The Hopi believe that when the Sun God Tawa and the Earth Goddess Spider Woman joined their voices in song, the Universe was created. C.S. Lewis’s Great Lion, Aslan, sang the whole Narnia into being. The Old Testament book of Genesis says God simply spoke and everything sprang to life.
The words you speak and think are powerful keys to achieving the life you want. Tune into the chatter in your brain. Do you hear “You’re hopelessly fat. You’re too lazy to workout. No workout will work for you. Only the celebrities are truly slim. You are born fat and you will die fat, why try?” Ouch! This seemingly endless negative chatter clutters your mind and keeps you feeling defeated. Fit yourself with armor to defeat this internal foe. The armor is your Mantra.
Mantra Music: the soundtrack of your life
There’s an orchestra in your mind and you are the conductor. So if someone were to plug stereo speakers into your mind, what soundtrack would be heard? Is it doleful like when the Ryan O’Neal walked away to mourn the death of his wife in the movie Love Story? Is it full of imminent terror like the soundtrack of Jaws? Is your music ominous like The X-Files theme? Terminally tragic like when Tom Hanks lost his volleyball friend Wilson in Castaway?
It’s time to change tracks. Just as easy as pressing a few buttons on your jukebox you’ll love the celebrative music of Life is Beautiful. You’ll feel festive with Le Festin from Pixar's Rattatouille on your iPod. Or you might like Esthero’s Everyday is a Holiday. Or Billie Holiday’s Our Love is Here to Stay, for that matter! Change the soundtrack and it’s a whole different movie. Change the music in your mind and step—dance—into a whole new life.
Mantra Magic: your powerful ally
“Om-mani-padme-hum…” chant the Buddhists, but there’s more to mantras than just an eastern spiritual practice. A mantra can be a lullaby or a call to action. What would you say or sing to a child you love? Are you an expert in expressing kindness towards others but miserly with expressing kindness toward yourself? A mantra is a lullaby you say or sing to yourself.
As you fill your mind with “I can do it! I am getting stronger everyday!” and believe it, your body responds accordingly. You are then able to meet the fitness goals you make for yourself. Fifteen laps at the pool, a 30-minute walk after lunch, 3 sets of 15 reps at the Chest Press Machine.
Arnold Schwarzenegger started working out at the age of 15. In four years, he won Mr. Europe and went on to compete in and win many bodybuilding contests, including Mr. Universe. "I knew I was going to be a bodybuilder. It wasn't simply that either. I would be the best bodybuilder in the world, the greatest, the best-built man." He had tremendous belief in himself and refused to give in or waver from his goals. Schwarzenegger’s award-winning form is the result of focused training and a focused mind.
Make your own mantra
Here’s how. Say or write a positive statement describing your desired goal and express strong belief in it. Something like, “I am in perfect health!” Or “ I am burning fat, getting toned and losing weight every day.” This is your affirmation. At this point, that nasty soundtrack might pipe in, too. “You’re lazy! You binge on chocolate cake! How is that healthy? You’re too old for this fitness stuff,” the voice might say. Silence it.
Write your affirmation at least 10 times in a row. Write down the snide remarks that your mind blurts out, too. Turn your attention on these nasties. It’s time to disarm them. Notice that each nasty can be turned around into a positive statement. Write these down, too.
“I am in perfect health! I feel great when I work out.”
“I am in perfect health! I make healthy food choices.”
“I am in perfect health! I feel younger and vibrant!”
Use your customized mantra repeatedly, either written, spoken or sung to a tune. Remember, you are the conductor of the orchestra of your life. Your audience—your life and what lies ahead of you—is watching, expectantly. Do it with flourish!
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