Are you familiar with the term “mantra?” It’s derived from two Sanskrit words: manas (mind) and tra (tool). So a mantra is quite literally a tool for your mind. While some mantras are a single word or short phrase, others may be longer. It all really depends on what resonates with you.

One popular mantra you’ve probably heard if you’ve ever attended a yoga class is om (from the sacred Hindu syllable aum — it’s considered to be the sound of the creation of the universe). Sometimes just focusing on a simple sound, such as this one, will help unite your body and mind. But this certainly isn’t your only option!

Do you have a mantra you live by? Is there a phrase or question you say to yourself to start each day or remind yourself of when you’re feeling lost or stressed? If you have a mantra you swear by and love, that’s fantastic. Keep using it! But if you don’t yet have a mantra and are looking for one to connect with, perhaps you might like to try out mine?

One of my favorite mantras is, “If not that, then what?” I find this question particularly handy when I meditate, visualize and try to manifest expectations, goals or next moves. But what exactly does it mean?

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