Mantras

Ahhhh! Somebody stop me! I have had SO much fun! I've had an idea for blog posts for quite some time: I want to share my mantras. Or, at least I want to share what I think a mantra is. See, I really didn't know for sure what a mantra is. I had only heard the word used in conversation, and had figured it out in context. So, I went on the Internet and I've been reading about mantras for the last few weeks. I have learned a lot and it's been really interesting and fun for me. I've listened to chants of mantras and read many articles on how to develop business and personal mantras. I've read lists and list of people's mantras. It has been so enlightening and interesting. I want to just keep reading, but I think it's time to write this post or I'm going to end up with a book! Here's a smidgen of what I've learned:

A mantra is a tool or instrument for transformation. From what I can gather it started in the Hindu religion. It's a repeated word or phrase used during meditation which is believed to have the power for change. One article I read said it shouldn't be more than three or four words long (but believe me, I've seen many exceptions to that rule!)

In Hindu meditation, the mantra is repeated over and over and over again, instigating change. "Om . . . " is a common and frequently adopted mantra. You can't get any smaller or more simple than that. It becomes a relaxation, deep breathing exercise. Try it. Just say/sing ohmmmmmm on a single note and hold the "m" as long as you can. Then say it or sing it again. I took a voice class once that showed us "Om" computerized (as well as other sounds.) "Om" makes a perfect circle with concentric circles around it when computerized. It is believed that "Om" is the center of the universe. Chanting it taps into the center of the universe. I just can't help but notice that if you put an "h" on "Om" you get what I believe is the center of the universe: HOME. Anyway, have I lost you? Stay with me. This is fascinating stuff!

In business, the effect of a mantra is supposed to be the same: Get the phrase into employee's heads, get them weighing every business decision and interaction by the mantra. Get them repeating it over and over and over in their heads, so it's so ingrained that mantra-based decisions are just natural.

My interest in the word, though, is in developing personal mantras. I guess I shouldn't use that word in the plural. A mantra is supposed to be singular- one powerful word or phrase that has the power for change. But, I have and have had many "mantras" in my life. And since this is my blog and my post, I guess I can make the rules. I want to share my mantras with you . . .over a period of time . . . . kind of like "my favorite things" posts. And, I would very much like you to share your mantras with me. What phrase do you repeat over and over and over that motivates action and change in you? You don't have to answer right now. Think about it. To get you started, here's some from individuals and businesses you might recognize:

President Spencer W. Kimball: Do it

Walt Disney: Dream big

William Faulkner: Kill your darlings. (I guess if this was my mantra, this post would not exist- but it isn't; so it does.)

Federal Express: Peace of mind

Ralph Waldo Emerson: The world belongs to the energetic

Albert Einstein: Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character

Abraham Lincoln: Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds out to be

John Shaw Billings (started what became the National Library of Medicine): Only begin.

Steve Jobs: Real artists ship.

Kurt Vonnegut: I was sick, but I'm better now, and there's work to be done. (This one might be my favorite on the list)

Thomas Edison: There's always a better way; find it.

Anne Mollegen Smith: Done is better than perfect.

Some guy whose article I read: Look for the Second Right Answer

See? Aren't mantras amazing? There's so much food for thought- and this is just a sampling of the buffet I've been enjoying. Like I said, I've really had fun- a veritable word feast! So, look for my mantras on here from time to time. I'm formulating my list and my thoughts. And again, when you feel so inclined, please share yours with me. And, maybe someday, I may write that book with everyone's mantras included. Wouldn't that be fun? "OOOHMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!"