Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.
The Buddha, Dhammapada v1
As a woman thinks within herself, so is she.
As a man thinks within himself, so is he.
Christian and Jewish scripture, book of Proverbs
Words born of the mind are not true.
True words are not born of the mind.
Tao de Ching, v81
The great wisdom traditions teach the impact our thoughts have on our lives. Christian and Jewish scriptures say in Proverbs, “As a woman thinks within herself, so is she. As a man thinks within himself, so is he.” The Buddhist Dhammapada says, “Our life is shaped by our mind; we become what we think.” There is a Hindu teaching that the mind is a good servant and a bad master.
Yet I had a hard time finding the instruction manual on how to implement this important bit of wisdom. Then I learned about the practice of mantra. A mantra is a word or short phrase that calls God in, that reminds us God is always with us. We repeat it silently within ourselves as often as possible – washing the dishes, waiting in line, walking, whenever. More is better.
If you notice you feel upset, use the mantra. If you notice you feel distracted, use the mantra. If you feel especially agitated, take a brisk walk with the mantra – this works every time to allow thoughts to settle. I’ve walked many miles with my mantra.
To meet a challenge well and with kindness, our thoughts must settle.
Also turn to your mantra when things in your life are going well. This is a time of deepening – to turn to God within you at times when you are at peace, happy, content.
The best way to pick your mantra is to try a few on to see how they fit. When you find one that fits, you will know. Stick with that one. One of the secrets of working with your mantra is that it stays with you, and you stay with it. A deepening occurs over time. Most likely the mantra that will fit is from your religious heritage. I tried using Gandhi’s mantra, “Rama, Rama, Rama,” from Hinduism, which is the aspect of God that is the joy within. No matter how much I wanted that one to work, it didn’t. My heritage (and practice) is Christianity so the Bible provided my mantra, “Be still and know I am God” from Psalm 46. Here are a few mantras from people I work with:
Lord Jesus Christ, son of God. (Used by a 65- year old former Catholic who is still a Christian.)
Lord have mercy, be here now. (Modern version of the Jesus prayer used by 38-year old Christian.)
Om. (Known as the original sound of the universe – think Amen. Used by person in their fifties who is no longer aligned with their birth religion but very much a seeker.)
Neuroscience teaches that we carve neural pathways in our brains with habitual thought patterns. Like a well-worn footpath where many have trod. It’s easiest to follow the footpath, and it’s easiest to use the well-carved ruts in our brain. But what if you want to go somewhere new, somewhere better? My own well-worn neural path was one of fear. I reached a point where I wanted something better. My mantra was (and is) a big help.
We have the power to change. All it takes is will and courage (of which you have plenty.) Curiosity helps, too. Using a mantra carves new brain-paths, allowing the old paths to grow over. Over time it works deep into your consciousness and becomes part of your life rhythm. This allows you to live from a deeper place, a place that is already within you.
The mantra is a little bit of magic, creating peace, calm and inner composure from seemingly out of nowhere. Give it a go – find your magic word.
I wish you peace.
God keeps in perfect peace all who trust in Him, all whose thoughts are fixed on Him.
Isaiah 26:3
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