New Month, New Mantra, New Affirmations
If you're like me or like my grandfather, you have selective hearing and selective memory. I can hear you muttering under your breath, but I won't hear the instructions you gave me on how to bake a cherry pie. I remember all of the lyrics to the intro of Gulluh Gullah Island. Still, I am trying to remember what I had for breakfast on Tuesday.
So, if you're like me, trying to introduce yourself to the woo woo shit and trying to remember all of the terms and words and types of crystals: Don't worry, me too.
Let's start with the difference between an affirmation and a mantra. I've heard them interchangeably, but let's discuss the key differences.
Mantras
In Sanskrit, mantra means "the thought that liberates and protects." The key difference from an affirmation is the usage. Mantras are often used as chants, spoken aloud, or thought during meditation. They "aim to liberate your mind from thought and facilitate inner peace." Mantras protect from hostile forces.
Affirmations
The waters can get muddied here, but affirmations are more flexible. While both mantras and affirmations aim to keep a positive mind, affirmations change with the situation. Affirmations are meant to be repeated aloud to manifest positivity. When you wake up feeling less than favorable, an affirmation is intended for this occasion. Preferably, an "I am" statement is the structure of an affirmation.
The differences seem minuscule but are essential to the intentions you put out there. There are mantras for each day and mantras for specific occasions. There are affirmations for when you're feeling low and affirmations for when you're faced with a difficult decision. Mantras have deep roots in Hindu and Buddhist traditions. However, they're now used more broadly in various spiritual and wellness practices. In essence, mantras are timeless, spiritual phrases used in meditation. At the same time, affirmations are personalized, situation-specific statements used to boost positivity in daily life.
I've taken mantras from wellness advocates that I say each morning or each month. I also say affirmations before walking into work and feeling particularly anxious or when I wake up during my menstrual cycle and the world is the worst, and everything around me is the worst.
Monthly Mantras - In the Morning at the start of the month, meditate on these words
This month, I accept the things that are meant for me.
I am grateful for the blessings I am given in this month.
I know that when I fall, I will rise. I know that I have loved ones by my side when I falter.
These phrases at the top of the month - and even at the top of the year - allow me to meditate on my intentions for the month and set a precedent for how I will face each obstacle that may come my way.
Morning Mantras - In the morning, before all else, Meditate on these words
This moment is for me to set the standard for the day
There is no allowance for others into my space without my permission
This day is new and beautiful and full of all of the potential
Everything I need is already within me
More frequently than the monthly mantra, I take time each morning to center myself and adequately prepare for the day. This sets the tone for the rest of the day.
Daily Affirmations - Said or thought while preparing coffee or brushing my teeth in the morning
I am beautiful, inside and out
Not every negative thought is true for me
I am here for a reason
I create a safe and loving space for those around me
The affirmations align with my mantras. They're meant to support the foundations, steering me back on my course when the mood threatens to take me down.
When creating or reading from a mantra or reciting affirmations, to each's own. The intention is vital. Your words are stones dug into this earth that are meant to last. There are guided meditations, and you can find an endless stream of affirmations on any social media site, but their purpose is unique to you. How peace looks and feels to you is cultivated in these words and your intentions. When you hear, "Don't speak that negativity into existence," it's because our words hold weight in ourselves and each other. Speak with kindness to yourself. I encourage you to experiment with both mantras and affirmations. Find what resonates with you and make them a part of your daily routine. Remember, the power lies in your intention and consistency.
Resources
https://www.integrativenutrition.com/blog/2016/08/mantras-vs-affirmations-what-s-the-difference
https://www.ubuntubali.com/yoga-bali-lifestyle-blog/mantras-vs-affirmations#:~:text=Affirmations%20and%20mantras%20are%20both,are%20best%20suited%20for%20meditation.
