome that feeling back anytime!

  • Reanna says:

    Thank you for this meditation Ally 🙂 I chose the mantra ‘I trust, I flow’, and I really loved it. I loved the feeling it created in me. That being said, I did have some trouble staying focused on it today haha, but still a lovely meditation. Thanks again!

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