By now if you’ve been following me, you’ve heard me use the terms mantra, affirmation, and intention. Words are more than a symbol we use to communicate. Words are coded with an energetic frequency. This frequency aligns with our energy and our subconscious mind. These codes affect our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual body. It seems like more today than ever, you’ll hear people reference their intention, their morning affirmation or the bija mantra. Each have their own meaning, but to someone beginning their spiritual practice they often get used interchangeable. In reality, they are all so very unique and each one is suited to a different need. Let’s learn more.
What is a mantra?
The word mantra is a Sanskrit word derived of two parts: ‘ma’ meaning ‘mind’ and ‘tra’ meaning ‘that which protects.’ A mantra is a sacred expression recited aloud or repeated internally while involved in a spiritual practice, like meditation. Mantras have the power to change frequencies in the body, creating a point of focus which moves negative attention and energy away from your chakras to create a sense of healing. It helps you to focus on your presence when you are involved in a spiritual practice.
For example, your root chakra needs realignment and you decide you want to focus on a mantra. The bija mantra for the root chakra is LAM. You settle into a quiet space, take a few deep breaths and you start to chant LAMmmmmmmmmm. The frequency of this mantra aligns with your root chakra.
Bija Mantras for the 7 Main Chakra
- Root Chakra LAM (Pronounced as lum in alum)
- Sacral Chakra VAM (vum as in thumb)
- Solar Plexus Chakra RAM (rum)
- Heart Chakra YAM (yum as in yummy)
- Throat Chakra HAM (hum as in humming)
- Third Eye Chakra U ( u as in uber)
- Crown Chakra Om (aum)
Affirmation vs. Intention
On a completely different note, an affirmation is a specific statement, a declaration, that helps you to overcome low vibe thoughts and helps you to visualize and create positive changes in your life. Think of an affirmation as motivational notes you stick to your bathroom mirror with phrases like, “you’ve got this” or “I am successful”.
It is similar, yet very different, from an “intention”. An intention is a powerful guiding idea as to how you want to live your life. For example, “I intend to see the goodness around me.” When you are setting intention, you are creating a new state of mind that will greatly impact your life. The power of intention setting is literally life changing and you are putting this great energy out into the universe.
When to use what?
All three of these terms can be used separately but they are well-suited to work together. For example, maybe your intention is something along the lines of “I intend to stop taking things personally and learn to love myself.” We all could use a little more self-love, right? Then you can set your daily affirmation as “I am whole and perfect the way I am”.
When to Use an Affirmation
You’ll want to say your affirmation first thing in the morning. Put it on a sticky note and put it on your bathroom mirror. Write it down in your planner or put it as the backdrop to your phone. The point is that you are going to want to repeat your affirmation all throughout your day. The more you say it, the more you will believe it and empower yourself.
When to use a Mantra
When you are meditating, you can now use a mantra to help keep you focused and really press upon the idea of your intention. “I am becoming.” is an excellent one to use in this case. Of course, incorporating a few healing crystals into your meditation routine, or even just your daily routine, isn’t a bad idea either. Rose quartz, amazonite, rhodonite, carnelian and amethyst are all good crystals to have on hand for self-love.
By using intentions, affirmations, and mantras, you start to encode your energy with these frequencies. By surrounding yourself with these daily reminders, you enhance your vibration and raise it high. Thought is a powerful energy healer. Align yourself with only the highest light and love.
For more information about Chakras – check out this blog. https://jennyshanks.com/chakras-and-crystals/