Thoughts. Words. Actions. Intention.
Imagine if we could be so present that every word we spoke was like a prayer or a blessing to the ears of those receiving it. What would change in our relationships, our work, and our community?
The ancient yogis and medicine people of the East deeply understood the power of thoughts, words, and actions and how these are intertwined with the energy of intention. It starts with a seed… a thought—fueled by the desire or intention to create or attract something in our lives. This thought then turns into a word or phrase, and as we speak it, we send it into the world, vibrating out into the living energy that surrounds us. Like attracts like, so our intentions and words become a magnet for the energy we put out into the universe.
The Power of Intention as Energy
Intention isn’t just a fleeting thought; it’s a form of energy. When we focus on our intention, we align ourselves with the frequency of what we desire to manifest. For example, if you set an intention for peace in your life, coupled with mindful action, your thoughts, words, and actions soon align with the vibration of peace. The idea is that this vibration, like a tuning fork, attracts experiences, people, and circumstances that resonate with that same peaceful energy.
This isn’t just spiritual woo-woo; it’s supported by science. Lynne McTaggart’s Intention Experiment shows how groups focusing on specific outcomes have measurably altered those outcomes. The power of collective thought and focused intention has been shown to impact everything from human health to environmental change. It’s an intriguing glimpse into how our thoughts and words can ripple out far beyond ourselves, especially when repeated with intent.
Mantras: The Bridge Between Thought and Action
This is where mantras come into play. In Sanskrit, mantra means “to cross over the mind.” Mantras are short phrases or words, often repeated aloud or silently, designed to help us focus our minds and shift our energy. Think of them as mental bridges, carrying you from a state of mental distraction or imbalance to a place of clarity and calm.
We’ve all experienced intrusive thoughts that seem to loop endlessly, pulling us out of balance. Whether it’s stress, anxiety, or fear, these thoughts can become a mental trap. But with a mantra, we can break that loop. We can redirect our focus by softly speaking or mentally repeating a mantra. It’s not about pushing the thoughts away but rather crossing over them—moving beyond their control.
One of the beautiful aspects of using mantras is the energy they invoke. Each mantra holds a specific vibration or frequency. When spoken or thought with intention, it calls forth the energy associated with it. For example, the mantra “Om Shanti” invokes peace. As you repeat it, you align your mind, body, and energy with the vibration of peace.
It’s not necessary to pronounce the mantras perfectly at first. Like learning any new skill, it takes time and practice. But with continued repetition, you’ll refine your pronunciation, and the vibration will grow stronger. And remember, it’s the intention behind the words that matters most.
The Power of Prayer and Vibration
Mantras may be seen as a form of prayer. Most spiritual traditions use some form of mantra or prayerful chanting to deepen connection. Prayer is, after all, a focused intention sent out into the universe. The difference is that mantras are rooted in sound and vibration. When you chant or repeat a mantra, you’re not just thinking about what you want… you’re vibrating at that frequency. Sound is energy; when we vocalize a mantra, it resonates through our bodies and the space around us.
Many ancient cultures understood the power of sound. In yoga, using sound through mantra and chanting was a way to connect deeply with the divine, nature, and inner wisdom. The intention behind a mantra transforms the sound into a tool for shifting energy—whether it’s calming the mind, energizing the body, or invoking a specific quality like courage or compassion.
So, what mantra will you chant today? What prayer will you send into the world?
Starting Your Own Mantra Practice
Mantras are not only for seasoned meditators or yoga practitioners. They’re accessible to everyone. You don’t need to sit cross-legged in silence for hours to benefit from them. You can integrate a mantra into your daily life in small, practical ways. A powerful mantra is simply an I AM statement, affirming your right to exist in your authentic divine form. Couple I AM with the state of energy you desire to exist in and empower yourself through your day.
Morning Intention: Start your day with a mantra to set the tone. Try something simple like “I am calm,” “I am peace,” or a traditional Sanskrit mantra like “Om Shanti,” which means peace.
During Stressful Times: When you feel overwhelmed or anxious, pause and take a few deep breaths. Softly repeat the mantra in your mind to bring yourself back to center.
Before Sleep: Before bedtime, use a mantra to quiet the mind. Something like “I release the day” or “I am at peace” can help signal your body and mind to rest.
The key is consistency. Choose a mantra that resonates with you and repeat it daily. Over time, you’ll notice a shift in your thoughts, energy, and approach to life’s challenges.
As we go through life, thoughts turn into words, words into actions, and actions into our reality. When aligned with focused thoughts and words, the power of intention can profoundly shape our world. Mantras offer us a simple yet powerful tool to navigate the complexities of modern life. No matter your walk in life, these practices provide a way to bring calm, clarity, and intention to every moment.
What mantra, what prayer will you sing today?
By Erin Kuehl. Since 2012, Erin has been the driving force behind Evolve Yoga and Wellness Center, a holistic healing hub in the heart of Historic 4th Street that integrates Yoga and mindfulness into transformative classes designed to nurture physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
