Hello Lesley. This is one of my favorite essays that you have written. Full of hope, strength and inspiration.
I have a story about meditation. After some difficult years in college, I decided to join a group that practiced Transcendental Meditation. I was just beginning the experience when I was given my mantra and I believe that I misheard it. I was too shy to ask the young man to repeat it. So I’ve been using the mantra that I thought I heard for decades!
I do love the idea of stopping and repeating short mantras during the day. How helpful. Thanks Lesley.
You remind me of ME. I would have probably done the same. My husband's was OM when he tried TM - so boring and meaningless to me. Glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks.
I have been meditating for years. I took a class in centering prayer when my kids were little. When they were teenagers I started taking a series of in depth workshops. It lowers blood pressure and helps me tremendously. I find the app Insight Timer is my go to.
I love this post! I did the transcendental meditation also, but it didn't click with me either. I have the free app Calm, which is maybe 10 minutes. But I love your idea of just doing short mantras throughout the day. Just to be centered. Ticht Nacht Han, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk had a place in France, Plum Village. The people that went there or were a part of it had to stop every 15 minutes to bring themselves back into that moment. There was a documentary on Plum Village. Thank you for reminding me and I need to do this, especially with the turmoil in the world.
Strangely synchronistic post in so many ways and I really enjoyed reading today.
Jon Batiste is an incredible human - when he used to speak briefly on Stephen Colbert during the pandemic, whatever he said was profound and hugely comforting. I also follow his wife Suleika here https://theisolationjournals.substack.com and she writes so well about difficult topics and she herself has had ongoing health crises for years. She too is amazing and inspiring.
But back to mantras! I am always intrigued by the ancient mystics and refreshed my interest in Julian of Norwich ( 1343 - 1416) during Covid times since she herself had lived through the Black Death and other terrible challenges. Her 'mantra' was simply: And all shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. Sounds a bit trite and Pollyannish till you try it, as I did, during a particularly turbulent flight. It's like stripping away all of our everyday concerns - big and small - and accepting them, as the Buddhists instruct.
Not easy of course but that's why they call it a practise. Thanks Lesley.
Synchronicity is one of life's most rewarding and magical mysteries. I did see American Symphony. How brave they were/are. They are an amazing couple that gives us so much to admire and think about. My mother taught me the "all shall be well" mantra long ago. I have used it in times of stress, but less lately. As for Pollyanna, I saw that movie at such an impressionable age that it left me with a lifelong, everlasting positive outlook.
Yes, mantras work for me because they limit thoughts to a focus. Chanting of mantras, singing along with recorded mantras both will reduce the chaotic mind like a life raft in a moving river.
For me, the Buddhist or Hindu mantras take me another step deeper, removing visuals from my mind too. The repetative sound begins to softens the throat and face.
For me I must surrender to that vibration and magic occurs.
What a great post this is Lesley. Thank you, thank you all for chiming in.♥️
For many years I've used "think you can, think you can't...either way you're right" by Henry Ford. It has helped me focus my mind in a positive direction in whatever life circumstances I'm facing. It reminds me that at some point in time I'll look back and I'll want to see myself in a positive light. That being said, I love the "Be" meditation and will be giving that a try!! Another artist that finds meditation difficult!
Aparigraha, meaning abundance or fulfillment……..or Om mani padme hum….these are mine. I’ve been teaching yoga as a spiritual practice for 25 years and find mantras to be incredibly powerful. Listening to Krishna Das and Deva Premal sets my heart free!
I tried Om mani padme hum for a year or so, but it never worked its magic for me. There was a disconnect somewhere. Or maybe I just wasn't ready. Your yoga practice and teaching is much admired.
Wow, Lesley! This really got me! I’ll admit I get overwhelmed and don’t always fully absorb your newsletter. This one will live in my mind and heart forever.
I was thinking back to the first time I heard this Heavenly message broken down into smaller and smaller bits, until it was simply "Be".....and after probably 40 years it has not ever failed to bring me back to Balance. It's just perfection. really. Meditation for me is most meaningful when I'm walking, or some sort of movement in lieu of trying to sit still ( artist...lol ) and now, more than ever, it is so vital to each of us to find the roads to Peace however they show up! Onward!
Lesley, you have explained the “mantra” in a way I am able to understand for the first time. My mind has always been buzzing so fast that the mantra was so hard to hold. As I have tried, my mind would remind me of feeding the calves or turning the horses out! There was no time for sitting, much less a mantra or a time for me! You’ve given me the idea that my time has come to try some meditation once again! Thank you!
Hello Lesley. This is one of my favorite essays that you have written. Full of hope, strength and inspiration.
I have a story about meditation. After some difficult years in college, I decided to join a group that practiced Transcendental Meditation. I was just beginning the experience when I was given my mantra and I believe that I misheard it. I was too shy to ask the young man to repeat it. So I’ve been using the mantra that I thought I heard for decades!
I do love the idea of stopping and repeating short mantras during the day. How helpful. Thanks Lesley.
You remind me of ME. I would have probably done the same. My husband's was OM when he tried TM - so boring and meaningless to me. Glad you enjoyed this one. Thanks.
OM…the classic mantra!
Thanks Lesley.
I have been meditating for years. I took a class in centering prayer when my kids were little. When they were teenagers I started taking a series of in depth workshops. It lowers blood pressure and helps me tremendously. I find the app Insight Timer is my go to.
I’ve tried insight timer too. Maybe one day I can become a daily practitioner. God knows I’d love to but just can’t slow down lol.
I love this post! I did the transcendental meditation also, but it didn't click with me either. I have the free app Calm, which is maybe 10 minutes. But I love your idea of just doing short mantras throughout the day. Just to be centered. Ticht Nacht Han, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk had a place in France, Plum Village. The people that went there or were a part of it had to stop every 15 minutes to bring themselves back into that moment. There was a documentary on Plum Village. Thank you for reminding me and I need to do this, especially with the turmoil in the world.
Thanks for the insight and suggestions, Michele. See you soon!
Strangely synchronistic post in so many ways and I really enjoyed reading today.
Jon Batiste is an incredible human - when he used to speak briefly on Stephen Colbert during the pandemic, whatever he said was profound and hugely comforting. I also follow his wife Suleika here https://theisolationjournals.substack.com and she writes so well about difficult topics and she herself has had ongoing health crises for years. She too is amazing and inspiring.
But back to mantras! I am always intrigued by the ancient mystics and refreshed my interest in Julian of Norwich ( 1343 - 1416) during Covid times since she herself had lived through the Black Death and other terrible challenges. Her 'mantra' was simply: And all shall be well, and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well. Sounds a bit trite and Pollyannish till you try it, as I did, during a particularly turbulent flight. It's like stripping away all of our everyday concerns - big and small - and accepting them, as the Buddhists instruct.
Not easy of course but that's why they call it a practise. Thanks Lesley.
Synchronicity is one of life's most rewarding and magical mysteries. I did see American Symphony. How brave they were/are. They are an amazing couple that gives us so much to admire and think about. My mother taught me the "all shall be well" mantra long ago. I have used it in times of stress, but less lately. As for Pollyanna, I saw that movie at such an impressionable age that it left me with a lifelong, everlasting positive outlook.
Yes, mantras work for me because they limit thoughts to a focus. Chanting of mantras, singing along with recorded mantras both will reduce the chaotic mind like a life raft in a moving river.
For me, the Buddhist or Hindu mantras take me another step deeper, removing visuals from my mind too. The repetative sound begins to softens the throat and face.
For me I must surrender to that vibration and magic occurs.
What a great post this is Lesley. Thank you, thank you all for chiming in.♥️
How wonderful that you not only use mantras, but that there is chanting and vibration involved. Something for me to think about. Thank you.
For many years I've used "think you can, think you can't...either way you're right" by Henry Ford. It has helped me focus my mind in a positive direction in whatever life circumstances I'm facing. It reminds me that at some point in time I'll look back and I'll want to see myself in a positive light. That being said, I love the "Be" meditation and will be giving that a try!! Another artist that finds meditation difficult!
Always see yourself in a positive light. Be still and know that I can...
Aparigraha, meaning abundance or fulfillment……..or Om mani padme hum….these are mine. I’ve been teaching yoga as a spiritual practice for 25 years and find mantras to be incredibly powerful. Listening to Krishna Das and Deva Premal sets my heart free!
I tried Om mani padme hum for a year or so, but it never worked its magic for me. There was a disconnect somewhere. Or maybe I just wasn't ready. Your yoga practice and teaching is much admired.
Wow, Lesley! This really got me! I’ll admit I get overwhelmed and don’t always fully absorb your newsletter. This one will live in my mind and heart forever.
Hi Judi. I'm so glad this one was fully absorbed. :-)
The light of God surrounds me. The love of God enfolds me, the presence of God watches over me. The power of God protects me.
Lovely mantra, Nancy.
Thank you Lesley. This is so meaningful and helpful and doable!
I find it difficult even at 73 to sit still, calm and quiet my mind. This will help I’m sure.
Loved the video with Jon B . He explains it well too.
Thanks, Annie. Happy to hear it is helpful for you.
I was thinking back to the first time I heard this Heavenly message broken down into smaller and smaller bits, until it was simply "Be".....and after probably 40 years it has not ever failed to bring me back to Balance. It's just perfection. really. Meditation for me is most meaningful when I'm walking, or some sort of movement in lieu of trying to sit still ( artist...lol ) and now, more than ever, it is so vital to each of us to find the roads to Peace however they show up! Onward!
How fortunate that you've had this in your pocket and it has worked for you for so long. Thanks for sharing.
Lesley, you have explained the “mantra” in a way I am able to understand for the first time. My mind has always been buzzing so fast that the mantra was so hard to hold. As I have tried, my mind would remind me of feeding the calves or turning the horses out! There was no time for sitting, much less a mantra or a time for me! You’ve given me the idea that my time has come to try some meditation once again! Thank you!
Happy to hear it is as helpful for you as it is for me. Be.
I needed this! Thank you.
So glad it came at the right time.