The Power of Mantras, Cue Words, or Power Words

There have been many names for the concept of a mantra and mantras have shown up in many different settings for the benefit of those who engage in a mantra. Sport is a good example of one place where the mantra has been used under the name of cue words or self-talk.

To unravel and understand more about mantras, it helps to understand the origins of mantras. Om Swami, in Sanskrit, defines mantra as, “Mananāt trāyatē iti mantrah.” What does this mean? The sustained repetition of that which protects from the miseries that arise from bondage or the cycles of birth and death. As a potent source of well-being for all of creation, mantras and their sonic powers have origins from the primordial sound OM, the sound of creation. The seers or sages who dove into the mantras to soak in the wisdom ended up unearthing the science behind mantras. This is just the beginning of the history of mantras. There is so much more that could be said on this topic. To dive more in depth, the source of the above is below and goes into much more detail.

Today, mantras are not only used by yogic practitioners, but also by leaders, athletes, students, and many others for different purposes and with different intentions. Even teams come up with their own mantras that become part of the culture. A simple word, phrase, or sound that is repeated, mantras allow people to focus both mind and body on the present moment. They are meant to be easy to remember and apply and more than just words. When crafting and creating mantras or cue words, they need to mean something special to the person using the mantra. It is one thing to come up with the mantra, “Lead from the heart” but it is another thing altogether to take that mantra and truly experience and embody the mantra. What that means is that mantras or cue words also may require some testing, reflection, and even repetition to fully embody.

Another way to craft a good mantra is to have a story that goes with it so that the brain and body connect to it more deeply. Because there are emotions and sensate experiences that pair with it, the power of the mantra is greater. Think of it like this. What are the most powerful memories that people have? Those that have strong emotion or sensate experiences attached to them. Giving meaning and breathing life into a mantra can be a special experience. If someone is in a leadership position, for example, maybe that person experienced first hand what it was like to have a less than ideal leader and that gives the person drive to be a better leader. That connects drive and passion.

One key aspect that oftentimes is not discussed enough is that mantra really does need to be practiced daily so when it counts the brain goes right to the mantra doesn’t even have to think about it. When in stressful situations, like taking an exam, running a race, or negotiating a deal, chances are the brain and body are stressed, which can limit our ability to think and instead goes into more of a fight or flight response. If the mantra or cue words have been practiced, chances are they have become more automatic, which will make them easier to call up when needed. The best analogy is to think of a well-worn path in the woods versus a path that is not. It is easier to go down the well worn path. The brain’s neural connections are similar.

Now that mantras and cue words have been explored, time to create one. Give it a try!

take action today moment:

Craft your mantra. You can do this in a creative way through art, writing, or movement. You can also do some journaling or quiet reflection to see what emerges for you.

Be willing to let your mantra evolve as you practice the mantra in different situations.

To begin, try writing it on a sticky note or notes and put it in a place where you can see it so that it comes to mind easily. Practice daily!