A Personal Mantra
Choosing Your Sacred Phrase
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Welcome
Hello and welcome to Creativity for Caregivers. I’m glad you’re here.
The Brothers are learning how to play together. Even though they are about three years apart in physical age, their emotional ages are much closer together. This means they are both exploring similar developmental boundaries right now. I’m learning how to allow them the space for brotherly play and negotiations so they can learn this important social skill. But at the same time I have to make sure that no one gets hurt from all the wrestling. Afterwards, we’re all exhausted and I get my snuggles.
Check-In
It’s time for our check-in. Checking-in is a way of saying hello to the group, letting your voice be heard, and sharing how you are feeling. I’ll also leave my check-in as a comment at the end of this post.
How are you doing?
Let me know in the comments.
Even if you just want to raise your hand and say, “I’m here.” That’s okay, too. Do what feels best. Feel free to look back at the Wheel of Emotions post, if that’s helpful.
Creative Self-Care = Personal Mantra
Today’s creative self-care activity is to make our own “Personal Mantra” sketch.
Here’s a little about what a mantra is from Gaia.
According to Merriam-Webster, a mantra is “a word or phrase that is repeated often or that expresses someone’s basic beliefs.” It originally comes from two Sanskrit words: “man,” meaning mind; and “tra,” meaning vehicle or instrument – a tool to transport the mind from a state of activity to one of stillness and silence.
It’s okay to have several different phrases to use at different times, or to cycle through different ones as needed in your life. I have a collection of mantra phrases I use to help center my thinking depending on the circumstances. These are 10 great examples from this article, “10 Daily Mantras for Self-Love.”
Let’s use this black & white blank version of the outline of a person with a speech bubble. Grab a few colored pencils, your watercolors, some markers, highlighters…whatever you have within easy reach. Or use your phone / tablet’s “mark up” to digitally color.
Choose one short phrase and write it in the speech bubble. Something you can easily memorize and practice reciting this week in times of stress.
Draw yourself inside the person outline. Show yourself being calm and relaxed as you say the mantra.
Visualize yourself and your mantra together. Practice saying your mantra in the mirror a few times. Keep this drawing with you to help you get started.
How Was It?
What words / phrase did you choose for your personal mantra? How did this creative self-care activity make you feel? Let me know in the comments.
Lupita Artwork
This is the artwork I made from today’s activity:
Lupita recites her personal mantra in times of stress. It helps her to remember that there will be ups and downs in life, and especially as a caregiver. The words re-center her attention to a chosen emotion - that of acknowledging the hard work she does and also how much love she has in her life. Hands full. Heart full.
What I’m Reading & Watching
This is an important video by Andrew Solomon about his experience with depression.
“The Secret of Healing” Meditation by Deepak Chopra (Hay House). Lovely to listen to if you have some time to rest and close your eyes during the day. Also great in the background as you do household tasks like laundry (my favorite time to listen to this.)
This article in Vogue about a Japanese artist’s flower garden at a museum in Tulum, Mexico. (Sent to me by my hermana, Daniela. ) Such a peaceful feeling.
Photo: Vogue
Thank you for being here!
See you next time. And remember…
Checking in this week feeling hopeful for Springtime. Lots of flowers coming up around me and that brings me joy.