Creating your own personal mantras and affirmations can be a great way to stay positive during pregnancy. They can help you focus on the good things happening in your life, and keep you from getting overwhelmed during a unpredictable time. Affirmations are statements that you repeat to yourself, while mantras are chants or prayers - they're similar but slightly different, but both can be extremely positive if used correctly during pregnancy and labour. In this blog post, we will give some examples of mantras and affirmations for pregnancy, the benefits of using them, and talk bout how to create your own affirmation or mantra. There's no right or wrong when it comes to using these statements - they should be completely unique to you, and should help you find peace, calm and happiness in moments you need it most.
What is a mantra? Mantras are short, sacred phrases or chants that are repeated over and over again - they are generally written in sanskrit, but can also be found in many other languages. They can be used as prayers to be sent out to the universe or a higher power, or to focus the mind during meditation. Mantras have been used for centuries in many different cultures. The word “mantra” comes from the Sanskrit word “man” which means “to think” and “tra” which means “tool”. So a mantra is basically a tool for thinking or shaping your thoughts. There are many mantras to choose from - ranging from the simple "om" or "aum" which is the original sound of the universe, or more complex mantras like "Sa ta na ma" describing the endless cycle of death and rebirth. An experienced yoga teacher will be able to guide you through different manta chants and help you find one that resonates with you. Both soothing during pregnancy and focusing during labour, you can play with tone, volume, repetition and speed with mantras to see what feels good for you. What is an affirmation? An affirmation (or sankalpa) is a positive statement said in the present tense. It is designed to help create a positive mindset, and can be used to counterbalance other thoughts (usually negative) that try to take over. They can be particularly useful if you are feeling anxious or fearful. In our culture this is particularly prevalent for birth - we often don't trust in our bodies and the miraculous things they can do. Here are some examples of affirmations for pregnancy: "I am healthy and strong." "My baby is healthy and strong." "My belly and baby are the perfect size". "I will get to hold my beautiful baby soon". "My baby knows exactly when to arrive". "I am a capable mother." And labour: "Labour and delivery will go smoothly." "My body knows exactly what to do". "Every contraction brings me closer to my baby." "Thousands of women are labouring right along with me." "I trust in my body and it's ability to birth my baby safely." What are the benefits? The benefits of mantras and affirmations during pregnancy include:
Mantras and affirmations can be used at any time during pregnancy, but are especially useful during the third trimester when many women experience an increase in anxiety or stress. They can be repeated silently or out loud, depending on what feels best for you. You may also want to write them down and carry them with you, stick them on the mirror, or use a recording to help you stay focused. Creating your own affirmation or mantra is easy. Just find a phrase or sentence that feels true for you, and repeat it to yourself as often as possible whenever you feel like you need it. It can be helpful to write it down and carry it with you, or use a recording to help you stay focused. Our Active Birth course looks in more details at mantras and affirmations and can be a great place to start practicing using these tools. If you come up with something that really speaks to you, feel free to share it in the comments below! We would love to hear from you. :)
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