Creating mantras for particularly tough life circumstances can greatly help you to navigate those challenging situations.
Mantras can be a form of positive self talk, and research shows us that positive self talk is a successful way to coach yourself forward in positive, productive ways.
So before events of any kind, you can think about your goals for the event, and then find or create a mantra to guide yourself throughout the event.
For example, if you've invited all the people you love to celebrate a significant event with you, your mantra might be something like, "With simple words and gestures, I want everyone to know how grateful I am that they are celebrating this event with me."
A common mantra I have heard often throughout my life is By the grace of God go I which means I am fortunate to have the life I have. It is a recognition of the gift that life is.
As a teacher, I often had to use the mantra, "I am not superhuman, all I can do is my best," when met with situations that required what seemed like superhuman energy, capacity, and ability.
Some people use simple one word mantras such as love, goodness, peace, happiness to focus their energy and thoughts in a situation.
Today as we remember a dear family member at a memorial service, I want to use a mantra to focus my energy and attention on this significant gathering. I want my mantra to reflect my desire to honor the young man's good life, bring comfort to his loved ones, and contribute to the closeness and care within and amongst the family members who will be there.
Mantras can serve to direct us in positive ways. It is a good strategy that supports our will to live good lives.