Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu

Mantra makes me happy. I may not have the best chanting voice, but simply grumbling out of tune makes my heart sing. It simply puts a smile on my face. I stop caring about what I sound like or if I pronounced the sanskrit words perfectly and I just settle into the mantra. It makes my heart sing. The first chant I ever learned was Om Namah Shivaya. The chant itself has no direct translation, but when chanted over and over it is said it clears obstacles from your path.  Chanting or reciting a mantra can give us access to our creative spirit and bring harmony to our minds and bodies, creating wellness and vitality. At the very least, it lifts your spirits. Seems like a no brainer to chant away.

Lately I have been drawn to a new chant. I find myself reciting it during the oddest times: sifting through my wedding guest list, deciding on Save the Dates, analyzing over the next t-shirt design.  Lightbulb moment – these aren’t odd times, they’re times when I am feeling stressed and sometimes annoyingly un-yogic and even a little bridezilla. Hey, I live my yoga, but I’m also HUMAN!

The mantra I’ve been reciting, Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu.

Unlike Om Namah Shivaya, this mantra has a direct translation:  May all beings everywhere be happy and free, and may the thoughts, words, and actions of my own life, contribute in some way, to the happiness and freedom for all.

It’s the perfect chant for a stressing bridezilla. Even if you’re not in the middle of starting a new business and planning a wedding. It’s the perfect chant for a stressing human.  This chant really gets to the root of my own yogic philosophy – living in the moment, not sweating the small stuff, act with peace, get through life with a smile on my face and a little humor. All of that is summed up in Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu. No wonder I have been drawn to it in times of stress.  I love that my go to nourishment for stress is now a chant. 10 years ago it was a shot of bourbon and a pack of Camel Lights.

Thanks yoga!