What is a mantra?

A mantra is a powerful phrase, designed to make a positive impact on the way that you feel.

It can be a phrase created by you; a quote you have read or heard; a piece of advice someone has given you; or simply a word that has meaning and impact for you.

It is always phrased in a positive way, intended to encourage and point you towards being your best self – not to punish or criticise you for being your worst self. It can be a phrase that represents your ideals and values; or a short sentence to express purpose or belief; or an instruction or reminder to yourself.

Is it different to an affirmation? Well, an affirmation is a specific type of mantra which often begins with the phrase, 'I am'. It is a positive statement of fact, which you may not at first believe; but repeated daily, will help you to internalise the feeling. It helps you to act 'as if', until the words become your reality.

Every philosophy of positive thinking, manifesting, or the law of attraction, includes a belief in the absolute power of mantras and affirmations, to help overcome limiting beliefs and change your mindset. 

A mantra can bring motivation, strengthen resolve, give focus. Most powerfully, a mantra brings self-belief.

I genuinely believe that a memorable phrase - brought to mind on a busy or stressful day, or during tough times – is enough to re-focus our thoughts, change our mood, and even change our behaviour, in that moment.

Personally, I used mantras to get me through the London Marathon twice - 26 positive phrases, one for each mile - and I have 7 mantras that I aim to live my life by. And I am also a believer in choosing a mantra - a phrase - to help you with specific situations you find yourself in. 

Sanskrit mantras

For some, a mantra is more spiritual. A phrase, often in the original Sanskrit, to meditate with or to use as a chant, to clear the mind of distracting thoughts, or to hold an intention. Sometimes, given to you by a guru or meditation teacher, as something unique to you.

This is the original meaning of the word, mantra. But over time, ‘mantra’ now has a wider and more contemporary meaning, and a much wider application in life - as any phrase which makes a positive impact on how you feel. 

Mantra Jewellery

I created Mantra Jewellery to bring together the power of words, with the beauty of jewellery - as I believe that jewellery is the best way of carrying inspiring words with us.

Find out more about: choosing and using a mantra; how to create a mantra for happiness; how to create a power mantra; how to create a mantra for now; and how to create a mantra for life.

See our personalised 'my Mantra' collection, to have your own mantra engraved on a necklace.