Self-love is second to none. Yoga is big on self-love for one important reason: you cannot love others until you love yourself. The ego often asks why should we love ourselves? All too often, we have little self-compassion for our fears, vulnerabilities and negative aspects. However, these are all part of being human. When we come into the world, we are innocent and afraid of nothing. It’s the negative experiences of life that create our vulnerabilities and fears.
Thankfully, we can use mantra meditation to see these fears for what they are and cultivate self-love. We are then able to live from our soul and place of truth, full of unconditional love for ourself and the world around us. Only then can we truly love others, seeing them as spiritual beings in a physical body.
So, how do we cultivate self-love? One of the best ways is through mantra meditation. Mantras are short phrases spoken aloud during meditation. Mantras focussed on self-love are one of the best ways to create lasting self-love in our heart and mind. Over time, we’ll realise we’re loveable, beautiful and enough just as we are.
To build self-love, put on your yoga bra and use mantra meditation. Practising for just a few minutes each day will show results, so don’t let your busy schedule hold you back. Not only will you realise you’re worthy of self-love, but you’ll see the same thing in everybody you meet. In this article, we explore 3 mantras to build your self-love.
Why Do Mantras Work?
Mantras are best described as sounds, words or phrases to heal the mind. When you repeat a mantra, you transform your state of awareness. During mantra meditation, you quiet the mind and make space for the mantra to embed itself within your consciousness. The more you practice it, the more the thought will grow.
3 Mantras to Build Your Self-Love
No two people on earth are the same. As we all live our own life story, every one of us is unique. Your being is a collection of unique thoughts and talents, and no one else is exactly like you. This means you have something to offer that no one else has. When you understand and accept this, you can appreciate the beauty in yourself and others and start to cultivate self-love. Below, we explore 3 mantras to help build your self-love.
1. Aham Brahmasmi – “I am Wholeness.”
The first mantra is Aham Brahmasmi, which repeats the phrase “I am wholeness”. You are whole just as you are, you don’t need to change or add anything to yourself. Cultivate self-love by repeating this mantra for a few minutes every day.
Over time, you’ll reach a state of inner knowing and self-love, and appreciate your body and soul for what is it. As you repeat the mantra, allow each word to guide you into a greater state of awareness. With time and practice, you’ll understand how whole you really are.
2. Aieem Namah – “My True Nature is Love and Joy.”
The second mantra is Aieem Namah, which repeats the phrase “my true nature is love and joy”. This mantra opens your mind to the true essence of your soul. You are the source of all love, joy and strength. Repeat this mantra as you sit in meditation and allow it to sink in.
As you meditate, repeat the mantra aloud or in your mind. You can repeat the phrase in either Sanskrit or English – whichever feels right in the moment. If some days you prefer English and others you prefer Sanskrit, that’s fine. Listen to your heart and mind and let your soul guide the practice.
3. Aham Prema – “I am Love.”
The third mantra is Aham Prema, which repeats the phrase “I am love”. As humans, we are on this planet to experience every aspect of love. To form a state of pure love, all we need is a shift in the way we see ourselves. Thankfully, this can be achieved through the Aham Prema mantra. By repeating the phrase “I am love”, you’ll change the way you see yourself and build self-love.
Unlock your generous, kind and open heart with this self-love mantra. Yogis believe that love is the only reality, and the truth found at the heart of creation. This mantra connects us with our true self and cultivates self-love. To connect with your soul on a deeper level, repeat this means in English or Sanskrit for a few minutes every day.
In Summary
So, there you have it – 3 mantras to build your self-love. For best results, practice each mantra for a few minutes each day. If possible, find a quiet space where you won’t be interrupted. This will allow you to get the most from your practice and connect with your soul on a deeper level.
To supercharge your mantras, pick up some yoga jewellery or mala beads. Beads are a traditional tool used to count the number of times a mantra is repeated, or the number of breaths while meditating. For best results, recite your mantra 108 times. 108 is the holy number, said to be auspicious and sacred. If your mind begins to wander, gently bring it back to the mantra and use the beads to stay on track. There is no right or wrong way to use mantra meditation. Your practice is unique to you. Stick to whatever fills you with a profound sense of compassion, peace and self-love.