"From this practice (of using Om), Awareness turns inward and all obstacles are overcome," Yoga Sutras, verse 1:29
I am a stay-at-home mother. And while I made a conscious decision to devote my time to my babies, it is not without its challenges. For me, it is most rewarding but, anytime you get into a routine, whether it be at work or at home, it is easy for your daily activities to become monotonous and even draining. I have also had to adjust to caring for both of my babies simultaneously, which often times, can raise my stress levels. It is very important for me to be present with my children; to feel alive, and joyful with them. In the midst of diaper changes, spit-up, bath times, breast-feedings, playtime, cooking, soothing cries, and every other motherly duty (not to mention just staying awake), it can become difficult to stay grounded in who you are as a mother. I know sometimes I feel like I am just a milk dispenser! In an effort to continue on the path of enlightenement, I decided to create "mommy mantras" that would help me to stay balanced and remind me of my purpose.
A mantra is a sound, word, or phrase that is considered capable of "creating transformation" (thank you, Wikipedia). Actually, Om or "AUM" is considered the most chanted mantra, particularly in yoga traditions. Om has been called the "sound of the universe" and by chanting it, practitioners believe that they are tapping into the divine energy that is the universe, and therefore, a higher level of consciousness. It is also a chant that restores peace, balance, and overall oneness. I figured if I applied these same principles, by creating my own "mommy mantra", I could transform the moment and my experiences all together.
One of the mantras I use most often is "do everything with love." This is a daily reminder to me that love is omnipresent and it exists in what I percieve to be the hard times or in undesirable tasks. It also helps me to put love into action. By saying these words, I can instantly shift my perception and feel at ease in a moment of difficulty or stress. Instead of approaching a task in a negative space, I can come from a place a love, and make the experience more enjoyable.
So, for me, doing something like cooking has shifted from something I have to do or dread, to an activity I love to engage in. I was never much of a cook, but, it is a mission of mine now to make it a pleasurable experience. When you love to do something you want to give it your very best. Now, I am constantly learning about the nutrients in foods, how to prepare it, and I am always trying delicious new recipes. And we all know that food tastes better when it is prepared with love. Many things that I used to "just do," have become moments for creativity, purpose, and fun. The best thing is that my babies can feel the difference too.Tapping into a place of love, makes me feel better, and it greatly influences my relationship with them.
Now, this isn't to say that this is an easy feat. There are many moments where my mantras go out of the window! And it is okay to be honest with where you are in the moment too. But, having the mantras provides a reference point that I can always go back to and realign myself with (even when I take a detour first). I am aware of how everything changes once I come from that place of love and I am aware of how things are when I don't. This is something that does take constant effort and focus. With discipline and conviction, I know that using tools like these can evolve from mere practice to a state of being.
There are many ways to utilize your mantra. You can say it to yourself, write it somewhere that you visit often, or meditate/pray on it. I also share them with my babies. The more ways you use them, the quicker they will be integrated into your daily life.
This mantra works for me but, the objective is to find that sound, word, or phrase that shifts something inside of you and realigns you with the greater good. Personalize it to meet your specific needs or goals. Reflect on areas of your life that may be stressful and think about how you can transform those aspects into more peaceful times. And then, make the committment to use it daily. The only criteria I would suggest is to make it something that is simple to remember and make sure that it is affirming/positive.
If you already have a mantra or once you create one, I'd love to hear from you. Tell me your mantra and how it helps to transform the moment for you! You can share openly in the comment section or email me at divinemother128@gmail.com.
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