Mantras for Wellbeing (Part One)
My mantras keep me going. Especially my favourite one ‘All shall be well’ which lifted me when we were packing with Covid for the move to Brecon.
Unpacking the boxes in my office, I found two small books entitled ‘Help’ which contain all the mantras and wise words, I have used over the years. They made me smile.
As we now have disruption in our new home with the builders (who are wonderful) hacking down walls and creating dust storms, which I have to admit does disturb my equilibrium somewhat – these mantras are going to be very useful in next few weeks.
So, I thought I would share some of them with you in this week’s blog – as I’m sure you’ll find one or two that have meaning for you to help maintain your wellbeing.
This is a prayer I use when I feel lost and scared, adapted from Anne Lamott’s excellent book: ‘Help, Thanks, Wow’-
“Dear Somebody/Anybody
I don’t know what I’m doing. I can’t see where I’m going. I’m getting more lost, afraid and clenched. I’m scared I’m going to push my self-destruct button. Please help. I could use a hand.”
‘Don’t judge me by my successes. Judge me by how many times I fall down and get back up again.’ (Nelson Mandela)
‘I am not responsible for managing other people’s feelings.’
‘There is always a Plan B. If it all goes wrong, we can always be shepherds.’ (Susan Jeffers)
‘It’s the awareness of how you are stuck that makes you recover.’ (Fritz Perls)
‘Every time I feel myself being pulled into other people’s stuff/madness, repeat these words: “Not my circus. Not my monkeys.” (Polish proverb)
My level of wellbeing depends on:
- My ability to adapt to what life throws at me
- Having some routine, structure and discipline in my life.
- Playing the ‘What if this all worked out’ game
- Having enough rest and ‘me’ time
- Continuous small treats to look forward to
‘I made a mistake. And that’s OK. I am not perfect.’
STOPP.
Literally stop.
Take a breath in and out several times.
Observe what’s happening. What am I reacting to. What am I thinking.
Perspective- pull back to see the bigger picture. Is this fact or opinion?
What advice would I give to someone else in this situation?
Practise what works. What’s the best thing I can do for me?
What would be the most helpful – for me, for my values, for others?
‘How important will this be in six months time?’
‘If my compassion does not include myself, it is incomplete.’ (Jack Kornfield)
There – a whole bunch of mantras and wise sayings for you. I got a bit carried away as I found so many good ones. So I’ve decided to spread them over two weeks, otherwise there are just too many for you to take in.
I do feel so much better having written these down. Like a mind tonic. I hope there is something amongst this lot to aid your own wellbeing.
Author of ‘Wearing Red- One Woman’s Journey to Sanity.’
Available from www.amazon.co.uk and www.browndogbooks.uk