GRD Health and Healing

Stressed Out? Try a Mantra

A mantra is a word or phrase that is used to impart a state of well-being and happiness in a person. The word translates as mind (man) projection (tra) and is akin to the idea that what you think about is what you become.

The use of mantras originated in India centuries ago and is now used by people throughout the world. A recent study indicates that using mantras can prove beneficial in helping people handle a wide range of conditions, and is particularly helpful in reducing stress and anxiety.¹

Researchers studied 66 people who participated in a five-week program, during which the subjects chose a mantra and learned how to use it to manage stress. Participants chose their own mantra, and then were taught how to repeat it silently during the day or evening to interrupt unwanted thoughts or create a state of relaxation. Approximately three months after the program ended, 83 per cent of veterans and hospital staff told researchers from the US Department of Veterans Affairs that they found the technique which involves silently and continuously repeating calming words or phrases throughout the day - useful on a number of occasions. These included better handling of traffic and work-related stress, less insomnia, and less unwanted thoughts.

Can what you think, your beliefs and attitudes, affect your health and happiness? After working with thousands of people both as a doctor and a Yoga instructor over the last 30 years I've realized that:

Your beliefs and attitudes can and do materialize in your body, based upon what you think about all day long and how optimistic or pessimistic you are.

Here’s a mantra to try. Every time your mind wants to take control and tell you how sick, depressed, and fragmented your life is, repeat to yourself over and over:

Healthy Am I, Happy Am I, Holy Am I

Remember that no two things can occupy the same space at the same time. Similarly, in your mind, no two thoughts can occupy the same space at once. So when your negative mind tells you you're awful, down, depressed, or going to catch a cold, displace the negative thought with the positive mantra (affirmation) above.

Other mantras you can try are as simple as: peace, love, happiness or One.

¹Bormann JE, Oman D, Kemppainen JK, et al. Mantram repetition for stress management in veterans and employees: a critical incident study. Journal of Advanced Nursing March 2006;53(5):502-512.

Want more information? Join me for a beginner's meditation course March 29, 2006 (see below).

Healthy Travels
Prepare Now for Your Spring Break
March 15, 2006
Either: 12:30 - 1:30 or 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Only $10

Whether you're driving, flying or sailing to your next vacation, you'll benefit from these easy but critical travel tips. Learn the SPECIAL approach to healthy travel: Symptoms, Physics, Exercise, Chemistry, Injuries, Antidotes and Laughter.

Dr. Gurusahay Khalsa will share with you tricks and tips from the worlds of nutrition, chiropractic and acupuncture on how to prevent or recover quickly if the travel gremlins attack.

These classes will fill quickly; call 770-551-0155 to register today.

Click here to see more classes on Astrology, Yoga and Meditation

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Meditations Your Mother Never Taught You
Meditation for Beginners
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Either: 12:30 - 2:00 or 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. Only $25

Astrology Taught by Mukta
Saturday April 1 from 9:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Click here for more details