OK, let’s admit it: There is a lot happening in the world right now that is hard to process. If you’re feeling stressed and overwhelmed, you are certainly not alone.
While there are many ways to combat feelings of anxiety or high stress, one of the most common is practicing yoga. In a typical practice, the instructor tends to share a mantra, which is a repetitive sound or phrase used to penetrate the depths of the unconscious mind and adjust the vibration of all aspects of your being, according to Yoga Journal. Most often, these mantras are verbalized in Sanskrit, but many instructors also choose to use the English translation at the beginning and end of a practice to better relay their message to participating yogis.
We decided to reach out to a few local yogis and find out which mantras are bringing them and their students peace right now. From short phrases of advice to longer statements of healing, hopefully these 10 mantras will resonate with you during this trying time, and bring you a moment of peace.
Samskara Yoga & Healing
“Observe the magic in every moment.” -Chelsea D. Snyder
“To calm the mind, sit quietly and breathe while saying, ‘I am breathing in, I am breathing out.'” -Jerome Schlafer
Vint Hill Yoga
“A deep understanding of yoga isn’t demonstrated via pose prowess—it’s more accurately measured by the steadiness and openness exhibited when confronted by change or difference.”
“We’ve been constantly encouraging,and working to practice these three things: Empathy. Patience. Willingness to listen. The marriage of all three encourages us to be our best selves—ones who sincerely care about others’ feelings and emotions during this challenging time of a worldwide health crisis and civil/social unrest. Reminding ourselves that we don’t have the answers, our experiences are not the same as someone else’s and that there is always room to learn from our students and the community.”
–Kathleen Ward and Shino Brown
Shakti Aerial Yoga
“Unto the universe be peace, unto the sky and the earth be peace, peace be unto the water, unto the herbs and trees be peace, unto all the gods be peace, unto Brahma and unto all be peace. And may we realize that peace. Om … peace, peace, peace.”
“We are one, the entire earth is one family.”
–Neelam Kataria
PIES Fitness and Yoga Studio
“Be compassionate toward yourself and all beings around you.”
“Trust that everything will work out exactly as it should.”
“Be grateful for our interconnectedness: It fuels our compassion for all beings.”
“Do not let anything or anyone disturb your peace.”
–Masha Banks-Harold
For more health and wellness, subscribe to our weekly Health newsletter.
