A Simple Mantra Practice for More Peace, Love & Joy

Hey friends. In my (UN)Spiritual Direction work with clients I often suggest small simple practices that create shifts in the direction of our energy flow that result in an expanded sense of presence and allow us to flow with Life from a more connected and peaceful place of trust and compassion. In our quest for deeper meaning and fulfillment, certain daily practices not only nourish the soul but also regulate our nervous system, promoting overall well-being.

And let me be frank. I NEED these practices or life and responsibilities and kids and Costco all collide at once and drag me into lower states of awareness that limit my ability to be in full presence.

Here is one profound practice: meditating on love each day and using the mantra "thank you" to cultivate gratitude for the little things. I think you'll find this simple practice as a quick and direct pathway to infusing each day with a deeper sense of connection, meaning and joy.

Set aside a few moments each morning to sit quietly and meditate on the essence of love. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and allow yourself to connect with the boundless loving presence within you. Feel it coursing through your veins, warming your heart, and filling you with a sense of peace and contentment. As you breathe in, envision yourself inhaling love; as you exhale, imagine spreading that love out into the world. Sit with this just long enough to feel your body relax and you mind rest as this love and within this love.

When we meditate on love, we engage in a powerful practice that has been scientifically shown to regulate our nervous system. Studies have demonstrated that focusing on feelings of love and compassion activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the part responsible for relaxation and restoration. This activation can help reduce stress levels, lower blood pressure, and promote a sense of calm and inner peace.

Not only that, expressing gratitude through the simple act of saying "thank you" has been linked to increased activity in the brain's reward pathways, releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. This neurochemical cascade not only enhances our mood and outlook on life but also contributes to a greater sense of well-being and resilience in the face of adversity.

Throughout the day, use the mantra "thank you" as a constant reminder to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in your life, no matter how small. Whether it's a smile from a stranger, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, or a warm cup of tea in the morning, take a moment to pause and say "thank you" for and TO the little things that bring joy and beauty into your life. "Thank you trees, thank you blue sky, thank you body..."

By incorporating these practices into our daily lives, we can create a powerful ripple effect that extends far beyond ourselves. As we regulate our nervous systems and cultivate a deeper sense of love and gratitude, we not only enhance our own well-being but also contribute to a more compassionate and harmonious world, transforming even the most mundane moments into opportunities for growth and connection.

So I invite you to explore this practice with open hearts and open minds, knowing that each moment of meditation and gratitude brings us one step closer to a life filled with meaning, purpose, and connection.