Finding the best mantra for meditation can be as tricky as choosing the perfect mala.

Much like finding the perfect stones, your mantra should reflect what you need most at that time. Maybe it’s more strength, a sense of calm, or even just the desire to relax into the present moment.

A mantra is a word or phrase that you would repeat while meditating that helps you stay focused. To start, concentrate on what you are asking from the universe and what you’d like your intentions to be.

The mantra you choose should be focused on helping you to reach your goals for the future, but it is also important that it leave you feeling peaceful and fulfilled right now. Motherhood is a whirlwind, and meditation is such a valuable tool to help you stay calm and present in even the roughest moments.

Choosing one word to focus on is a great place to start if you are new to mantra meditation. The continuous repetition helps you to fall into your meditation with ease, and let go of all the background thoughts in your head. You can choose to just repeat the word itself, or to give it a bit more power, add the words I AM before your chosen word. Silently say “I am” with each inhale, and your chosen word on each exhale. Let the words soak into every cell in your body.

Many mantras contain the “Om” sound. Om is said to be the sound of all creation, and is a wonderful way to settle into your body. Take a deep breath, let your belly relax completely and exhale the “Aaaauuuuummmmm”. You should feel the sound reverberating from your pelvic floor upward through the crown of the head, filling the body with pulsating energy that simultaneously empowers and radiates tranquility.

Sat Nam (I Am Truth)

So Hum (I Am That, represents the interconnectedness of all living things)

Om Sat Chit Ananda (Sanskrit for Bliss)

The Gayatri Mantra is one of the most revered and ancient mantras today. While it is a little longer, it is a very cathartic mantra. It encourages us to be lead by the universe, as it is most divine. (Follow the link to a chant on youtube.)

 Om bhur buvah svah

Tat savitur varemyam

Bhargo devasya dhimahi

Dhiyo yonah prachodyat

Malas are made up of 108 +1 beads since it is said that our bodies contain 108 major physical and subtle energy channels that reach the heart chakra. By meditating with your mala beads and chanting or listening to  a mantra 108 times the energy from the mantra permeates both the physical and energetic body. The 109th bead, also called the ‘guru’ bead, signifies the beginning and end of your meditation practice. The larger guru bead holds the intention of your mala. End the meditation at the guru bead by giving thanks to the teachers that have helped you along your path, and setting or reaffirming your intentions.

If your day starts to get off track, hold onto your Mama Mala to soak up its peaceful energy and remember your intentions.