Personal Mantra for Mental Strength

In this economy at this time in history, people can still be strong against powers of despair and negativity that can creep in. We know about physical strength and it's benefits. What about mental strength? Many have found that a mantra, repeated when stressed, can strengthen the mind immensely.

When we are very young, we run through the fields, at the park, in the cul-de-sac and never tire physically. Well, it seems like never anyway. As we get older and past out high school and college years, we find our bodies tend to wear out faster. We can eat better and exercise to improve our bodies and the statistics of gym memberships show that a large number of people work out to try and make this happen. But rarely do we give the same attention to mental strength. We get mentally "fat" when we don't take control of our thoughts and emotions. A simple, self-made mantra such as "this too shall pass" or something more unique can truly build mental strength and shield us from what I call "bad energy" that comes our way.

Albert Ellis, some of you may remember him from your Psych 101 textbooks, came up with the REBT cognitive theory. This was basically that all people hold beliefs about given situations and therefore their beliefs influence their emotional and physical reactions to those events. For example, if someone believes that correction from a boss usually equals being fired soon, that person will have a lot lof anxiety upon being corrected. A different belief would be that correction can be helpful and even lead to a promotion. Creating a mantra could help this person.

A mantra is not something a snake charmer repeats before a cobra. Instead, it is a group of words intended to transform negative energy into postive productive energy. To use a mantra, simply accept everything that happens by reciting it over and over. It can produce calm and thereby increase mental strength throughout the day. Here's one way to make a mantra: Sit down with a yellow pad and pencil and start writing down the simple things that cause you anxiety and stress in the day. Then use creativity to look on the bright side of each one. Come up with a few short phrases you can recite throughout the day and pick the one you like best. Finally, write in on a small card and keep it in your pocket or purse for easy access when the difficult moments strike.

Times are tough and many people are worried about all sorts of things. We can be mentally strong through the use of a personal mantra. Imagine of yourself in a room, empowered with mental strength , sharing that strength with others. This can be you, whatever your situation. You can be free to experience whatever comes your way. This can all be true simply because in your pocket you have a mantra that works!